As an Australian homeowner, winterizing your compact storage hot water heater is an important part of home maintenance. By taking a few simple steps to prepare your hot water heater for the cold winter months, you can ensure that it operates at its best, and avoid costly repairs down the road.
The first step in winterizing your hot water heater is to turn down the temperature. Most hot water heaters are set to 140°F (60°C) as a default, but this may be too hot for winter months. Keeping the temperature around 120°F (49°C) will have less of an impact on your energy bills and help prevent scalding. You can adjust the temperature by turning a knob or lever on the side of the tank or by consulting your manufacturer’s instructions.
Next, check all pipes and valves connected to the hot water heater to make sure they are not leaking or damaged. If you find any leaks or damage, you should repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage or a potential safety hazard when using the hot water heater during colder temperatures.
It’s also important to drain any sediment from your tank at least once every year. Sediment can build up in tanks over time and reduce efficiency, so it’s important to flush out any sediment before it becomes too thick and affects performance. To do this, you will need to attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank and slowly open it up until all sediment has been flushed out into a nearby sink or drain. Once complete, shut off both valves and disconnect the hose before turning on your hot water again.
Finally, if you live in an area where temperatures regularly drop below freezing during winter months, it’s essential that you insulate all pipes leading into and out of your compact storage hot water heater with foam insulation sleeves. This will help keep them warm even during cold spells and protect against freezing temperatures that could otherwise cause serious damage over time.
By following these simple steps each year, you can ensure that your compact storage hot water heater continues working efficiently throughout winter months without incurring costly repairs down the road.