Contrary to what many think, your water heater maintenance can make a big difference in your energy bills. In fact, with just a bit of extra attention and some elbow grease you can substantially reduce your energy bills by following a few simple tips. The reason you might want to listen is that water heating ordinarily accounts for about twenty percent of home energy costs, which is second only to general heating.

Before we introduce a few money-saving tips, we are going to take a brief look at how water heaters actually work. When you turn on the hot water, heated water is taken into your home from the top of your water heater. After you have used this hot water, it needs to be replaced, so fresh cold water is drawn into the bottom of the tank, which turns on the heating system. Both gas and electric water heaters function in similar ways. The only difference is that gas heaters have a pilot that ignites when water needs to be heated. Electric models, on the other hand, have an upper and lower burner. Both models have a pressure release valve at the top of the unit.

Now we will take a look at water heater maintenance. In the following paragraphs we will discuss a few things you can do to ensure that you water heater is running at maximum efficiency.

The most common problem that many owners note is thermostat control. This means that the water heater is making the water much hotter than is needed. Most units are set at 140 degree F, which is much hotter than anyone needs. All you have to do is turn the temperature on the thermostat down to 120 degree F and you will reduce your water heating bills by up to ten percent. If you have an electric heater, remember that they have both an upper and lower thermostat, so you will need to adjust both.

Another helpful tip when it comes to not only cutting costs but for general water heater maintenance and longevity is to consider turning off your water heater when you are going out of town for more than just a day or two. Once you return, it will take only take about an hour to reheat. Of course, with gas models you will need to know how to relight the pilot, so make sure you read the brochure before you try to turn off the pilot.

Probably the most important single thing you can do when it comes to water heater maintenance is to flush the tank every now and then. The reason that this is important is because, over time, dirt and mineral deposits from the water will build up inside your tank. These by products not only reduce the ability of your water heater to do its job but they also put undue stress on the heater and may result in cooler water. You can avoid this by simply flushing your water tank once or even twice a year. For every model, the drain valve is located at the bottom of the unit. Simply attach a hose, open the valve and drain the water into a sink, bathtub or outside until the water runs clear.

By following these simple water heater maintenance tips, you will not only save quite a bit of money but also ensure that your unit will run more efficiently and will even last longer.