As the chill of winter settles in, ensuring your water heater is winter-ready becomes paramount for uninterrupted warmth and comfort. Amidst dropping temperatures, your HVAC system and water heater are vital components to safeguard against the icy cold.
In Edmonton, where winter’s bite is keenly felt, the expertise of expert HVAC contractors becomes indispensable for fortifying your water heater against the season’s harsh rigours.
Discover the essential maintenance practices and insights necessary to winter-proof your water heater and maintain optimal functionality, especially in Edmonton’s unforgiving cold, with the expertise of HVAC contractors in the area.
Insulating Your Water Heater: Shielding Against Frost
The first tip for water heater maintenance is to protect your tank and pipes. Insulation helps reduce heat loss and keeps your water heater from working too hard to maintain the desired temperature.
This can lower energy bills and prevent pipes from freezing in extreme cold. You can buy insulation blankets or jackets for your water heater tank at any hardware store. They are easy to install and usually come with instructions.
Ensure you don’t cover your water heater’s vents, valves, or controls. You can use foam pipe insulation or wrap the pipes with fibreglass or newspaper. You can also use heat tape or cables to prevent freezing pipes from being exposed to the outside.
Adjusting Temperature Settings For Winter Efficiency
The second tip for water heater maintenance is to adjust the temperature settings of your water heater for winter efficiency. Most water heaters have a default setting of 60 degrees Celsius, higher than most households need.
Lowering the temperature to 50 degrees can save you up to 10% on your energy bills and reduce the risk of scalding. It can also prevent mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater tank and pipes.
To adjust the temperature of your water heater, you need to locate the thermostat on your water heater. It may be behind a metal plate or a plastic cover. You can use a screwdriver to remove the cover and a flathead screwdriver to turn the dial.
You can also use a thermometer to check the hot water temperature at the faucet. If you have a gas water heater, you may need to relight the pilot light after adjusting the temperature.
Checking And Sealing Leaks: Keeping Cold Air Out
The third tip for water heater maintenance is to check and seal any leaks in your system. Leaks can waste water and energy, as well as cause damage to your home and water heater. Leaks can also let cold air into your water heater, lowering its efficiency and performance.
Inspect your water heater tank, pipes, valves, and fittings to check for leaks. Look for signs of dripping, rusting, corrosion, or cracking. You can also use a flashlight to look for moisture or mould around your water heater.
If you find any leaks, you need to fix them as soon as possible. You can use plumber’s tape, epoxy, or sealant to seal minor leaks. You may need to replace the faulty parts or call a professional plumber for significant leaks.
Draining And Flushing For Cold-Weather Resilience
The fourth tip for water heater maintenance is to drain and flush your tank at least once a year. Draining and flushing your water heater can remove sediment buildup, dirt, and minerals that accumulate at the bottom of your tank. These can reduce the efficiency and capacity of your water heater and cause noise, odour, and discoloration of your water.
Draining and flushing your water heater can prevent bacterial growth and improve water quality.
To drain and flush your water heater, turn off the power and water supply to your water heater. Then, you need to attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of your tank and run the other end to a floor drain or outside. Next, open the drain valve and let the water flow from your tank.
You may need to open a hot water faucet or the pressure relief valve to release the vacuum in the tank. After emptying the tank, you need to close the drain valve and refill the tank with cold water. You can repeat this process until the water runs clear. Finally, you need to turn on your water heater’s power and water supply and check for leaks.
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