Having a reliable water heater in your home can make many aspects of your life easier. And many newer water heater models are quite energy efficient. But even though you have a great product in place, that does not mean that you cannot take some steps on your own to help your water heater work better and last longer.
Turn the Temperature Down
Most water heaters come automatically set to 140°F. However, you don't really need your water to be this hot. And particularly if you have a tank water heater, you are probably paying a lot every month to have all of the water in the tank maintained at that temperature even when you are not using it.
For that reason, it is a good idea to turn down the thermostat on your water heater to around 120°F. This is plenty hot enough to provide you with comfortable hot water and it will cost you significantly less each month to maintain your supply of hot water at this level. Reducing the temperature of the water in the tank will also mean your water heater does not have to work as hard to keep the water hot, and so it will stay in better shape for longer.
Water Heater Tank Insulation
Another way to make things easier on your water heater is to purchase some type of tank insulation or covering that helps keep heat from escaping through the tank walls. This will keep your energy bills down because your water heater will not need to use as much energy to maintain a constant temperature within the tank.
Sediment Removal
It is common for sediment to build up in the bottom of your water heater tank over time. This is not necessarily a problem in and of itself, but if it goes unaddressed it will eventually lead to unwanted complications.
The sediment can be removed from your water heater by draining the tank and taking great care to follow the manufacturer's recommended procedure exactly. Most of the sediment should come out with the water, and once the tank is empty the remainder can be cleared out. We recommend this service be performed professionally at least once a year. In doing so, you should have no problems with sediment build up in the future.
Stay Away from Electric
While you can use just about any energy source to heat the hot water in your home, your best bet is to stay away from electric water heaters. No matter what your other options are, electricity will almost always cost significantly more if you depend on it to provide hot water for your entire home. So if you do not have access to natural gas in your area, you may want to look into propane as a power source for your water heater.
Proper Water Heater Maintenance
Just like any other piece of equipment in your home, your water heater will benefit from regular maintenance visits. Make sure to have a professional come out once a year to inspect your system and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. This type of service will help your water heater last longer and maintain its original energy efficiency throughout its life.
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