Key Takeaways
- For longer vacations, a plan to switch off your water heater can be energy- and money-saving. Estimate how much you could save based on what kind of water heater you have and how long your vacation will be.
- The danger in leaving the water heater on while away is the potential for leaks, damage, or even the water line freezing if in a colder environment. Weigh these pros and cons to make your decision.
- For frequent travelers, tankless water heaters are a top energy-efficient choice. This has a lot to do with how conventional tank models require additional safety measures to function safely.
- Never attempt these steps without referring to your manufacturer’s instructions first to make sure you’re not doing something that will lead to your warranty being voided.
- Even if you’re gone just a few days, it may be worth saving energy. Lowering the temperature setting or utilizing vacation mode on smart electric water heaters are smarter options.
- Prevent serious damage to your home by quickly shutting off the power to the unit. In addition, remember to turn off the water supply if you decide to remove it from use. Check for any leaks and be observant of the system when you return for any problems that may have occurred.
Turn off your water heater while you’re away to save energy and reduce your utility bill. The savings vary significantly based on how long you’ll be gone and what kind of water heater you own.
Most newer water heaters have a “vacation mode” setting for trips that aren’t quite as long. This setting reduces the temperature and energy use without shutting down the heater entirely. For extended vacations, you almost always save more energy by shutting it down altogether.
Just don’t forget to take into account the reheating time when you return! An example of this are gas water heaters, which have a pilot light that continues to consume energy when the device is on.
Knowing your water heater’s settings and energy consumption will help you make the right decision. We’ll unpack these questions further to determine which is the right decision for you.
Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater?
Turning off your water heater while you’re on vacation might seem like a no-brainer for significant energy savings. However, the answer to that question depends on a few key considerations regarding your plumbing system. To decide whether to turn off or lower your hot water heater’s flame, consider the potential energy savings and associated risks.
1. Understand Energy Savings Potential
The energy savings from turning off your water heater vary based on the length of your trip and the heater type. For vacations shorter than two weeks (preferably under two weeks), keeping the thermostat 2–3°F lower saves some energy without requiring a complete turn-off.
On longer hauls, shutting off the heater can save electricity or gas and improve your efficiency. Just be sure to keep it off long enough that whatever energy you save exceeds the energy required to reheat the water when you return.
Tankless models, which heat water on demand, inherently consume less energy during inactivity compared to tank heaters that maintain a storage temperature.
2. Consider Potential Risks and Drawbacks
One of the potential dangers of turning off your water heater is the creation of stagnant water. This stagnant water can encourage bacterial growth, including Legionella, especially when the temperature drops below 120°F.
This means that reheating the water once you return takes hours and more energy use, eating away at overall savings. In colder climates, you run the risk of thawing out your pipes if you turn it off, risking burst pipes and all the damage they would cause.
3. Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Since tank heaters keep a set temperature at all times, their energy use is pretty consistent. Tankless heaters offer excellent convenience for the longtime traveler.
It’s because they don’t store water, which reduces potential hazards of long-term inactivity. Though solar heaters are more environmentally sustainable, they rely on seasonal sunlight and are less efficient in the winter months.
Benefits of Turning Off Your Heater
The benefits of turning your hot water heater off prior to a vacation are more practical than just saving money. This smart decision not only saves energy and money but also helps prevent serious water damage to your plumbing system.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Water heaters make up the second largest energy expenditure in the average household. Turning it off ensures that you’re not wasting energy while you’re away. This simple action can lower energy use by about 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit in tank-based systems, reducing heat loss.
If you value sustainability, knowing when to turn off your heater contributes to the larger initiative of energy conservation, reducing the burden on power grids. If you’re looking to the future, solar water heaters are an efficient, cost-effective, renewable resource that gets you there.
Lower Utility Bills
Along with saving energy, turning down the heater brings about a significant drop in the utility bill. Taking shorter trips adds up to significant savings, particularly if you travel often. Day-to-day habits, such as making sure not to use your heater when it’s unnecessary, can quickly compound to provide significant savings over time.
