Spring is here, and it’s a smart time to get your water heater checked and tuned up. A well-maintained water heater can reduce the cost of heating water for your home by up to 9 percent. And, if your HVAC technician recommends adding insulation, this can increase heat retention by up to 45 percent.
The benefits of annual water heater maintenance don’t stop at the electric meter. Flushing sediment from the tank and replacing the anode rod inside the tank will help the heater last longer by reducing corrosion and rust.
- Prepare for your technician’s visit by clearing out the area around the water heater. Maintenance is easier when the technician has easy access to the appliance.
- The technician will bring any tools needed, so don’t worry about that.
- If the area where your heater is located is dark, consider having a lamp handy so the technician can see clearly.
- If you have pets, it would be helpful to put them safely in another room for the technician’s visit so they won’t cause a hazard or distraction.
The technician will check the safety valves and examine the anode rod, which prevents corrosion inside the tank. If needed, it will be replaced. Next, they’ll drain the tank and wash out any accumulated sediment. Then they’ll examine the thermostat and make any needed adjustments. Lastly, the technician may add insulation to the pipes, or to the tank itself. The entire visit should take no more than one or two hours.
For more expert advice about water heater maintenance and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us and schedule a consultation today. We’ve been serving the Los Angeles area since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about water heater maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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