It's that time of year again when people pack their bags and head out on vacation. If you're one of those people, you may wonder if you should turn off your water heater before leaving. Well, wonder no more! We will explain the pros and cons of turning off your water heater on vacation. We'll provide some tips on how to prepare your home for your absence. So whether you're staying close to home or venturing across the globe, read on for helpful advice on keeping your plumbing running smoothly while you're away!
Problems of Leaving the Water Heater on
Water heaters are an essential part of modern households and can be costly. Here are some issues that you may experience if you leave your water heater on while going on vacation:
1. Excess Energy Bills
If you're planning to be away from home for an extended period, turn off the water heater and reduce your energy costs. Water heaters consume a lot of energy when they are active and can cause a spike in your electricity bill.
2. Overheating
Since the water heater is running on its own when you’re away, it may overheat, cause damage to the system, or create safety hazards. This can lead to severe issues like burst pipes, flooding, or even fire if not addressed in time.
3. Corrosion
When the water heater runs idle, it can cause corrosion due to the build-up of minerals in the system. This can damage the pipes and reduce efficiency, leading to more energy costs.
Read More: Water Heater Corrosion: Does It Mean It Has To Be Replaced?
4. Risk of Leaks
Leaving a water heater running when you’re away can increase the risk of leaking or bursting. This can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs, so it’s essential to be aware of this potential issue.
Some Tips You Can Use Instead of Turning Off Your Water Heater
When it comes to vacation planning, one question that pops up is whether or not you need to turn off your water heater when you're going away on a trip. While turning off the water heater can save money and reduce the risk of an emergency if something happens while you're away, it's not always the best idea.
There are a few things you can do instead of turning off your water heater that will help keep costs down and ensure that there is no damage or risk of an emergency while you’re away. These include:
a) Insulating your hot water pipes:
Insulation is an excellent way to reduce heat loss, which means you can keep your water heater running during the winter months without worrying about it using more energy than necessary.
b) Turning down the temperature:
If you're going on a long trip, turning down the temperature of your water heater can help keep electricity costs down. Be sure to turn it down appropriately, as this can cause the water heater to malfunction or take longer to heat up once you return home.
c) Setting a timer:
Consider installing a timer on your water heater that will automatically shut it off when you go on vacation and turn it back on when you return.
Contact Moncrief for heating and air repairs in Atlanta. Our expert team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to service your HVAC needs.