Having hot water is a luxury, but when you step into the shower half asleep at 6 o’clock in the morning to be smacked in the face with cold water, you realize hot water is a necessity. The average water heater lasts on average 8-12 years. What if we told you that you could prolong the life of your unit with the correct maintenance? You’d get on board, wouldn’t you? Here are 5 tips and tricks for extending the life of your water heater.
Lower the temperature setting on your water heater
The average temperature setting on a water heater is over 130 degrees Fahrenheit, but setting it between 115 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature will save you money on your energy bill and will reduce the chance of your water heater over-heating.
Inspect the temperature & pressure relief valve
The temperature and pressure relief valve is the safety valve on your water heater. To prevent an explosion from built up pressure, surplus pressure and temperature are expelled through this valve to keep your unit running safely.
To check your T&P valve:
- Lift the lever partway and allow it to snap into place
- Once back in place, you should hear a gurgling noise as the valve sends water to the drain
- If there was no noise, contact MRW Mechanical for an inspection and replacement valve
Preform a mini-flush on your water heater
Sediment builds up in your water heater tank over time, which can corrode your tank and decrease efficiency. Regularly flushing your water heater can help prevent these issues. The hardness and acidity of the water in your area will influence how often you need to flush you tank.
How to flush your water heater:
- Shut off the power to your electric water heater
- Place a bucket under the drain valve
- Carefully open the drain valve by turning it counter-clockwise (water will be scolding hot, be extremely careful)
- After emptying 1-2 gallons, shut the drain valve by turning it clockwise
- Turn the power to your electric water heater back on
Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket
Wrapping your water heater in an insulated blanket helps reduce standby heat loss, therefore reducing your energy consumption. You can also do this with exposed pipes for the same results.
Get an annual professional water heater inspection/tune-up
Having your water heater tuned-up by a certified, trained professional regularly can help avoid costly repairs as well as extend the life of your water heater. MRW Mechanical will inspect areas of your water heater that you do not have safe access to as well as inspect and clean your burner and exhaust flue, check for leaks and corrosion, and recommend any replacements if necessary.
Before it’s too late, call MRW Mechanical today to set up your water heater tune-up by calling us a (781) 639-9222.