Proper maintenance of your on-demand water heating system can make all the difference in your energy bills, water heater malfunctions, and your water heater’s lifespan. Find out more about some springtime steps you can take to protect your water heater for years to come.
Test Your Water Quality
Early spring is an excellent time to have a professional test your water quality and water hardness in particular. High calcium levels in water promote limescale that can be devastating for your tankless water heater. If you have hard water, there are several solutions, ranging from local options like anti-scale devices to whole-house systems like water softeners.
Schedule Professional Water Heater Maintenance
Many of the maintenance tips recommended here are best performed by a professional. An ideal time to schedule that maintenance is early in the spring, ahead of the high hot water usage of summer. A plumber will perform a multipoint inspection and comprehensive cleaning. They can correct any normal wear and tear and recommend preventative repairs as needed.
Descale Your Tankless Water Heater
Even with relatively soft water, limescale can build up in your system over time. The average household requires descaling every year. Descaling is a process through which a plumber uses a recirculating pump to run a cleaning agent throughout the system.
The process usually takes about 45 minutes. In most cases, the cleaning agent is simply a mixture of tap water and white vinegar. If the scale buildup is particularly bad, your plumber may opt for a chemical descaling solution instead.
Clean or Replace Tankless Water Heater Filters
Many tankless water heaters have both an air filter and a water filter. Spring is an excellent time to check these filters, clean them, and replace them if necessary. Remove the filter, tap out any debris, rinse it in cold water, and inspect it. If you notice any signs of wear, replace it. Be mindful that some systems will have screens and/or cartridges, and this is an ideal time to replace all those filtration components as well.
Check the Condensate Drain and Clean as Needed
Many fuel-burning water heaters have a second heat exchanger to prevent energy losses through the flue. Reclaiming that heat energy creates condensation that must drain out of the home. Check the drain line, and clean and sanitize it if necessary.
Inspect and Calibrate the Venting
Fuel-fired water heaters have an exhaust system to release the toxic gases created as a byproduct of combustion. Every year, you should have a professional inspect, clean, and calibrate the venting. Otherwise, you risk leakage and backdraft scenarios that could allow carbon monoxide to seep into your home. If you have concerns or require tankless water heater services, contact Blaze Air in North Carolina.