Summer Vacation Tips: How to Prepare Your Water Heater for an Extended Absence

Summer Vacation Tips: How to Prepare Your Water Heater for an Extended Absence

Planning for a summer vacation can be exciting, but it’s essential not to overlook the necessary preparations for your home. One often neglected aspect is the water heater. We will provide you with some valuable tips on how to prepare your water heater for an extended absence, ensuring its efficiency and longevity. 

Ways To Stay Cool    

 

  • Turn off the Water Heater  

    One of the first steps before you embark on your vacation is to turn off your water heater. Locate the circuit breaker or the gas valve and switch it off. This will prevent the water heater from continuously heating the water, saving energy and reducing the risk of any potential malfunctions or leaks in your absence.

     

  • Drain the Water Heater  

    Drain your water heater before leaving to avoid any damage caused by stagnant water. Begin by turning off the water supply valve, usually found near the cold water inlet. Next, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and direct it to a suitable drainage area. Open the drain valve and allow the water to flow out completely. Once drained, close the drain valve and remove the hose. Be cautious with this step, as the water inside the tank may be hot.  

      

  • Insulate the Water Heater
    Adding insulation to your water heater is an effective way to minimize heat loss during your absence. This step is particularly beneficial if you plan to turn off the heater but want to maintain the water in the tank. Use an insulating blanket or jacket designed specifically for water heaters. Wrap it around the tank, ensuring you leave access to the controls and safety features. Insulation will help retain the heat, conserving energy and reducing the workload on the heater when you return. 

  • Perform Maintenance Tasks 

    Before leaving for your vacation, it’s an opportune time to address any maintenance tasks that may be due for your water heater. Check for leaks, rust, or any signs of damage. If you notice any issues, consult Reliance Heath Water Heater Rentals to resolve them promptly. Additionally, consider scheduling a regular maintenance appointment to ensure your water heater is in optimal condition upon your return.

Preparing your water heater for an extended absence is a vital part of getting your home vacation-ready. By following these tips – turning off the heater, draining the tank, insulating it, and performing necessary maintenance you can save energy, protect your water heater, and enjoy a worry-free vacation. 

Rent With Us

Looking for a water heater or softener but unsure about making a significant upfront investment? Look no further than Reliance Heath Water Heater Rentals. We provide convenient and cost-effective rental options to meet your needs. With our annual rental program, you can enjoy the benefits of a dependable water heater and softener without the financial burden of purchasing them outright. Rest assured, we take care of everything, including exceptional service and regular maintenance checks, all included in the rental price. Discover the advantages of our rental program and make the most of the exceptional offerings we have available! 

Contact Us 

Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of an energy-efficient water heater and ensure its longevity? If you would like to schedule your maintenance check or need additional information on preparing your water heater for an extended absence, contact us today. Our team of experts is here to assist you and provide the guidance you need to take the first step toward a worry-free vacation. 

 

The Benefits Of Upgrading To A High-Efficiency Water Heater and Softener

The Benefits Of Upgrading To A High-Efficiency Water Heater and Softener

Upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener is an excellent investment for homeowners. These appliances offer several benefits, including cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and increased comfort. Listed below is a closer look at the advantages of upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener. 

Longer Lifespan Advantages Of Upgrading   

 

  • Lower Energy Bills
    One of the main benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener is that it can significantly reduce your energy bills. Traditional water heaters and softeners are known to be energy hogs, consuming large amounts of electricity or gas to operate. In contrast, high-efficiency models use less energy to produce the same amount of hot water or soften the same amount of water.

    High-efficiency water heaters and softeners are designed to operate more efficiently, requiring less energy to run. In addition, they are typically equipped with advanced features, such as better insulation, improved heating elements, and more innovative controls, that help to reduce energy consumption. As a result, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills each year. 

     

  • Increased Energy Efficiency

    Another advantage of upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener is that it helps improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. High-efficiency appliances use less energy to perform the same tasks as traditional models, producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions. 

    By upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to protect the environment. This is particularly important today, where climate change is a pressing concern. 

     

  • Increased Comfort
    A high-efficiency softener can also improve comfort by removing hard minerals from your water supply. Hard water can be tough on your skin, clothes, and appliances, leading to a range of issues like dry skin, damaged clothes, and clogged pipes. You can enjoy softer skin, cleaner clothes, and better-functioning appliances by softening your water.

     

  • Longer Lifespan

    High-efficiency water heaters and softeners are designed to last longer than traditional models. They are typically made with higher-quality materials and feature advanced components that are less likely to fail. 

    By investing in a high-efficiency water heater and softener, you can enjoy reliable performance for years to come. This can save you money on costly repairs or replacements and provide you with peace of mind. 

     

    Upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater and softener is an excellent investment for homeowners. It offers several benefits, including cost savings, improved energy efficiency, increased comfort, and a longer lifespan. By making this change, you can enjoy these benefits and improve your quality of life at home.

