As the back-to-school season approaches, families in desert regions often find their mornings becoming more hectic. From showering to preparing breakfast and cleaning up, the demand for hot water increases. Ensuring your water heater can handle this increased usage is crucial to maintaining a smooth and stress-free morning routine, especially in the desert’s unique climate. Here are some practical tips to ensure your water heater is up to the task:
Assess Your Water Heater’s Capacity
The first step is to assess whether your current water heater can meet your family’s needs. Water heaters come in various sizes, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. For a family of four, a 40-50 gallon water heater is usually sufficient. However, if everyone needs to shower, use hot water for breakfast, and run a load of laundry all at the same time, you might find your current unit struggling to keep up.
If your water heater frequently runs out of hot water, consider upgrading to a larger capacity unit or a tankless water heater. Tankless models heat water on demand, providing an endless supply of hot water, which can be especially beneficial for larger families or households with high hot water usage.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your water heater runs efficiently. In desert climates, the water supply often contains higher levels of minerals, which can lead to sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. This buildup reduces capacity and efficiency. Flushing your water heater at least once a year can help remove this sediment and improve performance.
To flush your water heater, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the water heater (electric) or set the gas valve to “pilot” (gas).
- Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and run the other end to a safe drainage location.
- Open the drain valve and let the water flow out until it runs clear. This will help remove sediment buildup.
- Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn the power or gas back on.
Additionally, check the anode rod, a sacrificial component designed to prevent tank corrosion. Replace it every 12 years to extend the life of your water heater.
Upgrade Your Shower Heads and Faucets
High-efficiency shower heads and faucets can help reduce hot water usage without compromising performance. Low-flow fixtures can save water and energy, ensuring your water heater can keep up with demand.
Look for fixtures with the WaterSense label, which meet EPA criteria for water efficiency and performance. By upgrading to low-flow fixtures, you can reduce water usage by up to 50%, which eases the load on your water heater and ensures more hot water is available when you need it.
Consider a Tankless Water Heater
If you frequently run out of hot water during the morning rush, a tankless water heater might be the solution. Unlike traditional tank heaters, tankless models heat water on demand, providing an endless supply of hot water. This can be particularly beneficial for households with multiple members using hot water simultaneously.
While tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost, they are more energy-efficient and can lower your utility bills in the long run. They also take up less space and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional tank heaters.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Finally, consider scheduling a professional inspection of your water heater before the school year starts. A licensed plumber can check for potential issues, perform necessary maintenance, and provide recommendations for improvements. This proactive approach can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your water heater operates efficiently during the busy months ahead.
Preparing your water heater for the back-to-school season involves assessing its capacity, performing regular maintenance, insulating the unit, upgrading fixtures, considering a tankless option, and scheduling a professional inspection. By taking these steps, you can ensure a reliable supply of hot water, making your mornings smoother, more manageable and no cold water surprises. A well-maintained water heater not only improves efficiency but also extends the life of the appliance, providing peace of mind and comfort for your family.
Contact Water Heater Pros Las Vegas today to schedule your water heater inspection, repair, or replacement, and enjoy a worry-free water heater.
Contact Us by calling (702) 767-5453.