Your home’s water heater is used frequently and requires regular maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns that may cost you more money in the long term. Proper gas or electric water heater maintenance is essential to extend its lifespan and ensure it operates efficiently.
Increased Lifespan
If you own a water heater Apple Valley, MN, it’s essential to establish a maintenance schedule to maximize its lifespan. Regular maintenance can significantly impact both tank storage and tankless water heaters. While the average traditional tank heater lasts 8-12 years, proper care can extend its lifespan. Flushing your tank regularly is essential to remove sediment and improve efficiency. Furthermore, adding insulation to your tank and pipes can decrease standby heat losses by up to 45% and lower energy bills by up to 16%.
Reduced Risk of Leaks
Water heater leaks can cause significant damage if left unchecked, such as flooding in basements and other areas. Various factors can cause these leaks, so knowing what to look for when they occur is essential. To prevent these problems, it’s essential to conduct regular maintenance checks. Plumbers can inspect all plumbing components to ensure there are no active leaks and that they’re not susceptible to causing future ones. It’s also crucial to regularly test the temperature and pressure (T&P) release valve. This valve helps reduce excess pressure in the tank, but mineral and rust buildup can prevent it from working correctly. It’s recommended to test it at least once a year.
Increased Water Temperature
Monitoring the water temperature in your hot water tank is essential for ensuring that your tap receives hot water at the right speed. It also helps to keep your hot water clean and free from harmful bacteria, which is essential for your comfort. To maintain the correct temperature, it’s recommended to keep it between 115 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should consult your system manual to determine the appropriate temperature for your home and family.
Increased Efficiency
It is crucial to maintain your water heater to ensure safe and efficient operation, just like any other appliance in your home. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs by reducing the likelihood of breakdowns in the future. Maintaining your water heater can also improve efficiency, lowering energy bills. Water heaters may become less efficient as they age, requiring more energy to heat your water. However, you can save money by regularly flushing out sediment, disconnecting the energy source, closing the water supply valve, and attaching a drain hose outside your home.
Reduced Costs
It is essential to keep your water heater running efficiently for as long as possible since it is one of the most costly appliances in your home. Regular maintenance is crucial for achieving this. During an inspection, the technician will flush your tank to eliminate the mineral buildup at the bottom that can reduce the water heater’s efficiency. This can lower energy costs by reducing the electricity used to heat the water. The dip tube is another component that can deteriorate and cause issues. It transfers cool water from the top to the lower element, where it is reheated. Replacing a faulty dip tube is a relatively inexpensive repair.
