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What Are the Different Types of Water Heaters?

Date: November 7, 2022

Get the right oil-fired water heater for your home

water heaters massachusetts Let’s be honest: we all take our water heater for granted until it stops working. When the hot water goes out in your home, you realize just how important it is. In the average U.S. household, hot water comprises about 20 percent of home energy use. You need it to wash dishes and clothes, shower and clean the house.

The best time to contact us about replacing your water heater is before it breaks down on you. The technicians that handle water heater installation for Cubby Oil & Energy can make the switch to new equipment with minimal interruption of your hot water.

However, if you put off calling us until your current water heater breaks down, you might be waiting without hot water while we secure your equipment.

So, let’s start thinking now about the different types of water heaters and which is the best option for your Boston area home.

How do you know it’s time for a new water heater?

Here are some telltale signs that your current water heater might be nearing the end of its lifespan:

  • brown or rusty water from the tap
  • strange noises (i.e., scraping, rumbling, popping) from the tank
  • difficulty draining your water heater
  • standing water under your tank
  • increased fuel usage without explanation

Are you noticing these warning signs? Get in touch with our water heater repair team. If your equipment can’t be fixed, we’ll help you pick a water heater replacement and install it promptly.

Oil-fired vs. electric water heaters — which is better?

Today’s oil-fired water heaters are incredibly energy efficient. Because heating oil can generate a whopping 138,690 Btu’s of heat per gallon, you can heat more water faster than with an electric water heater.

The types of oil water heaters

Indirect-fired water heaters heat water from a coil that passes through your boiler. In some cases, this system can be completely tankless. These hot water systems depend on the efficiency of your boiler, but they have significant benefits, like an extremely long lifespan.

Direct-fired water heaters apply an oil flame directly to the water tank. These systems are common in homes with furnaces instead of boilers. They provide a steady amount of hot water but don’t have the same longevity as indirect flame equipment.

Cubby Oil & Energy — Your dependable water heater provider

If you think your current water heater is struggling, get in touch with the Cubby team as soon as possible. In addition to avoiding an unpleasant breakdown scenario, upgrading to new equipment will save you money on fuel bills — plus improve your home’s comfort.

Older water heaters are inefficient, meaning you often run out of hot water. Just as bad, you’ll burn oil at a higher rate to generate hot water. Upgrading to a new water heater might cost more upfront, but it saves you money over time.

Don’t settle for lukewarm showers or risk a sudden breakdown. Contact us today to look at your water heater.

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