Most homeowners don’t give their hot water heater any thought until they take a very unexpected and unwanted cold shower. Here’s why “out of sight, out of mind” isn’t such a good idea when it comes to your heater.
Why Flush?
Over the lifetime of your water heater, sediment builds up. This sediment is made up of minerals that come from your water and corrosion inside the heater. This sediment builds up and causes several problems.
One problem caused by sediment is lower energy efficiency. Gas heaters have a gas element at the bottom of the water tank and heat the water from the bottom of the tank up. A large layer of sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank makes it more difficult heating through this sediment.
If you have an electric heater, there are two elements with one located in the lower part of the heater. The lower element has a more difficult time heating the water because of sediment. Your heater must work harder to heat through the sediment, costing you more money.
Another problem caused by sediment build up is clogs. The sediment can move through the pipes in your home. This eventually leads to clogged faucets and a buildup in your home’s plumbing lowering your water pressure.
How Often?
How often you should drain your heater depends on the number of people in the home. Homes with one to two people should drain the heater every 12 months. With three to five people living in a home, every eight months is sufficient. Homes with six or more people should flush their heater every six months.
Keep Your Water Heater Working
If your water heater is long overdue for cleaning, give us a call at Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. Our experts can do the work for you and make sure your heater is working properly.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area