The holiday season is officially upon us. You’ve probably already got your freezer stocked with holiday goodies, a list of gifts to buy, and plans to make your home warm and inviting for family and friends. But wait… did you remember to check up on your water heater?

Water heaters aren’t typically on anyone’s holiday prep list. However, as the temperatures drop and your hot water needs ramp up, neglecting your water heater could lead to unexpected disasters and frustrating interruptions to your holiday plans.

Why Your Water Heater Needs Extra Attention During the Winter

During the colder months, our water heaters have to work harder than ever. That is why it is important to schedule your regular water heater maintenance before the winter weather sets in.

Here are two reasons why the colder temperatures make your water heater work overtime:

1. There is colder air and water coming into your water heater. 

Chances are, your water heater is down in your basement or in the corner of your garage—areas that aren’t heated, or at least not heated as well as the rest of the house.

The colder air surrounding your water tank means your unit has to work even harder to keep the water inside warm. If you’ve got a hybrid heat pump water heater, it will take more energy consumption during the winter months to get it to your desired temperature.

The water that is coming into your tank is going to be colder than normal too. Remember, your water has to travel through underground water pipes to get to your home in the first place.

During cold weather, your water heater has its work cut out for it.

It is fighting against heat loss and extra cold water supply.  If you already have an older unit, this non-stop work can lead to inefficiencies or full-on breakdowns.

2. Colder weather means we want more warm water.

Let’s face it—nothing beats a warm shower when it’s freezing outside. The colder it is, the more we want to linger inside the steaming hot shower to warm up.

Plus, if you are hosting holiday guests that means your hot water heater has even more people to keep warm and happy.

A little extra attention to your water heater now can help protect your holiday gatherings from disaster and give you time to prepare if you need to make a switch.

3 Holiday Water Heater Tips to Keep Your Gatherings Disaster-Free

  • Schedule Regular Water Heater Maintenance: If it’s been more than a year since your last water heater maintenance, it’s time to give us a call.During your appointment, one of our water heater experts will flush your unit to clear out sediment buildup. They will also perform an inspection to ensure your water heater is free of corrosion and functioning safely and efficiently.
  • Add an Emergency Alert System: Water heater leak detectors can alert you to any potential issues, even when you are away. Being able to catch leaks early can save you from costly water damage or other unexpected disasters.
  • Use Vacation Mode: If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, DO NOT turn off your hot water heater.

Turning off your water heater can actually cause a slew of unwanted disasters.

If you’re interested in saving energy while you are away, use your water heater’s vacation mode setting. With vacation mode, your water heater stays at a slightly lower water temperature but stays warm enough to keep your hot water supply bacteria-free. Upon your return, all you will have to do is switch the water tank back to its usual setting and you’ll have hot water again in no time.

Maintain Your Water Heater to Reduce the Risk of Holiday Disaster

We all know how disaster tends to strike when you least expect it. The last thing you want is for your water heater to throw a tantrum while you’re already stressed about cooking the perfect holiday ham. You definitely don’t need a side of cold showers, not-so-clean dishes, or piles of dirty laundry with your apple pie.

Give yourself (and your guests) the gift of peace of mind this holiday season. (925) 492-7672 to schedule your regular hot water heater maintenance today.

Our water heater experts will ensure your unit is in tip-top shape before the gatherings begin.

If we do find any issues with your appliance, we won’t pressure you into a replacement. We will never sell you a water heater you don’t want or need. Instead, we will give you the information you need to make the best decision for your household.

No one wants to cut a holiday vacation short or to deal with a disaster upon your return.  Call (925) 492-7672 to keep unexpected water heater disasters off the holiday menu.