Storage tank water heaters are a major household appliance and can be expensive to replace, so it’s a good idea to keep your unit running as long as possible. Here are five water heater maintenance steps that you should take to maximize your water heater’s performance and longevity.

1. Set the Temperature Lower. Not only is having the water temperature set too high inefficient, it’s can also damage your tank. Keep the temperature under 125 degrees. Refer to the owner’s manual and follow the procedure given to adjust the temperature safely.
2. Drain the Tank. All water heaters experience some buildup of sediment at the bottom of the tank, and should be drained at least once a year. Refer to your owner’s manual to learn how to drain the tank.
3. Insulate Your Tank. If you have an older storage tank water heater, it likely could use some insulation to minimize standby heat loss – the heat energy that’s lost to the environment around the water tank as hot water sits unused for lengthy periods. An insulating blanket or jacket can drastically reduce this heat loss. Modern water heaters, however, usually come pre-insulated.
4. Check the T&P Valve. One of the most important heater components is the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve. You should check it at least once a year to make sure it’s working. It’s easy and quick: First, lift the T&P lever part of the way up and let go all at once; then when it snaps back, there should be a gurgling sound from water flowing into the drain tube. If you don’t hear the water flowing, you should replace your valve.
5. Use the Vacation Setting. Most gas water heaters have a ‘vacation’ setting that you can turn on if you’re leaving for a trip. This will save energy from needlessly heating water, and save wear and tear on your system. As an alternative, you can just turn off the water heater entirely while you’re gone.

If you have any other questions about water heater maintenance for your Peachtree City area home, please contact us at Powers Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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