Your hot water heater is responsible for giving you and your family warm showers and baths as well as clean clothes & dishes. In this post, we go over some simple ways to care for your hot water heater that continues to work so hard for you!
1. Adjust the Temperature
The recommended temperature to set your hot water heater’s thermostat at is between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher or lower may be dangerous to you and your family. This is because higher temperatures can burn your skin, while lower temperatures can allow for bacteria growth in your tank – potentially leading to health risks such as Legionnaires’ disease.
2. Insulation
Similar to insulating your home, a really easy and affordable way to improve your hot water heater’s energy efficiency is to add some insulation. This can be done by first wrapping the pipes with some foam pipe sleeves. As for the tank itself, we recommend purchasing a water heater blanket insulation kit like the one below. This can actually help your tank heat up faster and save you some money on your energy bills.
Click here to view this product on Amazon.
Keep the Tank Clean
Over time, your hot water tank starts to collect sediment, which is solid debris such as sand or minerals collected from your well or water mains. A large build up of this sediment can reduce the amount of hot water available for your use and clog the drain valve. This why we recommend draining the tank to wash out the sediment once every few months. To do this, you can simply turn off your cold water supply, connect a hose to the drain valve on your hot water heater, and let the water drain into a bucket until it runs clear. This removal of the sediment will also allow your hot water heater to run more quietly.
How Can Bolton Help
There are many more things that you can do to ensure the efficiency of your hot water tank such as testing the TPR valve or checking the Anode Rod. If you would like our professional opinion or some service for your hot water heater, give us a call today! We can also make recommendations if you are looking to upgrade your hot water heater and preform the installation of the new unit.
Let’s Talk Tanks
Dial 828-253-3621 and a friendly Bolton Service staff member will connect you with a tankless water heater expert.
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