Water heaters are essential appliances that most households rely on daily for hot water needs like showers, washing dishes, and doing laundry. However, water heaters can be impacted by external factors like weather. In particular, very hot or very cold temperatures can affect water heater performance and longevity.
This comprehensive guide will examine how both hot and cold weather impacts different types of water heaters, signs of weather-related damage, and tips to minimize effects of temperature extremes. With proper maintenance and adjustments, your water heater can continue providing hot water through all seasons.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Water Heaters?
Frigid winter temperatures can wreak havoc on water heaters if they aren‘t properly protected and maintained. Here‘s an overview of how key water heater components are impacted by cold weather:
1. Frozen or Burst Pipes
The pipes supplying water to and from the water heater are vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. If pipes freeze, it blocks water flow completely. Expanding ice inside pipes can also cause them to burst or crack.
Fixing burst pipes often requires pipe replacement and extensive repairs. Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating supply lines and draining water from pipes ahead of extreme cold snaps.
2. Sediment Buildup
When temperature drops, minerals and sediment in the water tank sink and solidify at the bottom. This buildup insulates the bottom of the tank, forcing the water heater to work harder to heat water. Sediment buildup reduces efficiency and can damage heating elements.
Prevent buildup with annual flushing and draining which removes sediment. Using a water softener also reduces mineral deposits.
3. Rust Corrosion
Steel water heater tanks (common in older heaters) are prone to rust and corrosion over time. Cold temperatures accelerate rust formation. Rust degrades the integrity of the steel tank, leading to leaks and other failures.
Check for rust buildup annually and refinish surfaces with corrosion-resistant enamel paint. Also inspect and replace sacrificial anode rods regularly, which draw corrosion away from the tank.
4. Thermostat Problems
Frigid temperatures can cause thermostats on gas and electric water heaters to become less accurate. This leads to irregular water temperatures. Some thermostats may get "stuck" at lower temperatures in cold weather.
Test water temperature regularly and replace malfunctioning thermostats. For gas heaters, ensure proper ventilation since bad drafts affect thermostat accuracy.
5. Pilot Light Problems
The pilot light on a gas water heater may have difficulty staying lit if the appliance is exposed to freezing temperatures. Drafts can blow out the pilot. Low temperatures prevent the thermocouple from quickly sensing the pilot is out and shutting off gas flow. This leads to raw gas buildup which is a safety hazard.
Maintain proper ventilation and shield gas water heaters from drafts. Make sure pilot assembly cover is tight. Only relight pilot when gas smell completely clears.
6. Gas Valve Failures
Similar to the pilot light, the main gas valve on a water heater may malfunction in cold weather. If stuck open, gas will continue flowing even if pilot goes out. If stuck closed, heater won‘t ignite.
Replace old or damaged gas valves. Make sure gas lines are free of moisture or debris which can cause valves to stick.
7. Damage to Exterior Components
Extreme cold causes rubber or plastic exterior components like water lines, pressure relief valves, and insulation jackets to become brittle and crack over time. Cracked parts lead to leaks or other operational problems.
Inspect exterior areas annually and replace aging components. Make sure insulation blankets are secured tightly. Check areas like relief valve piping for small leaks.
8. Electrical Shorts
The circuitry and heating elements in an electric water heater are sensitive to moisture and condensation from temperature swings. This can lead to shorts, faulty sensors, and element failures.
Ensure electric water heaters are properly covered and insulated. Inspect electrical components annually for wear/corrosion.
Does Hot Weather Impact Water Heaters?
While less obvious than cold weather risks, high temperatures can also create issues for water heaters including:
1. Overheating & Burnout
On very hot days, the cold water entering the tank is warmer which means the water heater doesn‘t have to work as hard to heat it up. However, no water use for long periods combined with hot ambient temperatures can still cause overheating. Burners and heating elements burn out faster when overworked on hot days.
Set temperature no higher than 120°F to prevent overheating on hot days. Install water heater in cool location if possible. Flush regularly to remove sediment buildup which impairs heat transfer.
2. Increased Energy Use
Surprisingly, hot weather can sometimes increase energy demands on water heaters. On summer days when tap water coming in is already warm, the water heater activates less frequently. But extended stagnation allows more heat loss through the tank walls. When the water heater does fire up after a long idle period, it has to work harder to re-heat the tank.
Improve insulation around the water heater and pipes. Install heat traps on inlet and outlet fittings. Set temperature at lowest comfortable setting (120°F).
3. Lower Efficiency
Most water heaters rely on cool ambient air temperatures to help cool flue gases and vent properly. On hot days, reduced ventilation efficiency can lead to more heat loss up the flue. This wastes heat that should go to the water.