    Rent With Us

    At Reliance Heath Water Heaters, we rent both water heaters and softeners to help provide convenience and a cost-effective solution. Our units are rented annually to save you money up-front from buying a water heater and softener. When you rent with us, we provide you with servicing and routine maintenance checks at no additional cost. Take advantage of all our rental program has to offer!  

    Contact Us 

    No matter your water heater needs, Reliance Heath Water Heater Rentals is here to help. So make the switch today to a high-efficiency water heater and softener without paying for the change all at once. For more information, be sure to contact us today. 

     

    How Do The Parts Of Your Water Heater Function?

    How Do The Parts Of Your Water Heater Function?

    A water heater is an essential appliance in any home that provides hot water for various purposes, such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. There are several parts of a water heater that work together to heat the water in your home and make it available for use. 

    The Parts Of A Water Heater   

    1. Tank – This is the primary storage unit of a water heater that holds the hot water. It is usually made of metal and is insulated to maintain the temperature of the water. Caution, this can be hot to the touch.
    2. Thermostat – The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of the water in the tank. It can be adjusted to reach the desired temperature and maintain it. Before adjusting this yourself, we recommend calling the experts. 
    3. Heating Element – This is the part of the water heater that heats the water. It is usually located at the bottom of the tank and is made of metal.
    4. Dip Tube – The dip tube is a long, narrow pipe that runs from the top to the bottom of the tank. It allows the cold water to enter the tank and be heated by the heating element.
    5. Pressure Relief Valve – This safety valve opens to release excess pressure if the water temperature gets too high.
    6. Anode Rod – The anode rod is a metal rod that protects the tank from rust and corrosion. It attracts the corrosive particles in the water and prevents them from damaging the tank.
    7. Cold Water Inlet Valve – This valve allows the cold water to enter the tank and be heated.
    8. Hot Water Outlet Valve – This valve allows the hot water to be dispensed from the tank and to the pipes in your home.

    Understanding these main parts will help you make informed decisions about the maintenance and repair of your water heater.

    Tips To Help Keep Your Water Heater In Shape

    • Clean the anode rod every year to help prevent corrosion and rust from building up in the tank. Be cautious when cleaning the anode rod, so you don’t burn yourself. If you’re in need of assistance, be sure to call the experts. 
    • Be sure to drain and flush the system once a year to help avoid sentiment build-up. 
    • Keep an eye on the water pressure levels, which should typically be between 50-120 psi. 
    • Watch your energy bills, if it begins to increase, it may be worth considering upgrading your water heater to a newer model. 
    • Book maintenance appointments so the experts can ensure everything is running properly.

    Contact Us 

    No matter your water heater needs, Reliance Heath Water Heater Rentals is here to help. Whether you require maintenance, a consult, or assistance, take advantage of our experts. For more information, be sure to contact us today.

    Lower Your Water Heater Bill

    Lower Your Water Heater Bill

    In Hot Water

    You just received last month’s water bill and well, let’s just say it was a bit of a shock! “Did I really use that much hot water?” you wonder to yourself as you reminisce on those nice warm baths and extra loads of laundry you did from all those weekends spent at the cabin. Well, maybe. Either way, the bill seems a little bit too steep to not make some minor tweaks to your water usage habits so the same thing doesn’t happen again next month. Today, we share our top tips for using less hot water and saving money on your water heater bill! 

    Time It Out

    Being strategic about when you’re using your hot water or not is a great way to help reduce costs. Based on the season, a lot of people will either turn down their furnaces or turn off their A/C in the evenings to save a few dollars and cut down on monthly costs. There’s no reason that the A/C has to be pumping all throughout the night. The same goes for your water heater. A water heater timer is a great option to help cut down your monthly utility costs. Set your desired times for it to turn on and off and see it pay off (literally) in the long run! 

    Decreasing Your Water Temperature 

    One of the easiest ways to help decrease your water heating bill is to go straight to the source. This means reducing the temperature of your water heater. Turning down the thermostat, even if it’s just a few degrees is one simple and sneaky way to cut down on overall costs. Head down to the storage room, unscrew the access panel and adjust the temperature. On most Bradford White water heaters, the standard temperature is typically set to 140 F. You’ll know that this is the case if the nob is at the halfway point between A and B. Slightly adjust the nob to the left, leaving it at around 120 F. 

    Replace Your Water Heater

    Your current water heater may have been kicking for the last 15-20 years…but over the last few months, you’ve noticed that it hasn’t been performing as well as it used to. It may be time to ditch your old, costly water heater and replace it with a newer more efficient option. Cue Reliance Heath! We use a durable and efficient lineup of gas and electric Bradford White water heaters.

    Our annual rental fee includes: 

    • Routine maintenance, free of charge
    • Complimentary servicing

    Bradford White Atmospheric Vent High Input Gas

    Save Money In the Long Run

    At Reliance Heath, our main priority is ensuring that all of our customers are happy, healthy and getting all of their hot water needs met..without breaking the bank! If you’ve troubleshot and tested all of our money-saving hacks and are still seeing no change in your hot water bill, replacing your water heater unit may be the next natural step. 

    Our team is just one quick phone call away! Connect with us and let us take care of all your hot water needs!