With winter just around the corner, homeowners get busy ensuring their home is ready for cold weather challenges. The water heater is an essential appliance that makes it easier to get through the winter months smoothly by ensuring an uninterrupted hot water supply. Homeowners should weatherize their water heaters to avoid issues like insufficient hot water, bursting pipes, flooding, and water damage.
Simple seasonal maintenance tasks prepare the water heater for the change in weather and ensure its optimal performance even on the chilliest days or nights. Here are a few steps homeowners can take to prepare their water heaters for the cold weather months and ensure a trouble-free winter season:
ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT
Experts recommend setting the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the temperature higher than this can pose a scalding risk. Also, the higher the water’s temperature in the tank, the faster it loses heat when in standby mode. A lower thermostat setting reduces monthly bills, saves energy, and slows corrosion and mineral buildup.
DRAIN AND FLUSH THE WATER HEATER
Over time, sediments from the water settle at the bottom of the water heater’s tank. Excessive sediment buildup lowers the unit’s efficiency and makes it harder for the water heater to meet the household’s hot water demands. Sediment buildup also shortens the unit’s lifespan. Drain and flush the water heater tank annually before the winter to remove mineral and sediment deposits and ensure it stays in the best shape throughout winter.
INSULATE THE PIPES AND TANK
Homeowners should consider insulating the water heater and the pipes. Insulating the exposed pipes protects them from the cold air and prevents pipe freezing and bursting. Water heater tank insulation conserves heat, and the water heater uses less energy. Insulation goes a long way in ensuring the efficiency and safety of the water heater and saves significantly on the water heating bills.
CHECK THE EXHAUST AND INTAKE
Inspect all vents and exhausts on the water heater for any obstructions like leaves, debris, or small animals. Lack of proper airflow due to blockages can impact the water heater’s functioning, and in the worst scenarios, CO2 can back up into the house.
CHECK THE ANODE ROD
Anode rods (or sacrificial rods) are one of the most vital water heater components. Anode rods consist of aluminum or magnesium and have a steel core. It prevents the water heater tank from rusting or corroding and requires replacement every three to five years. Inspect the anode rods annually for replacement needs. A completely corroded rod requires prompt replacement to prevent rusting and a more expensive heater replacement.
SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
Get the tank inspected by professional water heater technicians annually. These experts will perform essential maintenance and catch any hidden issues. Identifying and fixing the problem early saves on expensive repairs and replacements. Professionals will check the anode rod, temperature and pressure release valves, and other water heater components for proper functioning. Periodic inspection by experienced water heater technicians will ensure the unit does not break down unexpectedly and functions at peak efficiency all winter.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.