Spring has officially sprung and things are finally starting to heat up. Peel off your parka and let the sun in. But while the outside may be getting warmer, don’t forget about the indoor temperatures. Do you remember the last time you looked in on your hot water heater? If the answer is no, it’s about time for a check-up.
Get to Know Your Water Heater
What do you really know about your water heater? You don’t need to be an expert—that’s what Nor-Can Heating and Air is for—but you do need to know some basics.
- Where your water heater is located: Most water heaters live in attics or basements, out of sight and out of mind. Take time to get acquainted with the space. Ensure that the area is clean and free of clutter.
- What type of water heater it is: Now that you’ve found it, it’s time to do some research. Is it powered by natural gas, electricity, or propane? Is it tankless? Take a moment to write down the model and serial numbers. For warranty and repair purposes, this will be invaluable information to a repair person.
- How to turn off your water heater: Sometimes emergencies happen and you’ll need to turn off the water heater for safety reasons. For example, smelling gas is a good sign that the heater should be turned off as soon as possible. In this type of situation, waiting for a plumber can be dangerous. Know your machine and know how to disconnect it if the need ever arises.
Regular Maintenance
Like any appliance, your hot water heater will need to regular maintenance in order to keep it in tip top shape and extend its lifespan. There are two main actions you can take to do this:
- Drain/flush your water heater: Once a year, drain a few gallons of water out of your water heater. If quite a bit of debris seems to be coming out, opt for a full flush. A full flush is when you turn down the temperature and completely drain the tank. Once the tank is empty, turn the water back on and let it flow in order to remove lingering sediment at the bottom of the tank.
- Have an annual inspection: Remember the experts we mentioned earlier? This is where they come in. A professional technician will be able to spot leaks, corrosion, or any other signs that your hot water heater needs some loving.
Even in the warmer months, lukewarm showers don’t quite offer the same joy as hot ones. Follow these simple tips to keep your hot water heater doing what it does best, so that you can go out and enjoy spring the way you do best. Time for an inspection? Give the experts at Nor-Can Heating and Air a call today!
