How Do Water Heaters Work?

Is Yours in Good Shape?

Water heaters are something most people don’t spend much time thinking about until something goes wrong. But water heaters serve a very important function in your home. Think about all the things you need warm or hot water for. It really adds up. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, approximately 20% of the average home’s energy costs go towards heating water. That’s why it’s important not to take yours for granted. That’s also why having as efficient a water heater as possible is important.

Bottini Fuel offers some of the most efficient water heating technologies available. And if you’re happy with the water heater you already have, we provide expert water heater maintenance as well.

An Intro to Water Heaters

How a water heater works depends on what kind of water heater it is. Water heaters fall into a few general categories:

• Conventional or Storage Water Heaters have a tank where water is heated using oil or propane and stored until it’s used.
• Tankless Water Heaters heat water on demand to provide an endless supply of hot water.
• Indirect-Fired Water Heaters use your home’s heating system to heat your water.
• Direct-Fired Water Heaters are a type of conventional or storage water heater in which a fuel like heating oil or propane gets burned in a combustion chamber under the tank. The heated flue gases then heat the water in the tank. The tank is equipped with insulated walls to help retain the heat. The water heater turns on automatically from time to time in order to keep the water in the tank at a predetermined temperature.

Is Something Wrong with Your Water Heater?

Is your water heater in good shape or is it getting ready to let you down? Before a water heater fails, there are usually some warning signs. If you notice any of the following, chances are your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced:

• An unexplainable increase in your energy bills. Water heaters lose efficiency as they age. If there’s an increase on your energy bills that can’t be explained by higher fuel prices or usage, your water heater may be to blame.
• A leak and/or rusty water. Routinely check under your tank for puddles. You should also be concerned if your tank is putting out rusty water.
• Hard water. When lime accumulates in your tank, you often get hard water. Hard water can cause white marks on your silverware and glassware after they’ve been washed.
• Growling or gurgling sounds. When sediment builds up, it can cause your storage tank to make weird noises.

Even if you don’t have any of the problems listed above, you should start considering an upgrade to a new and more efficient model once your water heater is over 10 years old.

Go with the Flow

At Bottini Fuel, we can take care of all your water heater needs. Our experts can help you find the right water heater for your household. We also offer free estimates. And if you’re happy with your current water heater, our experts can provide maintenance to keep it running like new.

Contact Bottini Fuel today for a new oil or propane water heater at a great price or to sign up for a water heater service plan. With locations serving New York’s Hudson Valley as well as parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we’re here for you.