Hot Water Heater Maintenance: Winter Is Coming

As temperatures drop, ensuring your home is ready for the colder months becomes crucial. One appliance that often gets overlooked is the hot water heater. A little preparation now can prevent unwelcome surprises when you need hot water the most.

Here’s how you can prepare your water heater for winter:

1. Drain and Flush Your Tank

Over time, sediment collects in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. Draining and flushing the tank twice a year helps prevent this buildup. Late fall is a perfect time for this task.

• Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Turn off your water heater and allow it to cool.

2. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run the other end to a bucket.

3. Open the valve and let the water drain.

4. If the water is discolored or contains sediment, continue refilling and draining until it runs clear.

5. Close the valve, disconnect the hose, and restart the unit.

2. Adjust the Temperature

Keep the thermostat at 120°F to balance efficiency and safety. If you’re planning to leave home for a few days or more, lower the temperature to save energy. For every 10°F you lower, you can save about 5% on energy costs.

3. Insulate for Energy Efficiency

Cold temperatures can affect your water heater’s efficiency. Insulate the tank and exposed pipes to retain heat:

• Use a fiberglass blanket for the tank, avoiding vents or valve openings.

• Cover pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation.

This simple step can reduce heat loss and protect your unit from condensation issues.

4. Check for Leaks

Inspect the valves and fittings for any leaks. Tighten loose connections, or replace faulty parts if necessary. Always shut off the water supply before making any repairs.

5. Call in the Pros

If your water heater is over 8-12 years old or if maintenance feels overwhelming, consider hiring a plumber for a professional inspection. Winter is a busy season for service providers, so schedule your appointment early to avoid delays.

6. Know When to Replace

A failing water heater can lead to unexpected cold showers or costly water damage. Replacement costs vary and really depend on the model, tank size, and your home’s needs. Research your options and don’t forget to check out EnergizeCT for rebate options. Most importantly, don’t wait until it’s too late. Taking these steps now ensures your water heater runs smoothly all winter long, saving you stress and money.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visitwww.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Toasty This Season

As chilly weather sets in, making your home cozy and energy-efficient becomes essential. Cold drafts, poor insulation, and outdated heating can make winter uncomfortable and expensive. The good news? You can keep the warmth in and the bills down with a few practical adjustments. Here are five smart tips for a warmer, more comfortable home this season.

1. Plug Drafts and Seal Openings Drafts are the silent culprits that let cold air sneak in. Check your windows, doors, and even spots like electrical outlets or pipe entrances for gaps. Weather stripping, caulk, and draft stoppers can work wonders in sealing these areas, ensuring that the heat stays inside where it belongs.

2. Boost Your Insulation Effective insulation is a game-changer. By adding or upgrading insulation in your attic, walls, and floors, you can dramatically reduce heat loss, keeping your home at a stable, comfortable temperature. Older homes, in particular, often benefit from an insulation upgrade.

3. Embrace Natural Sunlight Letting the sun work for you is both easy and free. Open your curtains or blinds during the day to allow sunlight to warm your space naturally. When night falls, close heavy curtains to create a barrier that keeps the day’s warmth in and the cold out.

4. Improve Your Heating System A well-functioning heating system is key to warmth and efficiency. Schedule a maintenance check to ensure your furnace or heat pump is in top shape. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is also a simple way to customize temperatures based on your daily routine, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

5. Consider an Energy Audit Want a professional edge? An energy audit can help pinpoint where your home is losing heat and identify opportunities for savings. Many providers, like Eversource, offer in-home audits that include air sealing, rebates, and tips for energy-efficient upgrades.

As winter approaches, implementing these small changes can make a big difference. Not only will they keep your home warmer and cozier, but they’ll also lower your energy bills, making your home more sustainable and cost-effective. Enjoy the season knowing your home is prepared for the colder months.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Insulation is a Year Round Investment

As summer heat peaks, many homeowners are grateful for the cool comfort provided by their air conditioning. However, running the A/C non-stop can lead to high energy bills, especially if your home isn’t properly insulated.

While most people associate insulation with winter, it’s just as beneficial during the summer. Remember from school science class how heat rises? This means that your top floor and attic are naturally warmer than the lower floors. Without insulation, your attic can become much hotter than the outdoor temperature. If you touch your ceiling and it feels warm, imagine how hot it is above it.

Insufficient insulation forces your air conditioning units to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Whether you have central air or window units, they are straining to cool your home, which spikes your energy costs.

Improving your home’s insulation can make a significant difference. The attic is a prime area for insulation upgrades due to its large space and extreme temperature variations. Although it’s often overlooked because we don’t spend much time there, adding insulation in the attic can be a cost-effective home improvement. Options include blowing loose fiberglass under the floor or laying batts between the floor joists. The best choice depends on your home’s size, attic clearance, and usage. A well-insulated attic not only reduces energy costs but also increases your home’s resale value.

In addition to the attic, sealing gaps around windows and doors helps keep cool air inside. Check your door sweeps and replace them if necessary, and use caulk or sealing tape on windows. This practice will benefit you now and in the winter when you’re trying to retain warm air.

For those with window A/C units, insulating around them is crucial. Use flexible foam to create a good seal at the top and bottom of the unit. Ensure the side curtains are tight-fitting and securely anchored. Without proper insulation, your window A/C unit isn’t operating at full efficiency since much of the cool air escapes outside. Taking these extra steps ensures your A/C works effectively.

Another area to consider is your home’s walls. If your house is older, it may not have adequate wall insulation. Adding insulation to your walls can prevent heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. There are several methods for insulating walls, such as injecting foam insulation or using blown-in cellulose. These options can be a bit more invasive but are worth the investment for the long-term comfort and efficiency of your home.

Additionally, consider insulating your floors, especially if you have a basement or crawl space. Insulating these areas can reduce heat loss and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew issues. Foam board or rigid foam insulation works well for this purpose and can be installed relatively easily.

Don’t forget about your ductwork. If your home has central air conditioning, ensuring your ducts are well-insulated can prevent energy loss as the cool air travels from the unit to various parts of your home. Leaky or uninsulated ducts can lose up to 30% of the cooling energy, making your system work harder and increasing your energy bills. Sealing and insulating your ducts can improve efficiency and enhance overall comfort.

Lastly, consider the benefits of radiant barriers. These are reflective materials installed in attics to reduce heat gain during the summer. Radiant barriers work by reflecting radiant heat away from your home, helping to keep indoor temperatures down. This is particularly beneficial in hot climates where the sun’s intensity can significantly impact indoor comfort.

Investing in insulation is a smart move for homeowners looking to improve comfort and reduce energy bills year-round. By addressing key areas like the attic, windows, doors, walls, floors, and ductwork, you can create a more energy-efficient home that stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The initial investment in insulation will pay off through lower energy costs and increased home value.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.