Hot Water Heater Maintenance for the Winter

Winter is still a long way off but the end of summer is a good time to start tackling cooler weather maintenance tasks. One of my priorities is to do a thorough check-up of my hot water heater to ensure I don’t have issues when I really need it. 

Major appliance maintenance might seem complicated, but if you haven’t had issues in the past, a simple check-up and clean-out can really help your hot water heater run more efficiently while lengthening its life. 

As a water heater operates, it collects sediment that can cause decay if left in the tank over time. Drain your water heater at least twice a year to get rid of any buildup, which will prevent corrosion and increase the machine’s energy efficiency. I like to do this in the fall and early spring, before and after the busy season.

First, turn off the unit and give it plenty of time to cool down. Then, using a garden hose and pump, drain the water into a bucket. If the bucket becomes filled with brown, sediment-tainted water, continue to refill and drain your heater until the water looks clean again. When you’re in the clear, you can disconnect your hose and turn the unit back on.

Keep your water heater at a steady 120 degrees and lower it down if you’re planning on leaving the house for three days or more. For every 10 degrees that you decrease the temperature, you’ll save five percent in energy costs.

Insulate the tank and pipes with fiberglass. For the tank, fit a fiberglass blanket using foil tape, but be sure not to cover any valve or pipe openings. For the pipes, you can use fiberglass wrap or foam insulation. By adding a layer of insulation to your water heater, you’ll keep the warmth from escaping into the air and you’ll protect the machine from condensation in the warmer months. 

If you have a valve that’s leaking, make sure that the fittings are nice and tight. If anything is loose, you might have to replace the valves or fittings. You can find the parts you’ll need at a local hardware store – just don’t forget to shut off the water before fitting them!

Remember, working with electric or gas appliances can be dangerous. If you’re not familiar with how your unit operates or if you’re not comfortable with this kind of work, contact a plumber for a routine maintenance check.  Just keep in mind that service pros are busier than ever so you’ll want to book an appointment now to get in before the season kicks off. 

The average lifecycle of a water heater is about eight to twelve years and they can cost anywhere from $300 for an electric tank system to well over $1,000 for a tankless energy efficient natural gas appliance. If you’re in the market for a new machine, do your research and make sure you maintain it regularly to ensure that it will go the distance. 

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.

Eight Great Bathroom Upgrades

They are usually the smallest rooms in the house but having stylish and comfortable bathrooms is a remodeling job with one of the biggest payoffs. Not only will you see costs recouped if you’re considering putting your house on the market, but a home with upgraded and fully functional bathrooms will make your family feel much more zen too. Here are eight ideas to give your bathrooms a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Many of the big box stores, as well as local retailers, carry energy-efficient models that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old doors.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort. Backlit mirrors are very on trend this year as are soft metallics and mixed metals. 

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

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.

Rebate Programs for Connecticut Home Improvements

If you’ve ever thought about renovating your home but you’re conscious about the planet, it’s worth making sure you’re up to speed on some of the rebates and incentives offered by EnergizeCT. As conscientious consumers, making smart decisions about your home remodeling while doing good for the planet is always a great idea. Here are some of the programs available this summer:

• Heat Pump: there are big savings for people looking to upgrade their heat and air conditioning. Work with a qualified contractor for your equipment and installation and you can get up to $15,000 in combined incentives.

• Pool Pumps: a summer of swimming is always fun but maintenance? Not so much. If you’re in the market for a new pool pump, Eversource customers can get a rebate of up to $100. The offer says you can save up to $290 a year in energy costs since the new ones use up to 18 percent less energy than a standard pump.

• Air Purifiers: these became a hot item after COVID and they continue to be popular amongst homeowners. You can snag $40 off a qualifying unit through the program and save money long-term too. ENERGY STAR® certified air purifiers are more than 25% more energy-efficient than standard models

• Dehumidifiers: during the summer months, I dump my basement dehumidifier twice a day. Excess moisture is a real problem in many homes and it can lead to mold and mildew if not dealt with. The average dehumidifier costs about $300 but you can get up to $25 off per qualifying unit with this incentive program

• Insulation: If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know how important having enough insulation is in the home. In addition to warmer winters and cooler summers, insulation is also a valuable improvement upon resale. You can get up to $1.70 per square foot for your insulation project which includes both batts and blown fiberglass. 

• Boilers and Furnaces: both of these essential appliances have a 20-year lifespan so if you’re coming to the end of yours, taking advantage of the rebate is a good idea. You can get up to $750 back if you choose an energy-efficient model and there is financing available too. 

• Thermostats: I love being able to set and adjust the temperature of my house from anywhere and it’s great for the planet too. Choose a Smart thermostat like Google Nest and get an $85 instant rebate. Plus they estimate energy savings of up to $180 on electric and $565 on gas.

As with any program or incentive, it’s always smart to read the fine print to ensure you qualify for the rebates. Head to energizect.com for the latest list of offerings and availability and happy home improvement shopping!

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.