Keeping your water heater well maintained and safe

People almost never think about their water heater maintenance until they have to. However – whether it’s your water heater or your HVAC system – they require careful attention and maintenance in order to keep your water heater well maintained and safe.

Water tanks and HVAC don’t always go together – but more and more – they’re being blended together and have a significant impact on each other’s function and also present many safety implications for your average homeowner. Remember to be safe around your water heater too!

Here are some tips to help you stay ahead of your water heater maintenance and out in front of problems before they occur:

In most homes – especially those with kids – a max water heater temp of 120 degrees is recommended. This should be hot enough to prevent bacteria from growing in the heater, but not to the point where its heat could be potentially harmful to kids.

Sometimes water tanks – for whatever reason – will get dangerously hot. And when they do – there’s a valve called a Y&P relief valve that can help prevent an explosion. It’s important to test this valve at least once a year to make sure it’s working correctly. And testing it is easy. Simply pull the handle up to make sure the water flows freely when the valve is open. Then pull it down and make sure the water stops flowing. And then there you go – you’ve tested it.

There should never be flammable materials near your water tank. That should include paper, liquids, cleaning products or any other kinds of debris that could easily catch fire.

You should always have a few of these in your home anyway, but in the event that you don’t, make sure you buy one. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer if there ever was one and can pose a danger to your family if undetected. Especially if you have a gas-fueled water heater, a Carbon Monoxide detector is a must.

If you’re planning on going away for a few days, then we recommend lowering the heat of your water heater. Not only will this save you a ton of energy (and money), but it’ll also help drastically reduce the chances of having a problem of some sort.

There are some tasks that simply require a professional. Whether it’s an HVAC technician, plumber or otherwise, we recommend that you know when to throw in the towel. When it’s a major repair or just seems like it’s major, then make sure you call a pro.

Follow these tips and not only will your water heater will work more efficiently, but you’ll be able to rest assured knowing you’re a little bit safer. Keeping your water heater well maintained and safe is important in this day and age. If you need a consultation from one of our HVAC pros, then call us today!