Water heaters are one of the most used appliances in households. When temperatures fall, your water heater comes to your rescue. It provides hot water on demand. As temperatures fall, an inefficient water heater is the last thing you need.
Water heating can account for 18 percent of an average household’s energy consumption. Apart from failing to heat water sufficiently, an inefficient water heater will consume more power than usual, causing your electricity bills to spike.
Follow these simple yet effective tips to improve the efficiency of your water heater.
Drain and Flush the Tank
Hard water contains a number of minerals, including magnesium and calcium. These minerals can build up over time and settle at the base of your heater’s tank. Once a layer is formed, it will insulate the water from the burner, forcing the heater to work harder and longer. A stressed system can overheat and is prone to ruptures.
To steer clear of expensive water heater repairs in Sonoma County, drain and flush your tank with cold water at least once every year. Removing sediment build-up regularly is one of the most effective ways to boost the efficiency of your heater.
Adjust the Temperature of Your Heater’s Thermostat
Water heaters have a built-in thermostat that tells them how much they need to heat the water. If your thermostat runs longer than usual, your system will heat your water too much and will also consume more power.
To prevent this from happening, set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees F. If you set your thermostat any higher, your heater will have to work harder. You can save 3-5 percent on your water heating costs by turning down your heater’s thermostat.
Insulate
Energy loss can occur when transporting hot water from one point to another within your system. When heat is lost in transmission, your system is forced to work longer and harder. To prevent heat from escaping your pipes and water tank, insulate them.
Insulating your tank and pipes will help ensure that heat remains trapped inside the system. Apart from trapping heat, insulated pipes can raise water temperature by 2-4 degrees F on their own.
Fix Leaks
Even a minor faucet leak can waste around 1,700 gallons of water every year. If hot water leaks away from your pipes, your water heater will have to work harder to heat your water.
It is imperative to regularly check different parts of your water heater for leaks, including the temperature-pressure relief valve and drain valve. Inspect pipes regularly.
Are you looking for a reliable plumbing contractor for water heater repairs in Sonoma County? Look no further than Holman Plumbing. We have assembled an A-team of plumbers. We use time-tested techniques to diagnose and address plumbing issues. To enquire about our services, call us at 707-495-5002.