If Your Water Heater Is Operating With Less Efficiency, You May Need Water Heater Repair | Keller, TX
Did you know that your water heater is one of the biggest energy consumers in your Keller, TX home? If you’re looking for ways to conserve energy and save money, your water heater can be a great place to start! In this article, we will discuss 6 tips for conserving energy. Implementing even a few of these tips can make a big difference in your monthly energy bill and save you from costly water heater repairs. So let’s get started!
Set Your Water Heater to the Correct Temperature
One of the easiest ways to conserve energy with your water heater is to set it to the correct temperature. The recommended setting for most water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hot enough to kill bacteria and other waterborne pathogens but not so hot that it poses a scalding risk.
If your water heater is set too low, it will have to work harder to maintain the water at a safe temperature, leading to increased energy consumption. Working harder also increases the unit’s wear and tear, leading to costly water heater repair services.
On the other hand, if it is set too high, you risk scalding yourself or wasting energy by heating water to a temperature you will never use. In either case, it pays to take a few minutes to adjust your water heater to the recommended setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so could save you money on your energy bill and prevent breakdowns that will require costly water heater repair services.
To find out what temperature your water heater is currently set at, consult your owner’s manual or a water heater professional.
Insulate Your Water Heater
While most water heaters come with some level of insulation, adding extra insulation can make a big difference in conserving energy. This will help keep the water hotter for longer, so you won’t have to run the heater as often. For example, a simple insulation blanket can help to reduce heat loss and lower the water heater’s operating costs by around 10%.
In addition, insulating the water heater can help to extend its lifespan by preventing corrosion and other damage caused by extreme temperatures. This will save you from water heater repair services and help you to avoid the expense of buying a new water heater altogether.
Drain the Sediment from Your Water Heater
Over time, sediment will build up in your water heater, making it less efficient and causing it to use more energy. This sediment can insulate the heating element, making it harder for the water to get hot. As a result, your water heater will have to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. Therefore, the sediment can cause your water heater to overheat and fail prematurely.
To avoid frequent repairs triggered by sediment buildup and conserve energy simultaneously, it’s important to drain the sediment from time to time. The frequency with which you need to do this will depend on the hardness of your water and the size of your water heater. However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to drain the sediment from your water heater every six months. This simple maintenance task can go a long way towards conserving energy and preventing frequent water heater repairs.
Install a Water Heater Timer
If you’re not using hot water, there’s no need to have your water heater running. By installing a timer, you can set your water heater to operate only during the hours you are actually using hot water. For example, if you typically take a shower in the morning and do laundry in the evening, you can set the timer only to heat the water during those times. This simple change can save you significant money on your energy bills.
Not only will this help to conserve energy, but it can also prevent your water heater from overheating and failing. This is especially important for areas like Keller, TX, which experience hot summers. Extended periods of high temperatures can lead to overheating and breakdown, resulting in costly water heater repairs. Therefore, using a timer to conserve energy and prevent overheating is a smart move.
Consider Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Water Heater
If your water heater is more than a few years old, it may be time to consider upgrading to a high-efficiency model. Newer models are much more energy-efficient than older ones and can save you significant money on your energy bills. In addition, high-efficiency water heaters often have features that can further conserve energy, such as automatic shut-off valves.
Not only will this help you to conserve energy, but it can also lower your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. If you’re looking for ways to green your Keller, TX home, upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater is a great place to start. Besides, older models are prone to frequent water heater repair services, so making the switch can save you money in the long run.
Replace the Sacrificial Anode Rod When Necessary
The sacrificial anode rod is a metal rod used to protect the water heater from corrosion. This rod is made of metals that are more reactive than the metal of the water heater, and it sacrifices itself to corrode instead of the water heater. Therefore, preventing corrosion in the tank ensures your water is working efficiently and conserves energy.
However, the sacrificial anode rod will eventually corrode away over time, leaving the water heater unprotected. When this happens, the water heater will start to corrode, which can lead to several problems, such as leaks. In addition, corrosion can cause the water heater to become less efficient and use more energy.
Therefore, it’s important to check the sacrificial anode rod from time to time and replace it when necessary. This simple maintenance task can go a long way toward preventing costly water heater repairs and conserving energy.
Let Us Help You Save Energy
At Tioga Plumbing & Electric, we are dedicated to helping our customers conserve energy and save money. We are a full-service plumbing company offering a wide range of services to meet your needs. Whether you need a new water heater repair or installation, we can help. We also offer various services, such as drain cleaning and leak detection. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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