Pay special attention to your monthly energy bills to identify trends. Once you are aware, you will want to do more, such as buy energy-efficient appliances or insulate your water pipes to prevent heat loss.
Extend Water Heater Lifespan
By turning off your water heater when you aren’t home, you’ll reduce wear and tear, extending the life of your appliance. Tank-type heaters, for example, can run reliably and efficiently for 15 to 20 years or more with regular maintenance.
Routine maintenance, including an annual tank flush, enhances this investment and extends expensive replacements. Smart, proactive decisions put money back in your pocket while providing proven, dependable performance year after year.
Drawbacks of Turning Off Your Heater
If you plan on being away through the winter or have a second home, turning off your water heater will save energy. Before you decide to turn off your heater, weigh the negative impacts. One, it can relieve energy consumption, at least in the short term.
Going back to business as usual could present unforeseen dangers or even permanent damage to your water infrastructure.
Inconvenience of Reheating Water
One of the major short-term downsides is the time and effort expended when reheating water upon your return. The good news is gas water heaters typically reach operating temperature in 30-45 minutes.
By comparison, electric models can take up to 60 to 90 minutes. This lag time can throw a wrench in your day-to-day routine, particularly if you rely on hot water for showers or other household activities on short notice.
All that energy lost to reheating water could negate the savings achieved by turning the heater off. Many homeowners compromise by lowering the temperature on their water heater so they don’t have to turn it off completely.
It’s a smart, cost-effective, energy-saving strategy that enables faster recovery.
Potential for Sediment Buildup
When water is left stagnant in the tank, sediment may settle on the bottom and build up on the heater. This accumulation negatively impacts water quality.
It decreases the heater’s efficiency, making it have to work harder and use more energy the next time it heats water. While routine regular flushes of the heater can alleviate these issues, turning off the electric heater for an extended period of time raises that concern even more.
Regular maintenance is important because stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. One such bacterium, Legionella, can cause fatal pneumonia.
Risk of Frozen Pipes in Cold Climates
If you live in a cold climate, some districts suggest leaving your heater off may cause pipes to freeze. This danger increases if indoor temps drop excessively.
When frozen pipes thaw, they can burst, creating costly damages. To mitigate against this, you can insulate pipes or leave the heater on at a lower setting.
Unfortunately, simply turning your heater off can lead to frost damage, but there are great ways to prevent it.
How to Safely Turn Off Your Heater
If you’re heading out of town for a week or more, consider turning off your hot water heater while you’re away to achieve significant energy savings. It’s crucial to understand how to do this safely, especially regarding your plumbing system, so that you don’t run into trouble upon returning home. Here, we’ll explain what to do, how to stay safe, and how not to ruin your device in the process.
Turn Off the Power Supply
First, turn off the power to your water heater. For electric heaters—find the circuit breaker and turn the right breaker to the “Off” position.
For gas electric heaters, turn the thermostat down to the “Pilot” or “Off” position. Be sure to check for any signs of power, like a light or noise, that may alert you the heater isn’t fully powered down.
If you notice any unusual signs, like flickering lights or a breaker that won’t stay off, consult a professional before leaving.
Shut Off the Water Inlet Valve
First, find the water inlet valve, usually near the top of the heater. If you have an older valve, turn it clockwise until it stops.
By blocking water from entering the tank while you’re gone, this nifty accessory helps prevent leaks or water damage from occurring when you’re not home. If there’s a leak, leaving this valve open will allow water to spread out if it does start to leak.
This would dramatically increase the likelihood of severe structural damage. To test the valve, first turn the heater off and see if any dripping or flow continues from the faucet.
Drain the Tank (If Necessary)
If you take long trips regularly, you may need to drain the tank yourself on occasion to avoid sediment buildup. First, connect a hose to the tank’s drain valve.
Next, run the opposite end into an appropriate drainage location and carefully open the valve. This step helps make sure that you can empty the tank without splashing highly heated water.
Make sure the water has cooled before wearing gloves or prevention measures to keep yourself protected from burns.
