Every now and then, we all need the simple pleasures of a vacation. When you put yourself in ‘vacation mode’, you aim to unwind, relax your mind, and step away from your usual pile of daily stressors.
Did you know that your conventional hot water heater can also be put on ‘vacation mode’ while you are away taking in the sights and sounds of a beach or cottage getaway?
Let’s go over the vacation mode setting and some considerations around using it.
What is the vacation mode setting?
Most conventional, power-vented water heater models will have a setting called ‘vacation mode’. Using this setting will allow you to have specific controls over how hot the water in your tank will get and when it will turn off and on.
Conventional water heaters typically keep water at 55 to 60 degrees, 24 hours a day. Higher thermostat readings further increase energy consumption from the unit. Vacation mode reduces the amount of energy needed by the water heater. It ensures that the appliance is not continually heating the water when no one is at home.
What are some considerations around using vacation mode?
During the winter time, vacation mode is a valuable setting for your hot water heater. If you turn off the heater completely in your unit, there is a risk that undrained water will freeze inside the pipes.
The vacation setting can also help to reduce the corrosion and build up of materials inside your heater’s plumbing. Making use of this setting can minimize the wear-and-tear on your unit if you are gone from your home for extended periods of time.
You can also help to reduce the impact of a leak in your pipes by using the vacation mode setting. For a power-vented water heater, you can prepare to go away by first setting it to vacation mode. Then shut off the cold-water supply to limit damage in the event of a leak. Lastly, you can disconnect the water heater to ensure that everything will be safe while you are away.
Once you return from vacation, doing a visual inspection of the unit prior to starting everything back up again is valuable. There are different considerations if you have a standard natural gas or electric hot water heater in your home, so be sure that you have consulted with the experts when it comes to this important component of your home’s functionality.
Here at Applewood Air, we are dedicated to supporting your family with your home comfort needs. We know how vital hot water is for your family and we understand the nuances of operating your hot water heater efficiently all year round.
Contact us for your hot water heater installation and servicing needs. We will keep your unit functioning optimally and can give you tailored guidance around using the vacation mode setting while you are trying to relax, unwind, and enjoy your very own vacation!
