Home Energy – Nexxus Lighting

Water Heater Maintenance Procedures – How to flush / drain your water heater ?

Today we will talk to you a little bit about “How to Maintain Your Water Heater and keep it running smoothly“. Most people don’t even think about this simple maintenance procedures as long as everything is working properly, which is usually the case with solar hot water systems. But water heaters like anything else require appropriate ongoing maintenance to make sure that lasts as long as possible.
In this article, we will explain how you can perform an effective yearly draining of your gas water heater to ensure that it stays running properly but be careful ! You will be dealing with gas or electricity and also extremely hot water.

#Step 1: Determine if it’s Gas or Electric water heater

There are 2 basic types of water heaters, one powered by gas and the other by electricity. Check around the tank and just read any specific safety measures and labels.
NOTE : Don’t do anything unless you understand what you are doing (It’s not a game, you are dealing with gas or electricity)

#Step 2 : Find temperature and pressure relief valve , Water Drain and the main water Shut off Valve

The first thing is to locate the water shut off valve, it’s generally placed at the head of the hot water heater . This valve is usually similar to the circular water valves used for front.

The temperature and pressure relif valve is located on top also in the most cases . It should have labeling or some notes next to it . In the wall you can find a piping that leads out of the water heater. On the other side of the wall should the the continuation of this piping . Ensure that this is not faulting . This procedure is essential .

The last one is the water drain, it is placed on the bottom . It’s a simple spout which has some threads making sure that a hose is simply connected .

#Step 3: Turn Off Heating Source and Gather Supplies

Home Energy

Summer and Winter Energy Saving Tips

Below are some helpful energy saving tips:

Seal your drafts.
Close off your chimney.Your chimney is basically an open hole in your house, which cold air, hot air, and even rain have no problem going in to if it is not closed off. You can also use a heavy cover over your fireplace to prevent outside air from coming into your home in case it does come down the chimney.
Turn off your vents they’ve done their duty.You might think about vents letting air out, but not in. But really vents work both ways, and you can end up with outside air in your climate controlled building, Kitchen and bathroom vents are necessary, but turn them off when you’re done using them.
Be energy wise with your curtains. Since heat comes from the sun, it may be wise to close your curtains in summer to keep the sun out and open your curtains in winter to let sunshine in, However, if more cold air than sunshines come through in winter, you would better off leaving the curtains closed.
Keep your air conditioner or heater tuned up. Every machine runs more efficiently when it is being well-maintained, and making them work overtime is using unnecessary energy. Keep your filters changed, and have a mechanic look at your unit when you think its output is low.

Keep cold air out in winter and hot air out in summer by sealing all your drafts – around windows, doors and cracks in the building, using caulk if necessary. A good product to use around doors is the As-Seen-On-TV Twin Draft Guard. It moves with your door as you open and shut it. It’s also easy to use and inexpensive, It also works on windows that do not have screens.