Maintenance Tips To Prolong The Life And Improve The Efficiency Of Your Water Heater

Regular maintenance helps vehicle owners keep their cars operating safely and dependably for far longer than a vehicle that receives only shoddy maintenance. Appliance repair technicians know that the same is true for the appliances in the average home, especially those that are constantly in use like the hot water heater. If you are a homeowner who wants to take good care of your home's hot water heater so that it will continue to efficiently provide a good supply of hot water, but you have no idea where to begin, here are some basic care tips to get you started. 

Caring for the exterior of the water heater

Exterior rust is a common problem for hot water tanks, especially if they are housed in humid or moist conditions such as a basement or laundry room. To help protect the exterior from this type of damage, homeowners should include the hot water heater in their monthly cleaning plan, wiping it carefully to remove dust, dirt, and moisture. 

Applying an annual coat of car wax to the exterior is a good way to help keep it from rusting and extend its lifespan. In addition, the wax will help to prevent dust from sticking to the tank, making it easier to clean. 

When dusting or waxing the hot water heater tank, homeowners will want to be watchful for any signs of mineral deposits where water lines connect to the tank. If you notice this white or light green powdery residue, a leak may be forming. Homeowners will want to have the connections checked by a reputable HVAC contractor to prevent a larger leak from developing. 

Cleaning the interior of the hot water heater

Hot water heaters work by heating water with either electrical elements or a gas burner. During the heating process, minerals may settle inside the tank. This is especially problematic in areas where the water is considered to be very hard. Calcium, iron, and many other minerals are common in hard water. Homeowners who opt to install a water softener can reduce this problem, but only periodic cleaning of the interior of the tank will completely remedy it. 

The cleaning process involves draining the tank, removing an access panel and then manually removing all the sediment inside the tank. Once the mineral deposits have all been removed, the tank should be washed out and the access panel re-installed before the tank is allowed to refill and heat the water back to the pre-selected temperature. 

To learn more about maintaining a home water heater, homeowners should consider making an appointment with a trusted HVAC installation and repair service and observe them while they clean and maintain the water heater. Once you understand the process, you may want to begin cleaning your own water heater, or if time is critical, consider scheduling regular professional cleanings once or twice each year, depending on your usage habits. For more information, contact companies like R & B Inc Heating & Air Conditioning.