Water Heater Care and Maintenance to Save You Money
Take loving care of your water heater and it will save you money and hassle in the long run. Yes, just spending a few minutes with your water heater each year can save you money! It’s easy to forget about your water heater since it’s hidden away and usually does the job just fine for many years.
You certainly can forget about your water heater and never think about it until the day you turn your faucet to hot water and it comes out ice cold. Or, you can spend a few minutes a year performing simple maintenance to enjoy your water heater for many years while lowering your gas and electric bill.
The typical water heater lasts approximately 10 years but by following these care and maintenance tips you can extend it to 12 or even 15 years.
Annual Water Heater Maintenance
These are three maintenance steps are what every homeowner should perform on their water heater every year to keep it running smoothly.
Drain the Tank
Over time, sediment and other particles are prone to start collecting in your water heater tank. Drain the tank even just 25% to extract the buildup sediment and improve the efficiency of your water heater. This also will help the unit run quietly.
How to Drain the Tank:
- Shut off the cold water supply to the unit
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve
- Run the water into a bucket until the water is clear
Check Flame Igniter and Burner Head Assembly
Water heater won’t turn on or ignite? It might not be time for a replacement yet. Open up the unit underneath to inspect two things; the flame igniter and the burner head assembly. These two components are critical for your water heater to heat and over time they can become dirty or collect build up. Try cleaning the burner head assembly and sandpapering the hot surface igniter.
Test the Pressure Value
The pressure value turns on when the tank is overpressurized. The valve opens and releases steam to lower the pressure and get the unit back on track. Test the valve to ensure it’s working properly.
How to Test the Pressure Valve
- Turn off energy source
- Have bucket nearby in case of water discharge
- Try quickly engaging the pressure valve
- If nothing happens, it might need replacing
- It should let out puffs of steam and possibly some water discharge
Water Heater Care to Save You Money
These two steps will help you save money while extending the life of your water heater.
Insulate Older Units
Insulating your water heater will reduce loss of heat to the unit as well as helps it maintain a consistent temperature year round.
Adjust the Temperature to 120。
Do you know what your water heater temperature is set? Even lowering the temperature a couple of degrees will save money and reduce scalding.
If you are looking for more money saving tips, here are a few other ways you can save money by lowering your utility bills. We’re happy to help if your water heater does need repair or replacement. Please visit our website to learn more or by calling 612-354-8984.
Sources:
https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/water-heater-maintenance/
https://www.lowes.com/projects/repair-and-maintain/water-heater-maintenance/project
https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/water-heater/extend-water-heater-life/
