Tips and Tricks: Water Heater

Small water heater maintenance, big payoff.

When dealing with your water heater, it can definitely be intimidating. Here are a few water heater tips to help you out. Their size, their price, even the look can make you more than content to turn a blind eye to them. Out of sight, out of mind, right? However, there are a few easy things you can do to the water heater that can save you some extra cash — regardless of your DIY/handyman skill.

Here are a couple of water heater tips to jot down:

Set your water heater thermostat.

Know how to set your house’s thermostat to a desired temperature? That means you’re more than likely able to set your water heater’s thermostat as well. All it takes is turning the heater’s dial to the factory recommended setting, which is typically 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or below. (You also may need a screwdriver to remove temperature dials, but that’s still pretty simple.) Boom, a few extra bucks saved!

Insulate the tank.

Much like wearing a coat outdoors, insulating the water heater tank keeps it warmer for a longer amount of time. Keeping warm longer means preventing the inside of the tank from cooling off as quickly…in turn, preventing your water heating system from running as frequently as it would if the tank were not insulated.
All you need is an insulating blanket big enough to fit around the tank (and pipes; you can cut the blanket to size) and some foil tape to seal the blanket. If you have an oil or gas water heater, be sure not to cover the top of it with the blanket! However, electric water heaters can be covered with a piece of circular insulation and taped to the tank’s sides.

Insulate the pipes.

All you need here is self-sticking foam pipe insulation and a pair of scissors, and all you have to do is measure the length of your hot and cold water pipes, cut a piece of foam and wrap it around them!

Insulating the hot water pipes on your water heater keeps energy bills low, and insulating cold pipes can prevent condensation during the summer months.
If you find yourself needing help with anything water heater related, don’t chance it. Call the pros at (239) 261-1000 or contact us online. Get the job done right the first time!