There it is in your basement or utility room – you may pass it by but don’t think of it much: your water heater. And if you’ve ever wondered how it makes the hot water you love so much in your shower, allow us to tell you.
There are three types of oil-fired water heaters:
- Direct-fired (Storage) oil water heaters: These are the most common type, featuring a storage tank (usually 30-50+ gallons) where an oil burner, typically located at the bottom, directly heats the water.
- Indirect-fired water heaters: These systems utilize a highly efficient storage tank that operates without its own dedicated burner or heating element. Instead, it leverages a heat source that is already present in your home: your hot water boiler.
- Tankless (On-Demand) oil water heaters: These units eliminate the storage tank entirely, using a powerful oil burner to heat water instantly as it flows through the unit. They provide continuous hot water and are ideal for saving space.
When should I replace my water heater?
- Insufficient or inconsistent hot water
- Strange noises
- Visible leaks (this constitutes an emergency, and you should call us immediately!)
- Corrosion on the tank or pipes
- Rusty or brown water
- Metallic taste or smell in the water
- You’ve called for frequent repairs
If you’ve experienced any of the above, and especially if your water heater is over 10 years old, give us a call at 508-398-6901 and one of our expert technicians will check it out. If you are ready for a replacement, South Shore Heating & Cooling is proud to install water heaters from SuperStor, Bosch, Buderus, Bradford White, and Amtrol.
