Proper Maintenance And Insulation Of Your Water Heater Saves You Money

Water heaters are utilized in every home, yet they're the most neglected of appliances. Neglecting boiler maintenance can sometimes be dangerous. Furthermore, doing the maintenance tasks yourself can possibly cause harm to you personally or others in case not properly done. A professional, licensed plumber should be consulted.

Being a plumber, I get many calls every year for boiler problems, when boiler maintenance is sure to have prevented the issue. However, waiting until an issue occurs usually ends in a costly repair or complete replacement. Boiler maintenance should be an element of your routine maintenance schedules, consistent as your central air conditioning or automotive maintenance. I've many customers who call me for routine scheduled maintenance within their water heaters.

I perform three main maintenance tasks when servicing a water heater.

The very first task should be to check the water heating operating temperature. I am going to talk about this later listed here like i explain the applying of cost saving insulation jackets.
I additionally test the temperature and pressure relief valves. Testing the temperature and pressure valve insures the valves are working properly. Imperative these valves operate properly. Improper operation could create an unsafe condition.
I additionally flush pool water heater. This removes sediment deposits in the water-holding tank.

Something I have taken note time and time again is extremely few homeowners insulate their water heaters.

Water heaters have insulation, but unless your water heater has a minimum of R-24 insulation, I recommend installing an insulating jacket on your electric water heater. Installing the jacket will reduce your water heater's heat losses by 25% to 50%, reducing electricity use, thus adding substantial savings.

The first test I perform to indicate if your water heater has enough insulation is just to touch it. When the tank is warm into the touch, then you should seriously consider installing an insulating jacket.

Pre-cut jackets are inexpensive, and are available in different quantities of insulating value. I always recommend an insulating value of at least R-8.

Adjustment of your thermostat setting to the proper temperature is important on electric water heaters. Especially once an insulating jacket is directed. Heat trapped between lining of the boiler and the jacket may cause the wiring to overheat. Again, I recommend consulting a professional, licensed plumber for correct set-up.

Plumbers are often called once a problem exists. However, when it comes to your boiler, a plumber can prevent some huge cash by doing scheduled routine maintenance, preventing future problems from occurring.