Restarting Your Water Heater
Fortunately, whether you’ve just been on vacation or made the switch to tankless water heaters, restarting your water heater unit just takes a little knowledge and finesse. Following the right steps helps ensure that the plumbing system works as intended—and helps prevent future water heater repairs.
Turn On the Water Supply
Start by turning the water back on to the heater. Next, find the main water shut-off valve for your home and open it all the way. Make sure everything is tightened up.
Monitor for condensation or leaks coming from heater or piping. Check around the tank or near the water connections for signs of dripping water. Run the water for a minute or so to ensure it’s flowing well and at the right pressure before continuing to step four.
Restore Power to the Heater
Once the water supply is stable and leaks under the water heater are resolved, power to the water heater can be restored safely. If you have an electric model, reset the circuit breaker.
Heaters with gas pilots should relight the pilot according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Look for glowing warning lights, error codes, and other warning signs that things are amiss.
Make sure safety devices, such as pressure relief valves, are functioning correctly. Ensure that this is completed prior to the heater starting to reheat the new water.
Monitor for Leaks or Issues
Check the area around the heater for water leaks and listen for unusual banging or popping sounds while it reheats. You can test for proper water pressure and flow by turning on a faucet.
If the heater doesn’t reach 120ºF to 130ºF within a few hours, or if you notice inconsistent performance, troubleshoot further or consult a professional. Continue monitoring for 24 hours just to make sure everything is working properly.
Alternative Options for Energy Savings
Conserving energy while you’re away doesn’t have to mean switching off your water heater or completely unplugging it either. Here are five easily implementable tactics for water heater maintenance to save energy without breaking a sweat. Each approach offers distinct advantages suited to your interests and residential circumstances.
Lower the Thermostat Setting
Lowering your water heater’s thermostat is an easy energy-saving step. A thermostat setting of 50-60°F while you’re away prevents needless heating cycles, particularly since water may not be in use. This temperature range keeps pipes from bursting in colder months.
According to the DOE, a daily use temperature of 120°F will maximize comfort, energy efficiency, and safety. Setting a reminder to check and re-verify your thermostat setting makes sure it’s working the way you want it to—preventing any unintended energy waste.
Install a Water Heater Timer
A water heater timer can automate heating schedules, saving energy by avoiding heating during low-demand periods. For example, with a timer you can set the unit to heat water only during hours you typically use it. This is particularly beneficial for households with set schedules.
Timers are compatible with most models. It’s important to do your homework to select the best option that works with your individual heater. The ease of use with timers lets you keep things efficient without having to tinker every day.
Use a Smart Water Heater
Smart water heaters go a step further, too, letting you control and monitor energy use through apps on your smartphone or other devices. Unlike conventional thermostats, these systems learn usage patterns, maximizing comfort while minimizing heating schedules and preventing energy waste.
They offer ongoing, real-time diagnostics on energy use so you can stay informed and aware of your consumption. Though they come with a larger upfront investment, the long-term operational savings and convenience benefits can make them a worthwhile investment.
Water Heater Types and Vacations
When planning a vacation, it’s important to understand how your water heater type affects energy use and functionality during your absence. Whether tank, tankless, or solar, each type of water heater impacts energy costs and maintenance requirements, influencing homeowners’ decisions for significant energy savings.
Tank Water Heaters
Traditional tank-type water heaters heat and hold a large reservoir of water, typically around 140°F, so hot water is available instantly. Unfortunately, this is accompanied by an ongoing energy cost, even while you’re on vacation. During vacations longer than two weeks, turning it off can save energy, but be mindful of potential issues like bacterial growth, especially in warm climates.
For shorter trips, adjust the thermostat down 2–3°F. Just this one action can save you 1–3% of your energy bill and extend the life of your heating system. Maintenance is certainly another factor. Sediment accumulation inside water heater tanks can cause inefficient heating or even explode a tank if not regularly taken care of.
In chillier regions, keeping the tank on at a low level setting ensures pipes do not freeze or burst.
