As the weather gets colder, your household is going to seek the comfort of hot water, which will put a heavier demand on your tankless water heater. Even though this kind of water heater is the most efficient, it still needs maintenance to function optimally. Fall is the perfect time to give this system some TLC to get it ready for winter when it will face heavier demands. Here are some fall maintenance tips that you can follow.
Have a Professional Flush the System to Remove Buildup
The first task on your list is to have a professional plumber flush out your water heater. Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, will build up in the unit over time. This is especially the case if you have hard water. This scale can reduce efficiency, cause damage to internal parts and shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
A professional will either use a descaling solution or some vinegar to flush out your system. Experts recommend that this be done once each year to maintain efficiency. Fall is the perfect time to complete this task because a bit of downtime to perform maintenance will not get in the way of anything.
Clean the Air and Water Filters
These water heaters have water and air filters that protect the system from dirt, dust and other types of debris. If either of these filters is dirty or clogged, this will interfere with efficiency as your system will need to work harder to keep up with hot water demands. Your electric bills will rise, and eventually, the system can become damaged or fail.
While the weather is mild, remove both filters and clean them thoroughly. Run them under warm water and scrub them with a soft brush. This will not only improve efficiency, but it will also enhance water quality.
Check the Venting System
If you do not want your system to burn up, you must make sure it has proper ventilation. Check the vent pipes to make sure they are not blocked by debris such as leaves or dirt. If there are any ventilation issues, this can potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you notice that something is not quite right, call for help straight away.
Inspect for Leaks and Corrosion
Now is the perfect time to give your water heater a thorough examination. Make sure there are no leaks, corrosion or rust. Even if a leak is small, it can lead to some serious problems, such as damage to internal components or your property. Nipping these issues in the bud now will save you thousands of dollars.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
While there are small tasks that you can do on your own, there is no substitute for professional maintenance. A plumber can thoroughly check your system, test components and make sure everything works as designed. And they can also spot hidden problems before they balloon into full-blown trouble. Fall is the best time to schedule a service. There is more availability since there is not a huge demand for service like there is in the winter.
Taking time now to perform these simple maintenance steps will save money, reduce stress and make sure your family enjoys endless hot water when it’s needed most. Schedule maintenance for your tankless water heater by calling R Buck in Pueblo, CO.