Preparing for winter weather is an annual ritual for most homeowners. There are certain things that you’re not to forget, like getting your furnace or boiler checked out, making sure your car tires can handle the conditions to come, storing your garden hoses, and a whole bunch more.

But when was the last time you thought about adding a water heater inspection to your winter preparation to-do list? Never, you might be saying? Well, it’s never too late to get with the program. You see, your water heater is more susceptible to repair issues and the potential to heat its last drop during the winter months than any other season. Partly, that’s because the colder the outdoor temperatures, the more showers we take – and longer ones at that – thus putting greater strain on your system.

During the winter, colder water is entering your house which makes your unit work that much harder still. Not to mention the fact that it’s probably located in an unheated space in your basement or elsewhere.

Here are a few things you can do to get the greatest amount of winter water heater production to keep it running better and longer.

Inspect the exterior of the water heater and area around it for rust, corrosion, or water puddling which indicates that you likely have a leak. This requires prompt attention from a licensed plumbing professional.

Check the hot water temperature.

Go to the faucet located farthest away from the water heater and use a thermostat to check the temp. For optimum efficiency and safety, the temperature should be around 120 degrees F. If it’s higher, dial back the water heater’s thermostat, wait a few hours, and check again. If the water temperature is higher than the water heater’s setting, there might be an issue with the thermostat.

Insulate the water heater to raise and maintain the temperature of the water inside the tank. Doing so boosts energy savings and makes the system work smarter, not harder, to deliver hot water to your faucets. It also can boost hot water temps by up to 4 degrees F and save you time and water as you wait for just the right water temperature for your shower or bath.

Drain the tank once a year to remove sediment and minerals that can build up at the bottom of the tank. Such buildups of calcium and other mineral deposits make a water heater work harder than necessary to heat water inside it.

Sounds gloomy, right? Well, it shouldn’t – not if you proactively make sure your water heater is getting the right amount of seasonal attention to perform up to its full potential. So, whether it’s winter or any other time of year, contact PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling today to schedule a full water heater inspection. The potential savings will far exceed the cost of the service.