Risks of Not Performing These Simple Water Heater Maintenance Tasks
If you knew there was something you could do to prevent water heater malfunctions, improve efficiency, save money and add years to the life of your water heater, would you do it?
When it comes to water heater maintenance, you don’t have to spend a fortune or commit to weeks of work to ensure your water heater is working safely and efficiently.
In fact, not trying these water heater maintenance tasks is riskier and could have serious repercussions for homeowners.
Reasons to Clean the Water Tank
Cleaning your hot water tank may be low on your list of priorities, but it’s a task you should make time for at least once per year.
The annual task of emptying and cleaning the tank will help with the buildup of sediment. If your water contains hard minerals such as calcium, you most likely have sediment buildup near the bottom and on the side of the tank walls.
When hard water reacts with heat, the calcium precipitates and gathers in the tank. This sediment is dangerous because it creates blockages in the system and creates the perfect environment for corrosion to happen.
By not cleaning your tank on a regular basis, you will notice your water heater working less efficiently, requiring frequent repairs and even needing to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Why Change the Temperature Settings?
When your water heater comes from the manufacturer, it is programmed at 140 degrees. For most homeowners, this is an excessive temperature that results in scalding hot water and an increase of sediment in the tank.
By changing the temperature to 120 or even 130, you are setting a more reasonable temperature without forsaking the heating power or temperature of your water. Homeowners who lower their temperature settings notice lower energy bills and reduced sediment when they go to clean their tanks.
Are Tank Insulators a Good Investment?
When it comes to investments versus returns, not much comes close to being a better deal than water tank insulators. These pre-cut jackets are available at most hardware stores and usually cost around $20. They easily slide over the tank and help keep water hotter for longer, reducing the stress, and wear and tear on your water heater.
Some tanks are already insulated. You can check if yours is insulated by looking at the side of the tank and noticing the R-value. If the R-value is below 24, you may want to invest in a tank insulator.
These tips are simple, easy to do and inexpensive. Reducing your monthly costs, improving efficiency and making sure your water heater lasts for years to come is simple if you follow through with these tasks.
For more information on water heater savings and maintenance, call 775-406-6964 and speak with the expert advisors at Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing servicing the Reno, NV area.