For gas heaters, ensure proper distance from walls and debris that block airflow. Have HVAC professional check draft inducer operation if available. Keep vent pipes insulated.
4. Accelerated Wear & Tear
High temperatures contribute to faster deterioration of gaskets, valves, seals, and insulation inside the water heater. Plastic and metal parts become fatigued when exposed to prolonged heat. Failures due to wear and tear usually cause leaks.
Inspect water heater interior components annually. Schedule preemptive repairs/replacements if significant wearing is found on parts like gaskets or heating elements. Use dielectric fittings to join dissimilar metals and prevent corrosion.
5. Bacteria Growth
The warm, moist environment inside a water heater tank provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria like legionella. At higher temperatures, bacteria multiply faster. Certain strains can cause respiratory illnesses.
Keep tank temperature below 140°F to discourage bacteria growth. Flushing the tank regularly also helps combat bacteria. Installing a UV or other disinfection system provides added protection.
6. Mineral Buildup & Corrosion
Heat accelerates mineral deposit buildup and corrosion inside the tank. Both problems reduce efficiency and tank life. Higher temperatures also increase water pH which can corrode pipes and fittings.
Use water softening to reduce scale formation. Check and replace anode rods regularly to control corrosion. Install dielectric fittings and pipes to limit galvanic corrosion between metals.
Signs Your Water Heater is Failing Due to Weather
Being able to recognize signs of weather-related water heater damage can prevent costly repairs or replacement. Here are key indicators to watch out for:
- Rust colored or cloudy water coming from taps
- Reduced hot water capacity and temperature
- Strange noises or rumbling sounds
- Higher energy bills and slow hot water recovery
- Visible leaks around tank, pipes, or valves
- Pilot light that frequently goes out on gas heater
- Smell of gas around appliance
- Burn marks or white mineral buildup on elements or burners
- Overheating indicated on thermostat gauge
- Visible dents, cracks, or holes on exterior of tank
Periodic inspections and testing water temperature can help identify issues before failure occurs. Contact a plumber immediately if you suspect any weather-related damage.
Tips to Protect Your Water Heater from Temperature Extremes
You can take proactive measures to safeguard your water heater against hot and cold weather threats:
For Cold Weather:
- Insulate all water pipes and fittings near water heater
- Wrap external tank in extra insulation blanket
- Install heat tape on pipes and drains if risk of freezing
- Seal all openings and gaps around tank to prevent drafts
- Ensure gas exhaust vent has rain cap and is not obstructed
- Maintain proper clearance from walls and obstructions
- Drain and flush tank annually to remove sediment
- Test heating elements and thermostats for problems
- Check anode rods and replace if significantly worn down
- Store gasoline or other flammable liquids away from heater
For Hot Weather:
- Install water heater in basement or coolest area possible
- Surround tank with insulation to limit heat gain
- Attach reflective wrap to top and sides of tank
- Ensure proper ventilation around unit
- Use larger ducts and short vent runs if possible
- Set thermostat no higher than 120°F
- Install a timer to reduce operating hours on hot days
- Drain and flush regularly to control sediment and bacteria
- Check flue for obstructions blocking airflow
- Have HVAC professional verify draft inducer is working properly
- Consider whole house demineralization to reduce scale buildup
When to Call a Professional
If you notice signs of weather-related damage or malfunction, don‘t delay in contacting a qualified plumber or HVAC technician. Waiting often exacerbates the problem and increases repair costs. It‘s also wise to have a preventative annual maintenance check before winter or summer.
A technician can inspect components and test operation thoroughly. They may clean sediments or scale from the tank, replace worn parts like gaskets or anodes, and adjust thermostat or pilot if needed. If damage is beyond repair, they can help determine if tank replacement is the most cost-effective option.
Calling a proactive can avoid being caught without hot water during extreme weather when service calls spike. Scheduling annual maintenance ensures your system is optimized to provide maximum hot water through heat waves, cold snaps, and every season in between.
Conclusion
In summary, both high and low temperatures can negatively impact hot water heaters in a variety of ways. Cold weather primarily damages system components via freezing, corrosion, and mechanical wear. Hot weather accelerates mineral buildup, bacterial growth, and causes overheating.
Being aware of these potential issues allows you to take preventative measures like insulation, ventilation improvements, anode rod replacement, and thermostat adjustments. Performing annual maintenance and knowing signs of weather-related damage can also help avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Contacting a professional promptly when problems arise minimizes further deterioration. With proper precautions and care, your water heater can provide reliable hot water service for years despite outside weather conditions. Consistent maintenance and adjustments to counteract seasonal changes are key to maximizing system lifespan and performance.
