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A. O. Smith gas water heaters heat water by burning either natural gas or LP (liquid propane). All models have a thermostat/gas control to set the desired temperature. When a hot water fixture is opened, hot water flows out of the tank and through hot water lines in the home and the tank is refilled with cold water. The thermostat monitors the water temperature and initiates reheating when needed. Standard gas models have a standing pilot light, and when the thermostat calls for operation gas flows to the burner where it is lit by the pilot light. High-efficiency models utilize an electronic gas valve and use a spark or hot surface ignitor so a standing pilot is not required. Standard gas models have a standing pilot light, and when the thermostat calls for operation gas flows to the burner where it is lit by the pilot light. When the desired water temperature is reached in the tank, the main gas valve shuts off and the heating process stops.

A. O. Smith electric tank water heaters heat water using one or two electric heating elements. When a hot water tap is opened, water pressure from the street pushes cold water into the system through a dip tube that delivers it toward the bottom of the tank. This pushes hot water from the top of the tank out to the hot water pipes for distribution of hot water throughout the home. Temperature sensors inside the tank signal the thermostat when to turn on the heating elements to add heat to the stored hot water. Each electric tank water heater includes a thermostat, a temperature and pressure relief valve, and a drain valve. All of these components are needed to monitor the hot water and ensure efficient, reliable, and safe operation. The thermostat cycles the heating elements to regulate the water temperature to the specified temperature set on the control.