A hot water heater tune-up is a simple process where a professional technician will do a general inspection of your water heater to check if all of the components are working as they should be and make any necessary tweaks or repairs that your unit may need. It typically involves inspecting and servicing the primary components of the heater, including the thermostat, the burner, and the pressure relief valve. 

Thorough and routine tune-ups can help technicians catch minor issues before they progress into serious breaks, and they can give you a look into the overall health and status of your unit.

The primary components of your water heater that are inspected during a tune-up include the following.

• Thermostat: The thermostat on your water heater checks the overall temperature of both the water in the heater and the heater itself, preventing overheating and regulating the temperature of the unit.
• Burner: The burner is what heats the water in your unit, and if it is not functioning properly your water could get overheated or underheated, causing potential issues.
• Pressure Relief Valve: Pressure can build up in the heater as it does its job, and the relief valve is meant to safely release that pressure to prevent serious complications.
• Anode Rod: An anode rod runs through your water heater unit and prevents the tank itself from rusting or corroding by attracting corrosion to itself.
• Sediment Levels: The sediment levels within your water heater are also measured during a tune-up. These minerals naturally occur in your water and can build up as a layer in your heater, negatively impacting the efficiency of your unit.

How often should you get a water heater tune-up? We recommend scheduling these appointments around once a year. Annual tune-ups and maintenance can help to prevent unexpected breakdowns by catching potential issues early on and addressing them before they become larger and more expensive problems.

While the water heater tune-up costs may deter you at first, the short-term and long-term benefits of routine maintenance can make it all worthwhile. Not only can it help to save you money on your energy bills each month, but it can also improve the lifespan of your unit and save you from costly repairs later down the line.

Increased Energy Efficiency

A well-maintained and fully functioning water heater can heat your water more efficiently, which uses less energy long-term. While this improved energy efficiency puts less stress on your unit, it can also save you money on your utility bills each month. Your unit needs less energy to heat your water properly, decreasing your utility bills gradually over time. These savings add up in the long run, making the tune-ups essentially pay for themselves.

Prolonged Lifespan

Regular maintenance and tune-ups on your water heater can also prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your unit. These preventative measures can extend the lifespan of your unit and help delay the need for costly repairs or replacements.