If you have a forced-air HVAC system and a gas-fired water heater in your Peachtree City home, you may not realize that they’re closely related. Both of these appliances are essential to your family’s daily comfort, and they’re also the two major energy consumers that affect your household utility bills.

What this means is that regular HVAC and water heater maintenance are both vital if you want have a truly energy efficient, comfortable home.

Water Heater Maintenance 101

As an energy-savvy homeowner, you probably already schedule HVAC maintenance on a semi-annual basis so your equipment operates at optimal efficiency. Establishing a corresponding care regimen for the water heater is an easy way to enjoy a reliable hot water supply, prolong the appliance’s lifespan, and prevent energy waste too.

To keep your water heater well-maintained, you should take these steps:

Test the T&P valve’s functionality.

This critical safety feature is in place to let excess heat/pressure escape so the tank doesn’t rupture or explode. If the valve is leaking or seized up, and water doesn’t drain out through its overflow tube when the lever is tested, it should be replaced.

Check the anode rod.

Water heaters have a sacrificial metal anode rod to preserve the tank from corrosion. Since the rod’s designed to corrode away, it’s important to periodically check how much material remains, and replace it when necessary.

Flush sediment out of the tank.

When water is heated, some dissolved minerals naturally precipitate out into solid sediment that gradually accumulates on the tank bottom. Draining, thoroughly flushing, and refilling the tank every year can help clear out the sediment so it doesn’t ruin the tank or erode your water heater’s energy efficiency.

Inspect for exterior corrosion and rust.

Significant corrosion around the tank seams and the various connections is a warning sign that your water heater is likely approaching the end of its useful lifespan. To avoid messy leaks or a sudden failure, now is the time to investigate your replacement options.

To schedule expert preventive maintenance for the comfort equipment in your home, contact us today Powers Heating & Air.