A water heating system is one of the most unnoticed and underappreciated appliances in your home. Think about how much you rely on your water heater each and every day. From providing warm showers to washing your clothes and cleaning the dishes, the water heater is the workhorse of every home. This is exactly why it’s a good idea to perform routine maintenance on it, so that you can keep it running optimally for many years to come.
Caring for your water heater is a straightforward DIY project. And if you’re not particularly handy, you can always rely on your local plumber – Cool Blew.
Set the Temperature
Keep the thermostat at 120 degrees or below. You can save up to five percent in monthly energy costs for every 10 degrees you reduce your water heater’s temperature. You’ll also reduce its workload and any risk of scalding.
Space It
Make certain your home’s water heater has plenty of free space surrounding it. This increases airflow and reduces fire risks.
Drain It
Another best practice is to partially drain your tank to remove sediment and debris at least yearly. In the Valley of the Sun, our water is particularly hard. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), most of Arizona’s water contains high concentrations of calcium carbonate. These minerals can build up and will corrode your tank over time. To drain the tank, turn off the cold-water supply and hook up a garden hose to the drain valve. Water can be drained into a bucket or onto your landscaping until the water runs clear.
Relieve Pressure
At least yearly, test the water heater’s pressure relief valve by discharging it two or three times. Look for small leaks from the valve which signal a need to call for service.
Install Insulation
Installing a fiberglass insulated jacket for your water heater tank and insulation around the cold and hot water pipes will improve efficiency all year-long. When the weather turns warm outside, insulation will keep the pipes from sweating or forming condensation.
Vacation Mode
Whether you’re away for part of the year or only for a one-week vacation, you can extend your water heater’s lifespan and save a bit of money on utility bills by turning it to the vacation setting. This maintains the pilot light without continuously heating the water.
Whenever you’re in need of advice on your water heater, require repair or maintenance, or need a replacement, call locally owned Cool Blew at 623-872-2900. We’re here to ensure 24/7 that you and your family are never left in the cold.
