Ways To Increase The Efficiency Of Your Water Heater
Your water heater is an integral part of your home that ensures you access hot water when needed. However, some years after installation, you might notice your water heater getting inefficient.
Considering water heating totals 18% of the energy use around your home, increasing the efficiency of your water heater will help keep your home's energy consumption low. Below are tips that will help increase your water heater's efficiency.
Check for Leaks and Have Them Fixed
Despite leaks being a common plumbing problem, leaks have a significant effect on your home when ignored. Small leaks can cause an increase in your water bill by hundreds of dollars. Leaks also increase the amount of water that needs to be heated. Thus, it uses up more energy and causes higher bills.
You can identify water heater leaks by inspecting the water heater. Check for any signs of leaks or pools of water. Inspect the water pipes near plumbing fixtures to identify leaks and call in a plumber to fix any leaks you identify.
Occasionally Flush the Tank
Water contains mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals settle and build up at the base of the tank, forming sediment. Mineral sediment in water heater tanks forces the heater to work twice as hard. Additionally, these sediments can cause overheating problems and ruptures, which might damage the tank.
Fortunately, you can flush the tank occasionally to get rid of the sediment. Consider draining the water heater tank and flushing it out a few times a year. Getting rid of the sediment will make the heater more efficient. It will also help avert costly repairs which you would undertake in case of ruptures.
Insulate Pipes
Heat can also leak away in your pipes or hot water tank. When the water flowing through the pipes loses heat and gets cold, the water heater will need to reheat the water to compensate for the heat lost. Therefore, you will need to heat more water, and your water heater will need to draw more energy to heat it.
Insulating helps prevent heat loss, and thus, increases the efficiency of your heater. By insulating, you will be helping ensure the heat doesn't leak out by keeping it trapped inside the pipes. Thus, you won't need to keep reheating the water, resulting in less energy use.
Hire a Plumber
Inspecting your water heater to check for leaks and flushing the tank by yourself can be tedious. Due to their expertise, plumbers can quickly identify and repair leaks and flush the sediments out. Hire a plumber today for expert help in making your water heater more efficient.
For more information, contact a plumber in your area.
