As temperatures drop and holiday activities ramp up, your water heater faces greater demand than at any other time of year. This can put extra strain on your water heater, shortening its overall lifespan. It can also strain your wallet when your home’s energy expenses go up. Fortunately, a little preventative maintenance now can go a long way toward avoiding a costly electricity bill or malfunctioning unit.
Why Your Water Heater Works Harder During the Holidays
There are three main reasons why your water heater works harder during the winter months. The fresh water that flows into your water heater is colder in general, which triggers your unit to consume energy to bring it up to temperature. Your water heater also loses heat faster when the air is cold, requiring further energy consumption to maintain the desired temperature level. Finally, most households tend to use more hot water during the holidays due to out-of-town visitors, piles of dishes to clean after get-togethers, and longer, hotter showers.
Water Heater Tips to Maximize Holiday Efficiency
1. Lower the Water Temperature
Lowering your water heater’s temperature by just a few degrees can be one of the most effective ways to save household energy. Most experts recommend setting the thermostat to around 120°F, which is hot enough for daily use but gentle on your unit. This helps prevent overheating during times of high demand, which ultimately allows you to save on your monthly bill.
2. Drain Excess Sediment
Over time, sediment naturally builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank, causing your system to run less efficiently and even shorten its lifespan. Draining the tank at least once a year helps flush out this sediment and keeps your water heater performing at its best. Most water heater models will be outfitted with a drain valve for this purpose. If you don’t know how to drain your specific model, consult your owner’s manual.
3. Insulate the Tank and Pipes
Adding insulation to your water heater tank and pipes is an easy way to keep heat from escaping when the weather is cold. This means your water heater won’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature, saving you energy and money over the winter months. Insulation blankets and foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and widely available at hardware stores, making this upgrade a quick weekend project that pays off in long-term efficiency.
Ask the Experts
The holiday season is a time for warm gatherings and hearty, elaborate meals, but it can also put extra strain on your home’s water heater. A few simple maintenance steps can make all the difference in keeping your water heater running efficiently and putting more money in your pocket, but you don’t have to do it alone. For professional water heater services in Hamilton County, FL, contact the friendly experts at Power Rooter.