Don’t let your water heater leave you out in the cold this winter. Check out these common hot water heater problems and what you can do to remedy them.
Running Out of Hot Water
It’s time to tell your hot water heater, “It’s not you. It’s me.” We’re quick to blame a faulty hot water heater when we run out of hot water instead of blaming our behavior. It’s more common to run out of hot water in the winter because people typically take longer, hotter showers, and wash more dishes than they do in the summer. Want a quick way to fix your hot water blues? Show your water heater some love by wrapping it in a special blanket. This blanket will help insulate the tank, which will keep the water 10 degrees warmer than the thermostat is set at. Water also has a tendency to cool down when moving from Point A to Point B, especially if it has to travel far. Prevent heat loss by wrapping the pipes in foam insulation.
Scalding
We’ve all been there. The hot water begins to taper off and our natural instinct is to crank the shower dial all the way up. Then instead of being showered with ice cubes, streams of lava pour out of your facet. If your shower has a tendency to switch from scalding to frigid at the tip of a hat, this is no matter to take lightly, especially if you have children who are just learning how to operate the shower. It can take five seconds or less for scalding hot water to cause burns. The first measure you should take is to lower your hot water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Most heaters come with the factory setting of 140 degrees, which is often used at home shows to show how hot the water can get in a short period of time. While this might impress consumers, you’ll save your skin and energy by lowering the temperature. You can also install an anti-scald valve that maintains safe water temperatures, even when the water pressure changes. (Ie. Someone showering will not experience a burst of cold, followed by extremely hot water when someone else flushes a toilet)
High Energy Bills
Did you know that your hot water heater has to work much harder to heat water when your home is cold? The first, and easiest, way to save money on hot water is to implement water saving measures such as limiting shower times or washing your clothes in cold water. Are you saving water, but still not saving money? Replacing your hot water heater is an investment, so before you revamp your entire system, check to see if your high energy bills are linked to a drafty home. Many homes are drafty due to insufficient insulation or air leaks in doors and windows. If you fixed these problems and are still experiencing sky high bills, your old hot water heater may be the culprit. We recommend replacing it with a more energy-efficient model.
Mass Save Program
No matter your financial situation, making energy-efficient upgrades to your home is always a possibility. Mass Save is a wonderful government program that offers interest-free loans to homeowners who want to make upgrades, such as replacing their hot water heater. With this program, you might even be able to get your next hot water heater for free! Learn more about how Mass Save’s rebates can help you lower your energy bills.
When you take these tips into consideration, you can rid your home of these water heater problems and save hundreds on your energy bill. Do you think you’re paying too much to heat your home’s water? Call Wattson Home Solutions today to schedule a no-cost energy assessment and find out where your hard-earned dollars are disappearing to.
