Reasons to Maintain the Water Heater
It may be easy to forget since the water heater sits in the corner, but it is one of the home's most expensive and necessary appliances. Even during normal operation, the water heater uses so much energy it accounts for up to 30% of monthly utility bills. When the water heater fails, there is no hot water for washing or bathing.
Due to its importance, it is vital to give it some attention occasionally to maximize its efficiency and keep it operating reliably. The best way to do this is with periodic professional water heater maintenance. Here is a quick guide discussing the maintenance steps, their benefits, and how often to do it.
What Do Professionals Do During Water Heater Maintenance?
Water heaters may seem complex, but a few simple parts work together to make and store hot water. Each step completed during water heater maintenance ensures that each constituent part works optimally to keep the unit reliable and efficient. Most water heater maintenance visits start with the tank being drained and flushed to remove solids that can settle in the bottom of the tank.
While the tank drains, technicians will remove access panels and check thermostats, heating elements, and burners, cleaning them if necessary. Once enough water has drained from the tank, technicians will pull the anode rod to ensure the unit is protected against corrosion. Finally, all valves are opened and closed fully to ensure complete operation. Once these steps are complete, the water heater will be ready for months of effective service.
Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance
Water heater maintenance is a cost-effective service because it acts as an investment in the water heater. By paying technicians upfront for routine water heater maintenance, homeowners can save tons of money on monthly bills and emergency repairs through increased efficiency and improved reliability. The service can also restore lost hot water volume by improving the performance of the burner or heating elements, removing sediments that interfere with heating, and reducing total water volume.
How Often Is Water Heater Maintenance Recommended?
This is a common question asked by curious and thoughtful homeowners. The most straightforward answer for most homes is that annual maintenance is adequate. However, a few factors will influence the frequency of water heater maintenance. First, the water quality coming into the home will cause more sediment to settle in the tank if it is highly turbid or hard. In these cases, it will be more beneficial to flush the tank out more often to remove the scale at the bottom of the tank.
The second factor influencing the maintenance interval is the amount of use. Commercial water heaters work harder than residential homes, and their maintenance should reflect that. Even in homes with undersized water heaters or many people constantly showering and doing laundry, maintenance should be done more often.
About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning
PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning offers a Home Care Club program designed to lower bills and prevent problems with every home’s HVAC and plumbing system. Their teams also handle plumbing problems like water heater repairs with accurate diagnosis and offer budget-friendly options. Call today for water heater maintenance in Staten Island, NY.
