Winter is hard on your hot water heater. When the weather turns cold, you may want to crank up the heat in the shower or enjoy a long hot soak in the tub. If your hot water heater is not up to par, all that will be impossible.
Even worse, the hot water heater could go out completely, probably on the coldest night of the year. If you want to make sure your hot water heater makes it through the winter season unscathed, now is the time to act.
There are a few simple things you can do to make sure the hot water heater in your home is ready for the rigors of the winter season. One of the simplest is to perform a visual inspection. Does the tank appear to be in good repair or are their obvious problems? Does the wiring appear frayed or worn? If you notice any obvious problems with the hot water heater, you can call Absotemp to repair the issue. Performing the visual inspection will give you an important early warning – and time to resolve any issues before the weather gets colder.
If you have not already done so, the pre-winter season is the perfect time to partially drain the water heater. Draining about one quarter of the volume from the hot water heater a couple times a year is one of the best ways to prevent the buildup of sediment, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
To drain the hot water heater, first turn off the cold water supply, then connect a hose to the drain valve. Use a bucket to catch the water and watch carefully. Stop draining when the water runs clear, then refill the tank with clean water.
If you want your hot water heater to run more efficiently and cost you less in electricity, you may want to install an insulating jacket. You can purchase these insulating jackets at most home improvement stores. Depending on your utility costs you could recapture the cost of the insulating jacket in just a few years.
You may not need to add any insulation if you have a newer model hot water heater. Many recent models are already insulated, so always check the owner’s manual before adding extra insulation.
If you suspect that your hot water heater is not running as efficiently as it should, now is the time to call the professionals at Absotemp. An inefficient hot water heater is costing you money every day. Spending a few dollars for professionals service could actually save you money in the long run.