Oil & Gas Fired Hot Water Heaters

Readily accessible hot water is one of life’s basic necessities. Tank-style hot water heaters are a model of simplicity and provide years of reliable service. The process of heating water is not particularly complex; a gas, electric or oil burner raises the temperature of a fixed amount of water, which is stored in a tank until it is needed.

When purchasing a water heater, it is important to recognize two key components that affect availability and energy costs.

• Capacity: Choosing a water heater with sufficient capacity is critical to ensure every member of the household has an instant supply of hot water on demand. Capacity is measured by the “first hour rating,” which is calculated as a function of the tank size relative to the speed at which the water is heated.
• Efficiency: All water heaters are rated according to the Energy Factor (EF) standard, which allows consumers to compare the efficiency of different brands and models of water heaters. The factor is derived from a formula that measures the amount of heat energy extracted from the unit divided by the amount of energy it consumes. A higher EF factor is associated with greater heating efficiency.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas fired hot water heaters are the most common water heating appliance. They work by transferring heat through convection currents. Cold water enters a storage tank through a device called a dip tube and accumulates at the bottom of the tank. In gas water heaters, a sensor detects when the water temperature has fallen below a predetermined threshold. A signal is sent to an igniter that activates a burner housed in a combustion chamber. The resulting thermal energy is transferred through a core within the tank, which subsequently heats the surrounding water.

Since hot water is less dense than cold water, it rises to the top of the tank where it is routed through a hot water discharge pipe and ultimately delivered to a plumbing fixture somewhere in the building. Waste byproducts from the burn cycle are vented to the outdoors through a specially-designed flue pipe.

Oil Water Heaters

Oil fired hot water heaters share many of the same design characteristics of their gas counterparts. While the tank assembly operates in essentially the same manner, direct oil fired water heaters are distinguished by a unique burner assembly. Oil is mixed with air and injected into a power burner as an atomized mist. An electric spark ignites the mixture and a concentrated flame is propelled into an adjacent chamber where heat is transferred to a core inside the storage tank.

Tankless Water Heaters

The biggest benefit of tankless waters heaters are their ability to save you energy. Rather than fill a 40 to 50-gallon tank and pay to keep it heated 24/7, you won’t need to fill a tank, and you’ll only use energy while you’re using the hot water. You can save up to 50 percent of fuel on either an electric or gas-fired tank.

There is no tank to fill, so there is virtually no chance of a catastrophic leak. Tanks with built-in recirculating pumps provide ‘instant’ hot water. There is no waiting for the hot water to reach that shower on the other side of the house. Although they cost a bit more, a gas-burning tankless water heater can last for 20 years or more, two or three times longer than tank-type heaters.

Tankless water heaters are compact and take up very little space, but are more complicated to install, so a professional is needed to add one to your home. Annual service is also recommended for changing water and air filters and checking the burner. Call us to answer any other questions or to schedule an installation of your new tankless water heater.

Indirect Fired Water Heaters

Both indirect gas fired water heaters and indirect oil fired water heaters use a water–to-water heat exchange process. Thermal energy originating from an external boiler is circulated through a coil in a separate, adjacent storage tank. The hot water stored in the tank allows the boiler to cycle less frequently, which can save substantially on fuel bills.

Indirect water heaters offer exceptional EFs, usually in the .8 to .9 range. Warranties often extend up to 20 years, which is considerably longer than most direct fired appliances. Since the heating process is indirect, minerals have a tendency to remain in suspension rather than accumulating at the bottom of the tank, which is a characteristic of direct fired water heaters.

Is a Gas or Oil Water Heater Right for Me?

In general, direct gas fired water heaters are more efficient than oil fired models with a similar capacity. The total cost of installation and operation may be more than 50 percent higher over the life of the equipment. Oil based water heaters usually have a shorter lifecycle when compared to gas, largely due to the complexity of the burner assembly.

The primary advantage of direct fired oil water heaters is their recovery ability. The concentrated flame in the burn process can heat incoming cold water three to four times faster than other fuels. In large families, this can be an important advantage.

For buildings with an existing boiler used for space heating, an indirect system may be an appropriate choice, regardless of the fuel type. In cooler temperatures when the boiler is running frequently, indirect water heaters provide abundant hot water with minimal associated cost.

The Brand We Represent

Since 1929, Bock water heaters have set the standard for reliability, efficiency, and low operating costs. Both direct and indirect models are available and Bock manufactures products for oil, gas, and dual fuel applications. You can find information about Bock water heaters and a variety of other HVAC related products on the Griffith Energy Services’ homepage.

For optimal performance and longevity, it’s recommended to inspect your water heater every six months. Here are some warning signs that your water heater might need repairs:

• Lukewarm Water: If your hot water faucets only produce lukewarm water, it’s a sign your heater isn’t functioning properly.
• Gritty Water: Sandy or gritty feeling hot water indicates sediment buildup in the tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage.
• Rotten Egg Smell: A sulfur odor emanating from your hot water tap suggests bacteria growth within the tank, requiring a professional evaluation.
• Leaks: Any water leakage around the heater is a serious concern and necessitates immediate attention to prevent water damage.
• Rusty Water: Rust-colored hot water signifies corrosion inside the tank, which can contaminate your water supply and lead to leaks.
• Metallic Taste: A metallic taste in your hot water points to potential corrosion within the tank, requiring a professional diagnosis.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a qualified plumber for a water heater consultation to diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action.

Storage tank and tankless water heaters we install and service

We install and service the following types of water heaters:

• Tankless water heaters
• Traditional water heaters
• Gas water heaters
• Electric water heaters
• Solar water heaters

If your water heater is giving you trouble, call Griffith Energy Services today!