A water heater is a key home appliance, and while you may not often think about yours, there is plenty of interesting information to learn about it. These water heater facts and tips can help you save more money, reduce water consumption and extend the lifespan of your system for years.
1. You Should Flush Your Water Tank Annually
Annual flushes are water heater maintenance 101. A flush involves emptying the water tank to remove a buildup of sediment. The sediment is normal, but it can lead to water heater issues if you don’t remove it regularly.
Without annual flushes, a water heater can corrode, develop a clogged valve or experience dangerous pressure buildup. If there’s one water heater service you schedule, make it an annual flush.
2. The Pressure Relief Valve Prevents Overheating
Your water heater has a bult-in pressure relief valve that releases excess pressure in the tank. This stops it from overheating and exploding. You’ll find the pressure relief valve on the top or side of most tanks.
In addition to regulating temperature and pressure, the valve also helps prevent water leaks. It’s recommended to check your pressure valve every six months. To test it, pull the handle out for three to five seconds. Make sure you hear water flowing. This means that the valve will open when it needs to release steam and lower pressure if it’s ever necessary.
3. Insulation Can Improve Water Temperature
Insulating your water heater can keep it warmer, ultimately reducing the amount of energy it consumes to keep your water at a desired temperature. Insulating a water heater can lower heat loss by up to 45% and reduce the amount of time it takes for your system to heat water by as much as 16%.
Water heater insulation is a relatively inexpensive job that can save you money for years. You can find water heater blankets at home improvement stores or call a professional to install one for you.
4. Many Water Heaters Have a Vacation Mode
If you’re going away for a week or more, you can set your water heater to vacation mode. This setting is standard on most models and works by reducing the average temperature of the boiler. Lowering the boiler’s temperature while you’re away can help you save money and reduce energy consumption.
Most vacation settings on water heaters are set around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If yours doesn’t come with a built-in vacation mode, you can simply lower the temperature on the water heater for the same benefit.
5. The Average Water Heater Lasts 10 to 12 Years
Most water heaters last around a decade, but some can go longer with annual maintenance. In any case, upgrading to a new model has numerous benefits. Because technology is always improving, a newer water heater will be more energy efficient than an outdated one. You may also find repairs cost less with newer models because old models contain hardware that may no longer be easy to find.
6. Tankless Water Heaters Improve Home Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners are upgrading to tankless water heaters, which can be a great investment in your home’s overall energy efficiency. Compared to tanked models, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more effective, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
7. Water Heaters Account for 25% of Home Energy Bills
We rely on hot water far more than we think, and the costs can quickly add up. Since water heaters can account for a quarter or more of your annual energy bills, finding easy ways to save is always a good idea. Routine maintenance and speedy repairs are the best way to keep your system operating efficiently.
Whenever you need professional water heater service in Waldorf, MD, give our trusted team at A Better Plumber a call!
