How Do I Prolong the Life of My Water Heater

Imagine life without hot water this winter. Hard to think about, right? Well, if you don’t spend a few minutes taking care of your equipment this fall, that’s exactly how you’ll end up. And we don’t mean to scare you, we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your water heater while keeping it running efficiently and reliably. Here’s what you need to do as soon as you get a couple of minutes of downtime this week or weekend:

1. If you have an older unit, it’s a good idea to insulate it. Look for a fiberglass jacket to improve efficiency, but be careful not to contact the flue.
2. Keep at least 2-3 feet of clearance around the unit.
3. Check the temperature setting. It should be set no higher than 120°F, and remember that you’ll save 5% in energy costs for every 10 degrees you lower the temperature.
4. Drain the tank at least once per year. This will help to remove sediment build-up and will allow the unit to operate more quietly.
5. Heading out of town for a few days? Adjust the thermostat to the “vacation” setting. The pilot light will remain lit, but no water will be heated. The result? Much-needed energy savings.

Have issues with your water heater? Contact the pros at ABC Plumbing today! Our specialists will come by to diagnose the problem and provide you with the best possible solution.

Also check the following blog post: What's the Purpose of a Water Heater Expansion Tank?