Final answer:
An aquastat operates the oil burner in the summer to provide domestic hot water. Aquastats control the temperature to avoid unnecessary operation, thus saving energy. This topic relates to understanding energy systems in an engineering context.
Step-by-step explanation:
An aquastat operates the oil burner in the summer for domestic hot water purposes. Aquastats are devices used to control water temperature in heating systems, including oil burners. During the summer months, the demand for space heating is low, but there still is a need for domestic hot water. The aquastat senses the water temperature and ensures that the oil burner operates only when necessary to maintain the desired water temperature for household tasks such as showering and washing dishes.
An on-demand electric hot water heater offers a comparison in terms of energy usage. These heaters supply heat to water only when it's needed, which can be more energy-efficient. Similarly, a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling by moving thermal energy from a colder environment to a hotter one. Understanding the functioning and efficiency of these systems is integral for engineering students focusing on energy systems.