Your regular month utility bill may indicate an increase in energy charges, but it does not often indicate the reasons. The first one doing its dirty deeds out in the open is your water heater, that is, how well it is maintained. When it comes to the treatment towards the water heater, most homeowners are like the forgotten appliances until it completely stops functioning. This strategy is much more expensive than conventional water heater maintenance can possibly be.
Why Water Heater Maintenance Actually Saves Money
Just imagine what your car will do when you do not change oil. The same works in your water heating system. Once the sediment gets into the tank, your heater has to go into the modes to heat the same volume of water. This additional work is literally passed onto consumers in the form of more energy bills.
The example of an electric water heater would lose a maximum of 25 percent of its efficiency should there be accumulation of sediment around the heating elements. It is like purchasing fuel to fill your tank and still driving only three-quarters. It is simply math, routine care will ensure that your system is at optimal operation.
The Real Cost of Neglect
This is one of the things that most people do not know: a water heater replacement can cost you between a thousand and three thousand dollars with the type of system you have. The annual general maintenance is approximately 150 dollars. In 10 years, you will spend 1,500 on the maintenance as opposed to what you may spend 3,000 on replacement. It appears to be an easy decision when you put it this way.
Other than the monetary part, look at the inconvenience. Deficient water heater will imply cold showers, unnecessary blemish to daily schedules, phone calls to the repairing service. Such predicaments occur sometime when it is the least expected, like when it is winter, or the unwanted visitor is a house guest.
Simple Maintenance Tasks That Make a Difference
-
Check the Temperature Setting
Setting the temperature of your water heater has a consequence on safety and efficiency. The majority of them are adjusted to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, although in most households 120 degrees Fahrenheit is just fine. Just this small change can save you between 6 and 10 percent of your water heating bill a year. In the case of electric water heaters, such transformation is even more effective, as such models are more consistent in varied temperatures as compared to the gas model.
-
Drain and Flush the Tank
The worst adversary of your water heater is the accumulation of sediments. The minerals in your water source drop to the bottom of the tank after some time. This coating can be compared to an insulator, and it causes your heating elements to strive. Removal of this sediment can be done by draining 2 or 3 gallons out of the tank every few months.
The procedure is simple: the first step is to turn off the power, attach a hose to the drain valve, and then allow the water to run out until the water is running clear. It is a 30-minute activity that can prolong the life of your water heater several years.
-
Inspect the Anode Rod
The anode rod is the sacrifice of your water heater. It is an aluminium, magnesium, or zinc can that decays rather than your tank. This is a very important section that most homeowners do not consider but is yet effective in preventing the corrosion of a tank.
Make an inspection of your anode rod after 2-3 years. Replacing it should be done in the case of less than half an inch or if it is covered with calcium. A cheap 2040 component can avoid a 2,000 dollar tank repair.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your water heater speaks to you in advance to avoid disasters. Internal corrosion is usually signalled by rusty water running through hot taps. Unusual sounds such as popping and rumbling indicate eruption of sediments. Water lying near the bottom implies that your tank is starting to develop cracks.
The Professional Perspective
Although homeowners are able to do minor repairs, there are repairs that tend to be expert tasks. Qualified technicians observe the equipment on an annual basis, and these inspections prevent costly repairs. They will be able to check heating elements and the electrical connection, and possibly the overall health of the system.
Moving Forward
Maintenance of a water heater is not a glamorous job but something necessary to ensure the comfort of your house and the well-being of your wallet. Begin with the easy stuff: change temperature, release water once in a quarter, and get an annual check-up by a professional. Such a minor amount of time and money spent does not cause big headaches later.
Your future self will be happy, as you will have a smooth supply of hot water and affordable utility bills when your neighbours are flushing cash to repair emergency damages and pay excessive energy fees.
Read more blogs: guest-post.org
