The average U.S. household uses 36,000 gallons of water per year, which is a lot of hot water. Electric and gas water heaters are the most common type of hot water heater in the U.S.
According to the American Gas Association (AGA), approximately 50 million gas water heaters are in use throughout the United States today. This means more than half of all households have access to gas-powered hot water.
The number of electric water heaters in use is much smaller than those powered by natural gas or propane, but they still account for about 35% of all installations in the country.
The most common electric and gas water heaters are used in houses to provide hot water for all the activities that you do on a daily basis. These include taking a bath, washing clothes, cooking food, and many more. However, these appliances consume a lot of energy and can become unhealthy if not maintained properly.
In this article, water heater experts in Stafford, VA, are going to tell you how you can easily turn off your electric and gas water heater and give some valuable tips on maintaining water heaters.
Importance of Turning off Water Heaters
Turning off water heaters are a simple way to save money and energy. If you spend more than $200 per month on your energy bill, then the cost of turning off the water heater can easily pay itself back. The average cost of turning off the water heater is less than $10 per year.
If you are not sure why should you turn off water heater when water is off, then here are a couple of reasons:
Reduce Energy Costs
The biggest reason that people turn off their water heaters is to save money. When you leave your water heater on 24/7, it’s constantly heating up the water in your tank. This means that you are paying for this energy to be used every single day, even if you aren’t using any hot water at all!
Save Water
Many people don’t realize that energy isn’t the only thing wasted when you keep your water heater on all the time. Anytime the temperature in your tank rises above the set point on your thermostat, you are also wasting a lot of water! When this happens, excess heat causes water to evaporate into the air around your tank and then cool down again before it ever reaches your faucet or shower head. This means you could be wasting as much as 5 gallons of hot water daily!
Energy Conservation
Water heaters are one of the most energy-consuming appliances in a household. Turning them off when unnecessary can help conserve energy and reduce utility bills. By avoiding unnecessary heating of water, you contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing carbon emissions associated with energy production.
Extended Appliance Lifespan
Turning off your water heater is important because it helps to prevent scale buildup in the tank. Scale is a mineral deposit that forms over time when water is heated and cooled repeatedly in the same container. The buildup can cause corrosion, which results in leaks and other issues. As long as you’re turning off your radiator when it’s not being used, though, you can avoid this problem altogether!
Safety Precautions
Turning off water heaters is also an important safety precaution to take when you’re not using them. If left on, the water heater can become a fire hazard since there’s always a risk that a gas leak will occur if the pilot light goes out or if there’s no ventilation in your home. This can lead to serious injuries or even death for those who live in close proximity to the appliance.
Environmental Impact
Reducing energy consumption through water heater optimization contributes to environmental sustainability. By conserving energy, you reduce the demand for fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving water, which is indirectly related to water heating, is also crucial for environmental conservation, as water scarcity is a growing concern in several parts of the world.
When Should You Turn Off Water Heater?
Are you curious about when to turn off your water heater?
Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. There are actually a lot of factors involved in determining whether or not it’s a good idea for you to turn off your water heater at any given time.
Here we have compiled the four main reasons why you should consider turning off the water heater and how to do so safely.
Extended absence from home
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to turn off your water heater. This will prevent fuel from being wasted and help lower your utility bill when you return. Leaving the water heater Stafford County VA on while the house is unoccupied can also lead to increased energy costs and safety risks.
Seasonal use
If you live in a temperate climate and only use your water heater during winter, it may make sense to turn it on when needed. If you live in a colder climate and use your water heater year-round, leave it turned on to prevent freezing pipes and other damage that could occur if the system shuts down suddenly due to cold weather conditions outside.
Routine water heater maintenance
If your water heater needs routine maintenance or has already been serviced recently but still isn’t operating properly (e.g., leaking), shutting off power completely is recommended as a last resort measure until repairs can be completed safely without risking further damage to property or injury from exposure hazards posed by open flames inside an unvented combustion chamber (e.g., gas leaks).
Emergencies or safety concerns
In case of emergencies such as leaks, gas odors, or other safety concerns related to the water heater, it is recommended to turn off the unit immediately. This can help prevent further damage or potential hazards, and you should contact a professional to address the issue promptly.
How to Turn Off Gas Water Heater?
Your gas water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. It makes sure that you have hot water at all times, which is essential if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, there are times when you need to turn it off for different reasons. So how do you turn off your gas water heater?
Here’s how to turn off hot water heater:
Locate the gas supply valve.
The gas supply valve is usually located on the gas line leading to the water heater. It’s typically a lever or a dial that can be turned to control the gas flow. Locate the valve and ensure it is easily accessible.
Turn off the gas supply.
To turn off the gas supply to the water heater, rotate the gas supply valve clockwise until it is fully closed. This shuts off the flow of gas to the burner and prevents the water heater from heating.
Verify that the gas is off.
Once you’ve closed the gas supply valve, it’s a good idea to verify that the gas is indeed turned off. You can do this by checking the pilot light or burner flame. If it’s still lit, the gas supply might not be fully closed. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to contact a professional to assist you.
Turn off the water supply (optional).
