The utility of water heaters is a seasonal factor, but it is nevertheless a long term investment. However, unlike most seasonal appliances like air conditioners, we often fail to pay attention to the maintenance requirements of water heaters. While air conditioners often undergo thorough annual cleaning and professional servicing at the start of the season to ensure greater efficiency, the same is rarely done in the case of water heaters. Professional servicing for water heaters is highly recommended for optional functionality and prevention of safety hazards. In this article, we will understand why annual professional servicing is an absolute necessity in the case of water heaters.
See also: A guide to AC servicing and maintenance
Enhanced energy efficiency
Professional servicing of water heaters involves processes such as checking and cleaning the components like the burner, heating elements and the tank itself. Sediment build-up and scale can form an insulation on the heating elements, thereby making the heater work harder to maintain temperature and resulting in higher energy consumption. Regular maintenance helps ensure that these components are clean and operating at their peak efficiency, thereby reducing your energy bills.
Extended lifespan
Water heaters are a significant investment and professional servicing is necessary to make the most of it as it helps extend their operational life. Technicians possess the requisite knowledge and expertise to replace worn-out components, address minor issues before they turn into something major and ensure that the system runs smoothly. All this greatly benefits the water heater and potentially adds to the unit’s lifespan.
Safety assurance
Safety issues like gas leaks, faulty wiring or pressure relief valve malfunctions can be detected and resolved in time with the help of regular inspections by a professional. These periodic safety checks are particularly crucial for gas-powered heaters to prevent hazardous situations like gas explosions or carbon monoxide leaks.
Prevention of costly repairs
In the process of routine maintenance, technicians can identify and fix minor issues before they develop into something major that might require costly repairs. For instance, detecting and replacing a corroded anode rod can prevent tank corrosion and extend the life of the heater, saving you from a more expensive tank replacement later on.
Consistent hot water supply
Regular servicing results in consistent and efficient performance, thereby ensuring a more reliable supply of hot water. Sediment build-up or faulty thermostats are some common problems that can occur and might lead to inconsistent temperatures or even a complete lack of hot water. These are some problems that can be prevented by getting your water heater regularly serviced.
Maintenance of manufacturer’s warranty
The warranty requirements and terms of several water heaters demand proof of regular professional maintenance. Failure to adhere to these requirements can void the warranty, thereby putting the entire responsibility of bearing the repair or replacement costs on the owner. Professional servicing validates your warranty and rids you of any liability of bearing repair costs for the tenure of the warranty.
Improved water quality
The quality of the hot water produced by your heater can be adversely affected by sediment and mineral deposits within the system. Professional service includes processes like flushing the tank, that help remove these deposits. This provides you with cleaner and healthier hot water suitable for domestic use.
Prevention of water damage
A malfunction in the water heater can result in leakage or bursting, potentially causing significant water damage to your home. Regular inspections can help detect issues like rust or corrosion in the tank, facilitating timely repairs or replacements to keep leaks and water damage at bay.
Optimal performance
With time, it is common for the various components of the water heater to wear out or display reduced efficiency. It requires technical knowledge to calibrate and adjust the heater to ensure it operates at peak performance that maintains optimal heating efficiency and reduces energy consumption. This can only be done with the help of professional servicing.
Peace of mind
The knowledge and security of the fact that your water heater has been professional services provides a peace of mind that it is less likely to fail unexpectedly. Regular maintenance ensures that you are aware of any potential issues. Keeping your water heater in good working condition reduces the likelihood of sudden breakdowns and inconveniences.
FAQs
Why is regular professional servicing necessary for my water heater?
Regular servicing ensures efficiency, safety and longevity of the water heater by detecting and addressing issues and hazards that might not be visible to homeowners.
How often should I have my water heater serviced?
Annual servicing is generally recommended to maintain optimal performance and prevent issues.
What are the signs that my water heater needs servicing?
Check for inconsistent water temperatures, strange noises, discoloured water, leaks or increased energy bills.
Can I perform maintenance on water heaters myself?
While basic tasks are manageable, comprehensive servicing should be done by a professional for safety and effectiveness.
How does professional servicing affect the warranty of my water heater?
Since some water heater warranties demand regular professional maintenance, it helps maintain the warranty coverage by meeting the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements.
What are the benefits of having my water heater serviced by a professional?
Servicing done by technicians offer expertise, safety, thorough inspections and efficiency which go beyond basic DIY maintenance.
What are the potential risks of neglecting professional servicing?
Increased breakdowns, higher energy bills, safety hazards and a shorter unit lifespan are some risks of neglecting professional servicing.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
