Many household appliances are designed to either reduce or encourage thermal energy transfer.

A vacuum flask is a simple appliance that can keep hot liquid hot (or cold) over a prolonged
period of time. The principle of how it works is based on the various means thermal energy
transfer to or from an environment.

Insulating cover reduces energy transfer by conduction and convection.Silvered inner and outer
surfaces reduce energy transfer by radiation.Vacuum stops energy transfer by conduction and
convection
Solar water heaters use energy from the Sun to heat water. The basic components of a solar water
heater are the solar collectors and the storage tank.
Passive solar heaters do not require electricity to operate.
Active solar water heaters depend on an electrical pump to circulate the heated fluid from the
collector to the storage tank (or the point where the hot water is required).