The water heater in your Kansas City area home works silently to keep you in hot water all year long, but without yearly water heater maintenance, you may be paying more for hot water than is necessary. Water-heating costs likely account for around 20 percent of your monthly utility bill, and properly maintaining your system is essential for keeping your energy bills down, extending your unit’s life, and preventing breakdowns that will leave you in the cold. A qualified technician will ensure your entire unit is in top working order, from tightening the gas and electrical connections to inspecting the ventilation components for safe and efficient operation, as well as attending to these essential maintenance tasks:
The TPR valve. The TPR, or temperature and pressure relief, valve is a safety feature that releases excess pressure and temperatures in your water heater tank, which can cause a rare but dangerous explosion. The valve is lifted up to release some water, and if the water continues to flow through the valve after it’s released, it will need to be replaced.
The anode rod. This metal anode rod prevents your tank from rusting and needs to be replaced when it’s coated with calcium or when it’s less than a half-inch thick.
Sediment. Sediment on the bottom of your water heater tank acts as insulation between the water and the heating element or pilot light, and can considerably raise your water-heating costs and shorten the life of your system. The tank should be drained and flushed at least once a year to remove the sediment.
Temperature setting. For most residential water heaters, setting the thermostat to 120 degrees is a simple way to save money on water-heating costs and extend the life of your system. Hotter temperatures not only pose a risk of scalding, but also promote corrosion and sediment buildup in your system.
For more expert information about the importance of water heater maintenance, please contact us at Overland Park Heating & Cooling, Inc., serving the greater Kansas City area with a high level of customer satisfaction.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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