Tankless Water Heaters
Since tankless models only heat water as you need it, they’re a highly energy-efficient choice that makes sense for vacations. Unlike tank heaters, these systems don’t have a storage tank, which means no standby energy loss. This design is particularly beneficial for those who travel often as there’s zero chance of wasting energy while you’re out of town.
Their small size and low maintenance requirements contribute, making them easy and convenient to have. Pay attention to where and how you’ll be using hot water. In addition, tankless units will not perform as advertised in regions with hard water or freezing temperatures.
Additional Considerations
Taking these considerations into account will help you maximize energy efficiency, avoid costly water heater repairs, and ensure plumbing system performance while you’re traveling. Below, we’ll dip into some important factors such as vacation length, water quality, and house insulation to help inform your choice.
Length of Vacation
Your trip length is perhaps the most important consideration to balance. If you’re just away for a week, leave your heater running! Turning it off won’t save you anything, because it’s off most of the time anyway. Typically under 1% of your daily energy consumption.
For longer moves, ie two weeks or additional, it’s well worth shutting it down. Only remember that when you go home, reheating the water for cooking can take an hour or more. Seasonal conditions matter; in winter, keeping the heater on at a low setting can prevent frozen pipes, especially when temperatures drop below freezing.
Looking back at your recent travel can prepare you in the future, even if the trip ahead is an unfamiliar one.
Water Quality
Water quality has a direct impact on your heater’s efficiency. Hard water, for example, can lead to sediment accumulation which decreases efficiency. Standing water can additionally promote the growth of dangerous pathogens, such as Legionella.
Frequent testing and upkeep measures are required, especially before long term vacancies. Flushing the tank on a periodic basis can help prevent these issues and keep your system in optimal working order.
Insulation of Pipes and Tank
Proper insulation will reduce heat loss to a minimum, allowing the system to operate safely and efficiently. In colder climates, insulated pipes and an insulated tank are very important to keep from freezing.
It is wise to check insulation regularly, especially in the winter months, to make sure it hasn’t shifted over time. To maximize energy savings even further, insulation will help solar water heaters work more efficiently, saving you even more on your utility bills.
Conclusion
Should you turn your water heater off when going on vacation? Account for your vacation plans, heater type and need for savings. Turning it off is a great way to save money and energy. Know the dangers—you may have to wait longer for hot water when you return and may experience problems when you restart it. If you will be gone for a longer period of time, it is advisable to turn it off. For shorter excursions, turning down the thermostat setting or selecting vacation mode is generally the better option.
The point is to always plan ahead, and understand your system. Regardless of whether you turn your water heater off or leave it on, these little steps add up to big savings. Don’t wait until it’s too late—Learn how to use energy more efficiently and safeguard your home today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I turn off my water heater when I go on vacation?
Yes, turning off your water heater can save energy and reduce your utility bill if you’re away for more than a few days. Consider the type of hot water heater you have and the local weather before doing so.
Does turning off a water heater save money?
The short answer is yes, turning off your hot water heater when you leave reduces standby heat loss, resulting in significant energy savings and lower energy costs, especially for long vacations.
Is it safe to turn off my water heater?
Yes, this is completely safe if done correctly. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. If you’re not sure, ask a professional plumber to handle the water heater repair to avoid damaging the hot water heater.
How do I restart my water heater after vacation?
If you have electric water heaters, make sure to turn the breaker back on. For gas hot water heaters, you’ll need to relight the pilot light when you return, if needed. Refer to the user guide for your exact model to figure out how to restart it safely.
Are there alternatives to turning off the water heater?
No, turn it to “vacation mode” or set the thermostat to the lowest safe temperature. This helps prevent freezing while allowing for significant energy savings, keeping your hot water heater efficient.
Does the type of water heater affect vacation prep?
Of course, if you have a tankless water heater, they don’t need to be turned off, since they heat water only as it’s being used. For traditional water heaters, it’s more cost-effective to turn them off or lower your programmed temperature settings.
What are the drawbacks of turning off my water heater?
It takes a while for hot water heaters to heat up that water once you restart them, and repeated on/off cycles will decrease the lifespan of the water heater unit.