Are you dreading running out of hot water when Wichita temps dip below freezing? Your water heater should be able to handle household demands — even in winter. But this time of year can have an impact on its performance.

Close Up Of Worker Fixing Central Heating Furnace System.

As a homeowner, it’s important to know how colder weather can affect your water heater. That allows you to take steps to protect it and keep it functioning all season long. We’ll discuss how wintertime can make it harder for it to work or put it at risk of damage!

Frozen Pipes May Affect Functioning

Did you know that water inside your pipes can freeze up when it’s cold enough? That puts them at risk of bursting — and affects your water heater. Burst pipes might cause changes in water flow, resulting in risks to your heater, such as:

  • Not working at all
  • Not heating up water effectively

Letting faucets on all of your exterior walls drip and leaving sink cabinets open can help prevent frozen and busted pipes.

Higher Demand Means More Strain

Do you and your family tend to take long, hot showers to stay warm? Or do you run the washing machine more to keep sweaters, coats, and blankets clean? This increased demand for hot water can strain your water heater.

Note that when it’s cold out, these heaters have to warm up icy water to make it hot. That involves extra wear and tear compared to making already warm or lukewarm water hot. Having your water heater work harder can lead to damage or malfunctioning — especially in older models.

Frequent Usage Results in Damaged Components

Is your water heater unable to heat water up for your showers or other household uses? It might have damaged parts inside due to more usage during the winter months. Heating elements, valves, and other components can wear away faster as your water heater works harder to provide your Wichita home with hot water.

Location Can Impact Performance

It’s not just the winter weather that can affect your water heater’s ability to supply you with hot water. It also depends in part on where your heater is. Do you have it in your garage, attic, or unfinished basement? These unheated spaces let more cold air circulate around the unit — making it harder for it to work effectively.

Moving it might not be practical. But you can take steps to insulate it before colder weather hits. This can help it continue to function properly throughout the season!

How Can You Protect Your Water Heater in Winter?

There’s a lot you can do to keep it safe and reduce the risk of problems that leave you without hot water. Some of these steps include:

  • Use insulation to prevent heat loss
  • Insulate pipes to stop them from freezing
  • Have it flushed to remove sediment
  • Replace a worn or older one with a new model

Is It Time for a Wichita Water Heater Replacement?

How do you know if you should invest in a brand new one? If you have any of the following signs, that means it’s time to have it replaced for better performance in all seasons:

  • Sediment in your hot water
  • Unusually high energy bills
  • Low amount of hot water produced
  • Water is warm instead of hot
  • Pilot light on gas water heater keeps going out
  • Unit is 10 years old or older

Having a new unit installed means you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water for laundry, showers, and other uses around your home.

Schedule Water Heater Service or Replacement in Wichita Today!

Does your water heater need routine maintenance or repairs? Or do you need to have it replaced to handle winter weather? We can help! At Comfort Systems, our professionals can make sure your home has a reliable supply of hot water to use all winter long — and beyond!

Posted in Blog, Heating