How to Maintain a Water Heater

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 1:36


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s your GMC Trade Secret.

Now, if you want to improve on energy usage and expenses, a great place to start is the hot water heater.

Hey, the gas cap. With the hybrid here, I almost forgot about this.

To keep your hot water heater running at maximum efficiency, it’s important to follow these three points.

Number one, drain your hot water heater each year, because sediment collects at the bottom and can impede the efficiency of the heater.

Number two, if your pilot light does go out, you can light it yourself according to manufacturer’s specifications. But you should also know that the gas company will come out and light the pilot light for you.

And then, number three, one of these water heater insulation blankets can save you up to 25 percent in terms of energy costs when it comes to the hot water heater. These are very easy to install. I’ll show you how.

Clean up the area around the water heater. If the heater is strapped to the wall, remove the strapping. Measure the water heater, adding about three inches to the diameter. Cut the blanket according to the measurements. Wrap the blanket around the heater and use duct tape to seal it in place. Use scissors to trim holes for controls and faucets where needed. Tape any unsealed edges. Do not insulate the bottom or top of a gas water heater. If it an electric water heater, you can insulate the top. Be sure to leave plenty of room for the pilot light and the flue draft.

So there it is, some simple ways to conserve energy and cut back on costs.

That’s your GMC Trade Secret. I’m Eric Stromer.