If you’re planning to turn off the gas water heater for an extended period, you might also want to consider turning off the water supply. Locate the cold water valve, which is typically located above or near the water heater, and turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow.
Remember, when turning off a gas water heater, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. If you’re unsure about the process or if you encounter any issues, it’s recommended to consult a professional water heater repair plumber.
How to Turn off Electric Water Heater?
The electric water heater is a device that produces hot water for use in the home. It consists of an electric heating element, which heats the water, and a tank that stores the heated water. There are times when you may want to turn off the electric water heater to save money or if there is a problem with it. So how do you do that?
To learn how to turn off a water heater, follow these steps:
Locate the breaker panel.
The breaker panel, also known as the electrical service panel or circuit breaker box, is usually located in a basement, garage, utility room, or exterior wall. Find the breaker panel for your home and identify the circuit breaker that controls the electric water heater. The breaker should be labeled, but if it isn’t, you can refer to the user manual or consult an electrician for assistance.
Turn off the circuit breaker.
Once you’ve located the circuit breaker for the electric water heater, switch it to the “Off” position. This cuts off the electricity supply to the water heater, ensuring it doesn’t heat the water while it’s turned off.
Verify that the power is off.
After turning off the circuit breaker, verify that the power to the water heater is indeed off. You can do this by checking the control panel or thermostat on the water heater. Make sure the display is off and that there are no signs of power or heating activity.
Consider additional safety measures.
If you want to take extra precautions, you can also shut off the water supply to the electric water heater. Locate the cold water supply valve, which is typically located above or near the water heater, and turn it clockwise to close it. This ensures no water enters the tank while the heater is off.
When turning the electric water heater back on, reverse these steps by turning the circuit breaker back to the “On” position and, if applicable, opening the cold water supply valve.
8 Tips for Maintaining Your Water Heater
The water heater is arguably the most important appliance in your home. It’s not just for hot showers and laundry—it also provides clean drinking water, which is essential for good health.
If you have a gas or electric water heater, there are some simple ways to make sure it works properly and lasts a long time. You don’t have to be an expert to keep your tank in good shape!
Here are 8 tips for maintaining your water heater:
Read the manufacturer’s instructions.
This is an obvious tip, but it’s important to follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and general maintenance to keep your water heater working for as long as possible.
Regularly inspect for leaks or drips.
A small leak can lead to big problems with your water bill and even cause flooding in other areas of the house. Make sure to regularly check all of the hoses and connections that lead into or out of your water heater tank to ensure there aren’t any cracks or holes that need repairing or replacing.
Flush the tank annually.
This tip is simple, but it’s an easy way to keep your water heater running smoothly. Simply pour a gallon of water into the top of the tank to help remove any sediment buildup. This will keep your water heater operating efficiently and prevent it from clogging up with minerals and other contaminants that can cause corrosion or damage to internal components.
Test the pressure relief valve.
This one is also simple: You should test your pressure relief valve monthly by turning off the water supply at the wall and opening up the drain valve on top of the tank. This will let you know if there are any leaks or problems with this part of your system.
Insulate the pipes and tank.
If you live in a place with cold winters, you probably aren’t thinking about heat right now, but by insulating your pipes and tank with R-value insulation (like fiberglass), you’ll keep things running smoothly during those cold months when you’re not using much hot water.
Check the anode rod.
If rust starts forming on the anode rod inside your tank, it’s time to replace it before corrosion gets too far along and causes permanent damage to your heater. You can usually buy replacement rods at hardware stores or plumbing supply stores; just make sure they match up with your specific type of heater!
Maintain proper temperature settings.
Set the water heater temperature safely and efficiently, typically around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). This temperature provides sufficient hot water for most household needs while reducing the risk of scalding and minimizing energy consumption.
Clean the area around the water heater.
Make sure that the surrounding area of your water heater is clear of flammable materials, debris, and other objects. This helps maintain proper airflow and accessibility for maintenance or repairs.
Need Help? Call Professional Water Heater Repair & Installation Expert in Stafford, VA!
If you’re looking for a professional, reliable water heater repair and installation expert in Stafford, VA, you’ve found the right place!
At Haynes Plumbing Services, we’ve been the go-to name in plumbing for two decades. We are proud to offer all of our customers the best service experience possible—we’ll work with you to make sure you get exactly what you need at a competitive price.
We offer a wide range of services:
- Water heater repair and installation
- Electric water heater repair and installation
- Gas water heater repair and installation
- Tankless water heater installation & replacement
- Drain cleaning
- Leak detection
- Garbage disposal installation
- Backup testing
- Faucet repair and replacement
- Toilet repair and replacement
- And many more…
Our team of experts has more than 30 years of combined experience and is ready to help you with any plumbing issue you may be having. Our focus on customer satisfaction is what sets us apart from other plumbers in the area. When you hire us to perform your water heater repair or installation, you can expect a job well done in a timely manner at affordable prices.
Our Water Heater Technicians in Stafford have access to the best parts and accessories available on the market today. Our technicians are always up-to-date with industry standards, so they can provide quality workmanship while making sure that your water heater lasts as long as possible.
Whether you have a broken hot water tank or need help installing a new one, we’re ready to help! Call us today at (540) 659-3295 for an appointment.