Dishwashers heat up water using an electric heating element, similar to the heating elements found in electric kettles or water heaters. The dishwasher's heating element is typically located at the base of the dishwasher's interior, below the washing compartment.
Here's how the process of heating water in a dishwasher works:
Water Inlet Valve: When you start a dishwasher cycle, the dishwasher's water inlet valve opens, allowing water from the hot water supply in your home to enter the dishwasher. The hot water supply typically comes from your home's water heater, which maintains the water at a high temperature.
Water Fill: The water flows into the dishwasher's tub and fills the bottom of the washing compartment.
Dishwasher's Control System: The dishwasher's control system, which includes various sensors and a control board, monitors the water temperature to ensure it's at the desired level for effective cleaning. If the water is too cold, the dishwasher will activate the heating element to raise the water temperature to the appropriate level.
Heating Element: The dishwasher's heating element, usually made of metal, heats up when electricity is supplied to it. The heating element is submerged in the water at the bottom of the dishwasher. As electricity passes through the heating element, it converts electrical energy into heat energy, warming up the water surrounding it.
Temperature Regulation: The dishwasher's control system monitors the water temperature during the wash cycle. Once the water reaches the desired temperature for effective cleaning, the heating element may cycle on and off to maintain the temperature as needed.
Wash Cycle: With the water now heated to the appropriate temperature, the dishwasher proceeds with the wash cycle, during which water, mixed with detergent, is sprayed onto the dishes to clean them.
Rinse Cycle: In some dishwasher models, a separate rinse cycle follows the wash cycle. During this stage, hot water is used again to rinse off any remaining soap and debris from the dishes.
Drainage: After the wash and rinse cycles are complete, the used water is drained from the dishwasher's tub.
Overall, the dishwasher's heating element plays a crucial role in ensuring that the water used for washing and rinsing dishes is at the proper temperature to achieve effective cleaning results. The process saves energy compared to relying solely on the dishwasher to heat the water from cold, as the hot water supply from your home's water heater is used as the starting point for the heating process.