Winter is almost here. That means your water heater is about to enter a season in which it will need to work harder. You may not realize this, but the cold weather causes your water heater to increase its performance in order to provide you with warm water throughout the cold months.
This is the best time to have your system inspected and maintained by a qualified professional. Four Seasons Air Specialists is your reliable heating company in Shoreview MN that offers a comprehensive process of maintaining water heaters.
Overview
Most water heaters are positioned in the basement or garage, a part of the house that isn’t consistently kept heated. The cold air around the tank of the water allows the heat inside the tank to escape at a faster rate. This causes the water heater to run longer to replace the lost heat.
Another reason why your water heater works harder during this time of year is that the water that enters the tank is much colder, which requires more energy to warm it up as it enters the tank.
In addition, this is the season where homes experience an increase in hot water use. Because of the frigid weather, we tend to use hot water for warm showers, which feels better when it’s cold outside.
For this reason, it is a great idea to ensure your water heater is properly maintained to keep it running as efficiently as possible. Here are simple steps you can take to achieve a smooth performance from your water heater.
Check the Water Level
It is essential to regularly inspect the heater’s water level for a couple of reasons. Firstly, if the water heater operates without water, this can easily damage the equipment beyond repair. And secondly, it can cause accidents and put your life in danger. Make sure that the pilot light is on as you check the water level.
Certain water heaters will have a safety feature that monitors the water level and automatically adds more water when it’s getting low. This allows the unit to automatically fill the water heater with the right amount of water and will instantly turn the system off if the water is at a specific level.
Inspect the Radiators
There are times where your radiators may be unable to heat up, particularly if the heater has not been used for months. If the bottom of your boiler’s radiator is colder than the top, it means that air is restricted in the system. The air needs to be let out by bleeding the radiators. If not, the system will not work properly, adding more pressure on your water heater and increasing your energy usage.
First, switch off the heating. Then, insert the key into the bleed valve. Turn the key counterclockwise for a quarter of a rotation and you should hear a fizzle as the air is released. When water starts to trickle, lock the valve and the process is done. You might need to top up the water heater pressure after that.
Check Air Vents and Flues
Water heaters need to have enough space around them to be properly ventilated. Make sure that wherever the system is placed is clear of mess. Also, watch out for dirt and debris that can pile up in vents and flues, causing it to be blocked and keep the water heater from working properly. It is recommended to have the vents and flues inspected on a regular basis. If you detect any obstruction, remove it to allow better air circulation in the system.
Have Your Water Heater Professionally Maintained
For best results, schedule an annual water heater maintenance with your preferred HVAC contractor. A qualified heating professional will be able to carefully inspect every component of your system and identify key areas that need special attention. He will also clean all dirty parts and lubricate all moving components to ensure the water heater works in tip-top shape.
Four Seasons Air Specialists is your dependable Shoreview HVAC company that can help ensure your water heater works as the manufacturer originally intended. Our licensed and certified heating professionals are manufacturer-trained and have the knowledge to keep your water heater in excellent condition.
