9 Ways to Save Money on Water Heating
Water heating is often the second-biggest energy cost in a home. Here are nine ways to trim it—some free, some worth the investment.
Read more →Winter Water Heater Maintenance Tips
Cold incoming water makes your heater work hardest exactly when you rely on it most. Here's how to prep it for a NJ winter.
Winter is when water heaters earn their keep—and when they're most likely to fail. The incoming water is far colder, so the unit works harder to deliver the same hot shower. A little prep in fall prevents a January emergency.
Why winter is hard on water heaters
In summer, NJ's groundwater enters the heater relatively warm. In winter it can be 30–40°F colder, meaning the unit must heat each gallon much further. An aging or sediment-filled heater that coped fine in July often can't keep up in January.
Before winter hits
- Flush the tank so the burner runs at peak efficiency—book fall maintenance
- Confirm the thermostat is at 120°F (don't crank it higher to compensate for cold inlet—size or service the unit instead)
- Insulate exposed hot-water pipes in unheated spaces
- Check venting on gas units for nests or blockages
If your hot water already runs short in summer, it will run out in winter. Address it in the fall, not during the holidays.
Protect against freezing
- Insulate pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and against exterior walls
- For tankless units in unconditioned spaces, ensure freeze-protection is functioning
- Keep the space around the heater above freezing
Watch for winter warning signs
Hot water running out faster, longer recovery times, or new noises under heavy winter demand all suggest the unit is struggling. Catching it early beats a cold-shower emergency. If it does fail, we offer emergency repair.
Get ahead of it
A fall tune-up is the cheapest insurance against a winter breakdown. Call 973-834-8833 to schedule before the cold sets in.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my water heater struggle in winter?
Incoming water is much colder in winter, so the unit must heat each gallon further. Aging or sediment-filled heaters often can't keep up with the added load.
Can a water heater freeze?
Tankless units and pipes in unconditioned spaces can freeze. Keep the area above freezing, insulate pipes, and ensure tankless freeze-protection works.
Need a hand from a licensed NJ water heater pro? Hot Water NJ installs, repairs, and replaces every type of water heater across Northern New Jersey—usually same day. Call 973-834-8833 or request a free estimate below.