According to the Consumer Energy Commission, nearly 25 percent of your energy dollars go to heat water. Traditional water heaters are designed to have hot water ready on demand, and thus you are paying to heat the water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are steps you can take to make sure your water heater is operating as efficiently as possible. Below are just a few basic maintenance guidelines for water heaters. (Note: Always wear gloves, goggles and protective clothing when you’re doing maintenance on a water heater.)

• Check the pressure valve. Both gas and electric water heaters have a pressure valve that releases any built-up pressure and keeps your tank from exploding. If this valve isn’t operating correctly, you could have a real mess on your hands. To check the valve, turn off the electric or gas source on the heater, as well as the cold-water intake. Position a bucket under the valve. Next, depress the valve lever. If you hear a rush of air, the valve is working properly. If not, it needs to be replaced.

• Flush the tank. Water heaters should be completely flushed twice a year to operate at peak efficiency. This gets rid of any sediment and dirt that may have accumulated in the bottom of the heater. To flush the tank, shut off the gas or electric source to the tank, as well as the cold-water intake. Connect a garden hose to the drainage valve. Place the other end of the hose in a clean-up sink or out the window, somewhere that won’t be damaged by scalding water. With the pressure-release valve open, open the drainage valve. Drain the tank completely, shut the valves, reconnect the cold water intake, and relight the pilot light or turn on the electricity.

Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough to save an aging water heater. If you are in the market for a new water heater in the north Texas area, give Crawford Servicesa call. We have more than 30 years experience in the heating and cooling industry.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Crawford Services provides heating, air conditioning and plumbing services to all of North Texas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!