5 Tips To Keep Your Water Heater In Good Shape
From keeping your clothes clean to providing you with hot showers in the morning, your water heater does a lot for you. The last thing you want is for this appliance to break down prematurely. That is why it is crucial to properly maintain your water heater. Here are a few ways to keep your water heater in good shape.
Keep the Area Around Your Water Heater Clear
It is important to keep other items several feet away from your water heater. If other items are surrounding your appliance, it will not get enough oxygen to operate efficiently. Additionally, if other belongings are blocking your water heater, you will not notice if your unit starts to leak.
Insulate the Tank
If you have an older water heater, it may not have the best insulation. Without adequate insulation, heat can easily escape out of the unit and force it to work harder. This can lead to higher energy bills. Fortunately, you can resolve this issue by wrapping your water heater with an insulation blanket. In addition to reducing your energy costs, insulation can decrease wear and tear on your water heater.
Flush the Tank Regularly
Sediment will naturally accumulate on the bottom of your water heater over time, reducing its efficiency. That is why should flush your water heater once a year. To do this, turn off your unit, connect a hose to it and drain it.
Lower the Temperature
A very high temperature can increase your energy bills and cause your unit to deteriorate faster than it should. To avoid issues, turn down the temperature on your unit to 120 degrees as most heaters should be between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Schedule Regular Inspections
No matter how old your water heater is, you should have it inspected by a professional at least once a year. They are trained on how to spot water heat problems in the early stages. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the easier and less expensive it is to repair. A professional can also provide you extra tips on how to keep your water heater in good working order.
If you follow these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your water heater. If your unit has not been working properly lately, you should contact a professional as soon as possible. They can inspect your unit and then make the proper repairs. Speak with a professional for more information about water heaters.