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The ABCs of Efficient Water Heater Services


Published February 28, 2024
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In the coastal town of Virginia Beach, VA, an efficient water heater is essential to ensure comfort for homeowners.  Our incredible team of technicians at Galactic Air is committed to helping homeowners optimize their water heaters’ performance and keep them in peak condition. 

From A to Z, here are the steps homeowners can take toward an efficient and sustainable water heater that will last for many years to come: 

  • Regular Maintenance for Peak Performance
  • Temperature Settings and Energy Conservation
  • Upgrading for Energy-Efficient Models 

Regular Maintenance for Peak Performance

To ensure your water heater is performing at peak efficiency, regular maintenance is vital. Let’s break down a few tasks homeowners can take to ensure better energy efficiency and extend their water heater’s lifespan. 

  • Flush the Tank.  We recommend flushing your water heater’s tank at least once a year.  This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your water heater live a long and healthy life.  It will flush out possible sentiment build-up that could be quite harmful to your system. 
  • Check the Anode Rod.  The anode rod is responsible for protecting the tank of your water heating system.  It is best to inspect your anode every 2 to 5 years to ensure it is in good condition.  A bad anode can be detrimental to your water heater’s health.  Signs of a bad anode include a rotten egg smell, discolored water, or intermittent hot water.
  • Leak Inspections. Though leaks are often small, they can do a lot of damage.  We recommend having a professional inspect your water heater annually for potential leaks or other damages. 
  • Check the Pressure Relief Valve. The pressure relief valve is a crucial safety component of your water heater. Test it regularly to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Simply lift the valve’s lever to allow some water to flow out. If water doesn’t flow or the valve leaks afterward, it may need to be replaced.

Temperature Settings and Energy Conservation

To balance comfort and energy efficiency within your home, we recommend reducing your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  

This will allow for a comfortable and warm water temperature for your daily needs while avoiding potential scalding.  It is also beneficial for lowering the costs of your energy bills and prolonging the life of your water heater. 

Upgrading to Energy Efficient Models 

To continue the trend of an energy-efficient household, we suggest upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater model. Several types of water heaters can significantly reduce energy consumption and, in turn, utility bills.  

  • Tankless Water Heater. These water heaters only produce hot water as needed, so they are a great way to save energy, water, and money.
  • High-Efficiency Storage Tank Models. Unlike typical water heaters, high-efficiency storage tank models have a second heat exchanger. This allows the heat transfer process to extract as much heat energy as possible. 
  • Hybrid Heat Pump. Hybrid heat pumps are 3x times more efficient than your typical water heater. They use electricity to move heat from one place to another. 

If you are a homeowner in Virginia Beach, VA, in search of maintenance or an upgrade for your water heater, give us a call today. Our team at Galactic Air Inc is dedicated to ensuring you are warm and comfortable this winter! Feel free to also apply for a career if you have experience with working with water heaters!