Proper water heater maintenance is crucial for ensuring its longevity and efficient operation. For tanked water heaters, over time, sediment can accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency, slowing recovery times and potentially leading to premature failure. Regular flushing helps remove these deposits, allowing your water heater to perform optimally and heat water more quickly.
Beyond flushing, safety checks are paramount. This includes inspecting the temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve, which is a critical safety device designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup. A malfunctioning T&P valve can lead to dangerous situations, so ensuring its proper operation is a key part of annual maintenance.
On-demand, or tankless, water heaters also benefit from regular maintenance, though their needs differ from tanked models. The primary concern for tankless units is the buildup of mineral scale within their heat exchangers, especially in areas with hard water. This scale can significantly reduce efficiency and flow rates. Regular flushing with a descaling solution is crucial to remove these mineral deposits, ensuring the unit continues to provide instant hot water effectively and efficiently. Additionally, it’s wise to periodically inspect the air intake and exhaust vents for any obstructions, which can impact combustion and overall performance.
Temperature calibration is another essential aspect. Incorrect temperature settings can lead to unnecessarily high energy bills or, conversely, water that isn’t hot enough. Calibrating the thermostat ensures your water heater operates at its most efficient setting, providing comfortable water temperatures while minimizing energy consumption.
By investing in annual professional maintenance, you can proactively address potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or replacements. This routine care helps prevent common problems like corrosion, slow recovery times, and unexpected leaks, ultimately saving you money and providing peace of mind.
A water heater maintenance is a great time to consider upgrades as well such as going from a tanked heater to an On-demand Tankless Water Heater. Maybe you’re interested in a heat pump water heater. We’re here to educate you on the options and provide solutions that meet your needs.
If you are a member of our Partner Service Plan, good news, your water heater maintenance is included in your membership. For non members, we offer a reasonable rate to have one of our technicians come out.
