Last updated 6 days ago
During the operational life of a home hot water heater, the appliance will require occasional maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. When water heaters run into problems, the signs may sometimes be quite subtle, but recognizing them early on can help you have them addressed by a qualified heating contractor.
- Sediment in your water: Over time, sediment can naturally build within your water heater as it replenishes itself from your municipal water supply. An annual flushing by a professional HVAC contractor can help address any buildup. Note that if you see flecks of metal or what appears to be rust in your water, you may have a larger issue—water heaters contain what is called a sacrificial anode rod, which will eventually reach the end of its useful life and need to be replaced. Signs of rust indicate that the tank of your water heater itself may be corroding.
- Temperature issues: A lack of hot water is an immediate issue. Verify that your water heater has power or that its pilot light is functioning and it has an uninterrupted fuel supply. If it does, your heating element or burner may be in need of repair or replacement. Inconsistent temperatures can mean that your thermostat isn’t functioning properly. Some water heaters may have multiple thermostats, which should all be checked.
- Noisy or constant operation: Your water heater may make noise now and then, as the metal expands or contracts with temperature and your pressure relief valve functions normally. However, this noise should be infrequent, and consistent knocking or whistling during operation may indicate that you have an issue. During your annual inspection by a qualified heating contractor, your pressure relief valve should be checked for safe operation. If your water heater is running continuously, your temperature may be set too high, you could have a thermostat malfunction, or it may be another issue that needs to be checked by your HVAC specialist.
Blue Dot Services of Maryland can help in the event of water heater issues. If you suspect your water heater is in need of attention or you would like to schedule an inspection, contact us at (410) 698-6465.
Last updated 14 days ago
Adjusting the temperature in your water heater can help keep your home comfortable and save on energy costs. Watch this video for a guide to changing your water heater’s thermostat.
Before working on your water heater, turn off the power supply by toggling the corresponding circuit breaker in your fuse box. Typically located behind a bottom panel of many electric water heaters, the temperature knob is best adjusted with a flathead screwdriver. An ideal temperature is around 125 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to note that higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding and also raise your energy costs.
Blue Dot Services of Maryland can assist you with any heating or cooling problems you may have. Call us at (410) 698-6465 if you have questions or would like to schedule a service appointment.
Last updated 21 days ago
Winter is now in full force, which means passing the time bundled up, trying to stay warm. Yet the most important part of staying comfortable during the winter is a properly functioning heating system. For more information, take a look at these additional links:
Last updated 26 days ago
During the cold of winter, staying nice and warm is on most people’s minds. However, not everyone has extra money to spend on heating, which is why it’s also important to conserve as much as possible. For years, the concepts of staying warm and saving money have been mutually exclusive—however, digital thermostats have reconciled the two. Here’s how:
- Creating the ideal temperature when you’re awake
The amazing thing about digital thermostats is that they can be set to specific temperatures for specified periods of time. This means that you can make your home an ideal temperature when you are at home and awake, when you need it the most. Never again will you have to waddle around in sweaters and blankets!
- Lowering the temperature when you’re asleep or away
Not only can a programmable digital thermostat keep a warm temperature during the times that you are awake, but it can also lower the temperature when you are at work or asleep and no longer need the additional warmth. You can also program your thermostat to stay low when you are away on vacation, allowing you to keep the temperature just high enough to keep your pipes from freezing, but low enough to save you energy and money.
- Providing precise control
A manual thermostat can only remain at one temperature per setting. Programmable digital thermostats, on the other hand, allow you to adjust the temperature for any period of time, allowing you save a considerable sum without having to fiddle with the thermostat all the time. According to EnergyStar.gov, homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats!
If you’d like to learn more about programmable digital thermostats, contact Blue Dot Services of Maryland. Our experienced and friendly technicians are happy to set you up with a highly efficient HVAC system, complete with a programmable thermostat. To learn more, call us today at (410) 698-6465.
