Winter is on its way to Colorado, and with the colder temperatures comes a much larger workload for your home’s water heater. This critical piece of equipment is responsible for warming the water you use to cook, wash your hands, and (most importantly!) shower. Keeping it running properly means you’ll have a steady supply of warm or hot water all winter long, so it’s crucial to perform regular maintenance on your water heater and to know what to look out for in case something goes wrong.

Doctor Fix-It’s licensed technicians are standing by to help you get your water heater in tip-top shape for winter. Call them today at 303-993-1550 to leverage affordable, expert assistance in the maintenance of all your home’s systems.

In the meantime, below is a water heater maintenance guide to help get you started!

Water Heaters Work Harder in Winter

Water heaters rely on groundwater, and that water is colder during the winter months than in the summer. That means the water heater has to work harder to heat it up. It also takes longer to reach the desired temperature. In addition, you and your family are more likely to want hotter water for showers and other uses than in the summer.

Know Your Water Heater’s Lifespan

In general, water heaters last between 8-10 years, so if yours was installed more than a decade ago, it might be time for an upgrade. If they’re well-maintained with annual check-ups, they can last longer. Call a professional to help you diagnose any problems if you’re unsure of the state of your water heater.

Understand Why Leaks Happen

Leaking water heaters are usually the result of water quality issues, excessive water pressure, age, or a combination of these three factors. Performing regular maintenance on your water heater will help you stay in front of these things and address them before they become a more significant problem that results in a cold shower on a winter morning.

Recognize the Signs of Trouble

When there’s a problem with your water heater, odds are you’ll notice when you try to get hot water out of a tap. If your shower or faucet starts taking longer to warm up or doesn’t get as hot as it has in the past, you probably have a problem with your water heater. Likewise, if you’re not getting the same water pressure you used to, you might have an issue. The most common problems are leaks, failed parts keeping the water from heating, or unit failure from improper installation.

Pay Attention to Timing

Because water heaters are a large home purchase, many homeowners will need to save up for a new one. You should anticipate replacing your water heater every decade or so, but its lifespan will depend on how well it is maintained. While units that are not maintained by performing regular checks and annual flushes last 8-10 years, those that do receive maintenance can last up to 12 years. That means that with proper care, you can potentially save yourself the cost of an entire water heater over the course of a 30-year mortgage.

Keep Problems at Bay by Calling Doctor Fix-It

Doctor Fix-It’s team of knowledgeable, trained experts are ready to make sure your water heater is ready for the winter. And if you’re ready for a new water heater, take advantage of Doctor Fix-It’s latest deal: $300 off any new water heater installation through Dec. 31, 2021. Contact your Denver-area Doctor Fix-It location at 303-993-1550 to schedule an appointment today!