You have hot water in your home thanks to a water heater. And while you’re most likely thankful for this hot water, your water heater may not be something that’s constantly on your mind.
However, like many of the appliances and systems in your home, your water heater is a system that should be checked in on and one that you should be paying attention to. First and foremost, you want to make sure the system is working properly and operating efficiently so that you can live comfortably. Secondly, making sure your water heater is in tiptop shape is smart for your own safety. It is not uncommon for fires started by home heating devices to be correlated with water heater issues. In fact, this is the case for one out of every 10 fires.
What water heater issues should I watch for?
You yourself can check your water heater to make sure it’s running smoothly, which will help you avoid any major complications down the road.
Here’s what you should be paying attention to:
The age of your water heater New water heater models are safer than older ones. They also run more efficiently. If your water heater is on the older side and you haven’t upgraded in a while, it may be time to do so.
An abundance of sediment When a water heater collects too much sediment, it decreases in efficiency and doesn’t heat your water as well as it would if it was clear of sediment. While you may be able to detect sediment collection by noticing an increase in your heating bills and a change in your water’s temperature, the only way to confirm sediment buildup is by flushing your tank. If you’re not comfortable or able to do this, let Hometowne Energy know so that one of our service technicians can help.
A running water heater While you of course want your water heater working, you do not want it to be constantly running. This could cause damage to the heater. If you find that your system is constantly running, use some insulated blankets to cover your water heater’s pipes. This will help trap the heat, which, in turn, will help your heater run less.
Your water heater’s temperature Check to make sure your water heater’s temperature isn’t set too high. The recommendation is to keep the system set at 120°. This will not only add up in savings, but it will also keep you and your family safe.
Your water heater’s pressure A water heater with a water pressure that is too high may result in a leaky water heater.
A rusty anode rod An anode rod is what sits at the top of your water heater to help decrease corrosion. While they are helpful, they can rust over time (usually after about five years, but less if you’re using water softener). You’ll want to check for rust as a rusty anode rod can have a negative impact on your water tank.
Scheduling regular maintenance on your water heater is important and Hometowne Energy can help maintain your system if you’re in the Western New York area. We install and service water heaters and can help keep your home’s heating and cooling equipment working properly. Contact us today.
You have hot water in your home thanks to a water heater. And while you’re most likely thankful for this hot water, your water heater may not be something that’s constantly on your mind.