Water Heater Winter Maintenance Tips

As the temperature steadily drops and the days get shorter in Philadelphia, we know that winter is quickly approaching. There are some things you can do before the winter to make sure that your water heater is running efficiently, but what about during the winter? Because this appliance is under so much strain during the colder months of the year, it is more likely that issues will arise.

By understanding the main functions of your water heater, you can keep your appliance, and your home, safe from disaster. Winter is an especially important time to make sure this system is operating properly, because no one wants to take a cold shower when it is below freezing outside. To properly care for this appliance during all times of the year, and potentially save on utility costs, here are some water heater winter maintenance tips.

Professional Inspections

Hopefully, before the cold weather truly sets in, you have found a contractor through ServiceWhale and had them come out to run an inspection on your water heater. If you haven’t done so, you should. These professional inspections will be able to detect tiny issues you might have missed, and resolve them before they turn into catastrophes.

Self-Run Inspections

Throughout the winter, however, there are certain signs you can look for which will indicate whether or not your water heater is running properly. For instance, if you are unable to get hot water through your taps, this could be because something has gone wrong with your water heater. Or if your water has a metallic smell or taste to it, this could also be a sign that your water heater is failing on you.

Listen for loud popping or cracking noises when standing near your water heater. These are not normal noises and can reveal that there is built-up sediment in the tank. If you detect any of these issues, call your ServiceWhale contractor to have repairs performed.

In the Event of a Leak

Even in the middle of winter, leaks from your water heater can happen. When you notice one of these leaks, like water pooling around the base of your water heater, carefully cut off the fuel source and water supply to the appliance. This could prevent further damage to your home. You won’t have hot water until the issue can be addressed, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Temperature Settings for Water Heater Winter Maintenance

For water heaters that are running as they should, you can adjust the temperature to a lower setting. This will still provide you with a comfortable water temperature, but you could save on your utility costs. Usually, 140 degrees is suggested for the optimum temperature setting as you are able to maximize your water heater’s efficiency throughout the winter.

Cooler temperatures, even in the home, can affect your water heater’s efficiency. Instead of bumping up your thermostat to a million degrees (which we don’t recommend, ever), invest in a thermal blanket. You can wrap this blanket around your water heater, allowing for the appliance’s temperature to regulate and the heat loss rate to decline.

Are you concerned about your water heater’s performance for this winter? If so, be sure to follow these water heater maintenance tips and visit our website at ServiceWhale or contact us to find a Philadelphia-based contractor.