There are few things as comforting as a nice hot shower after a long day at work! While you probably don’t think about your water heater until something goes amiss, it’s working 24/7 to support your household’s hot water needs.

Without a fully functioning water heater, few everyday tasks, like showering or washing dishes, can be completed. No homeowner wishes to experience a lack of hot water in their humble abode, which is why keeping up with water heater maintenance is crucial. Preventative maintenance can set your water heater up for success, extending its overall lifespan. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your water heater!

Adjust the Temperature

Like your HVAC system’s temperature setting, your water heater’s temperature will need to be adjusted from time to time to conserve the maximum amount of energy. If your water heater is above 120 degrees, turn it down!

For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you can save up to 5% in energy costs. Plus, you’ll be able to avoid those uncomfortably scalding showers!

Flush Your Water Heater

All homeowners should have their water heater flushed by a professional at least once a year to avoid excessive mineral and sediment buildup! If your home has hard water, this is an especially crucial maintenance step.

If left unattended, minerals and sediment can become stuck and accumulate additional buildup that reduces the volume of water the unit can hold. A simple flush can rejuvenate your water heater and restore full use of the unit.

Clear the Surrounding Area

One of the most important lessons of water heater ownership is that your water heater should always have room to breathe!

Always maintain a minimum two feet clearance around the unit unless your model’s manual says otherwise. We understand that it may be tempting to utilize extra storage space in the water heater closet, but giving your unit adequate space to operate is a must!

Use Vacation Mode

Sunglasses? Check. Passport? Check. You’ve probably triple-checked your packing list for your next trip, but will your water heater be prepared for your extended absence?

You may be surprised to discover that many water heater units feature a “vacation mode” setting. This helpful setting allows you to run boilers at lower temperatures than usual, conserving significant amounts of energy.

When you’re away for an extended period, there’s really no need to have a hot water supply for the empty home. It can drive up your energy costs for no reason at all! Vacation mode allows homeowners to set their water heater temperature as low as 50° F, below the warmth needed to heat water, and hot enough to prevent any water from freezing while you’re out of the house. If you want to maximize your energy savings, don’t underestimate the power of vacation mode.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Like any mechanical system, your water heater requires occasional attention and adjustments to continue running efficiently. You’ll be pleased to discover that water heater maintenance is fairly minimal, but you’ll be grateful you set your unit up for success in the long run. Benefits of regular water heater maintenance include:

• Increased efficiency
• Extends lifespan on unit
• Lowered energy costs
• Prevents unexpected breakdowns

With these exceptional benefits, there are multiple reasons to keep up with your water heater’s maintenance!

Water Heater Professionals in Ventura County

Your water heater is an essential component that keeps your home running smoothly. If you’re searching for a reliable team to depend on for your home’s water heater needs, contact The Water Heater Company today! We guarantee a job well done and superior customer service. Give us a call at (877) 274-1485 for expert service.