Studies show that homes in Colorado use about 20 gallons of hot water per person every single day.
For this to be able to happen, the heating unit ought to be in great condition at all times.
The only way to make this a possibility is to maintain it on a regular basis.
When talking about maintenance, then there are a couple of things that you have to take note of.
One of those is the high altitudes of this region, which could even get up to 6,000 feet.
At first, this might not look like a big issue for you but the extremely high elevations present some challenges to your water heater.
You definitely have to be aware of these shortcomings so you can have a smooth user experience with your unit.
Water Heater Maintenance Is Important
This article looks at everything you need to know about water heater maintenance as a resident of Colorado Springs.
Less Oxygen for Your Water Heater
Higher altitude places like Colorado have thinner air, which means less oxygen for your water heater. This will be a problem for you, especially if yours is gas-powered because it minimizes operational effectiveness and energy optimization.
Getting reduced oxygen amounts that the heater requires more time to heat or may need a greater BTU capacity for it to be able to perform at its peak. For example, a 199k BTU tankless water heater might only be able to handle 2 showers in Colorado, but might handle about 6 showers at once when used at sea level.
Sediment Buildup
The water in Colorado Springs contains minerals, which can lead to sediment accumulation. When this happens, it can significantly hinder your water heater’s function and efficiency. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium can end up settling at the bottom of the tank over a period of time.
When this happens, it disrupts the optimal functionality of your system because it creates some sort of insulation between the heater and the water.
Ignoring this issue is not wise because it can lead to issues like increased utility expenses, increased power usage, and decreased water capacity. It can even cause overheating and even damage to the equipment.
Pressure Variations
Another issue that you have to deal with is dealing with pressure variations due to the high altitudes of Colorado. The lower atmospheric pressure in this region has the potential to minimize water pressure in your plumbing systems.
The result is an inefficient heater because of constant changes in the way water flows through the unit. This problem can have a significant impact on performance. It can also place extra pressure on valves, seals, and even the tank. This increases the risk of malfunctions in the system.
Maintenance Tips for Colorado Springs Residents
If you want your water heater to serve you well, then you have to maintain it occasionally. Here are some tips that you need to be aware of.
Adjust for the High Altitude
If you are using the latest water heaters, then you should have a feature that enables you to adjust for high altitudes. If your equipment has this feature, then you are lucky because all you have to do is set it. However, if yours doesn’t, just reach out to professional plumbers to help you set it accordingly.
Flush the Tank Frequently
As previously stated, sediment buildup can lead to an ineffective unit. The best way to deal with this is to flush your tank occasionally to remove buildup. This is something you can do once or twice a year. Doing this will keep your unit operating optimally.
Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to reside in, courtesy of its breathtaking views and unique climate. Despite this, the high elevation of over 6,000 feet presents a couple of challenges to homeowners living in this region. One such problem entails water heater maintenance.
Less oxygen for your water heater, sediment buildup, and pressure variations are some issues that your heater is likely to experience if you live in this region. Such challenges have the potential to mess up your heating system, leading to malfunctions or poor performance.
Since you don’t want to experience such issues, it makes sense to maintain your unit regularly. This is something that you can decide to do yourself, though not recommended, or hire professionals to help you out.
Working with experts like us is a much better option because we have years of experience in dealing with high-altitude plumbing challenges. Therefore, you can trust us for reliable water heater maintenance solutions in Colorado Springs.
