Part 2/9:
Most household water heaters operate on a principle dating back to 1851. They utilize heating elements that get extremely hot, transferring heat to water until it reaches boiling. As minerals in water settle onto these heating elements, they form scale—a persistent problem that diminishes efficiency. Just a millimeter of scale can cut a heater’s efficiency by half, forcing systems to work harder and consume more energy. This inefficiency not only heightens electricity use but also increases carbon emissions associated with power generation.