The Complete Water Heater Cycling Guide: Why and How It Saves You Money

The only thing you likely think about in terms of your home’s water heater is hot showers or clean dishes, not exactly how water moves around within the system. However, one important process that greatly affects your water heater’s efficiency and longevity, as well as energy costs, is water cycling.

The team at Water Damage Specialists believe in educating homeowners about the very important water systems in their homes. In this post, we will explain what water cycling is, why it’s necessary for your water heater, and how you can keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

What is Water Cycling in Water Heaters?

Water cycling means the water is flowing into your water heater and through to the plumbing in your home. It can ensure hot water is always available when you want it, but bad cycling just creates inefficiencies, higher energy bills, and could even lead to damaging your water heater.

Efficient cycling of water is determined by the design and maintenance of your water heater, including factors such as water pressure, sediment buildup, and plumbing layout.

Why is proper water cycling important?

1. Increases Energy Efficiency

When water cycles properly, your heater does not have to work so hard to maintain the temperature desired. Poor cycling causes heat loss, which in turn forces your system to run longer and use more energy.

2. Extends the Life of Your Water Heater

Cycling cannot be properly done over time because it leads to sediment build-up and unequal heating. This puts extra stress on the tank and heating elements involved. Regular maintenance of cycling will make your water heater last longer and save from replacements that are very costly.

3. Prevents Water from Wasting

The efficiency of cycling of water keeps at a minimum the waste while one waits for the water to get hot. The end effect is not only in saving money on your water bills; it also aims at protecting a very valuable natural resource.

4. Ensures Consistent Hot Water Supply

Inappropriate cycling causes fluctuation in the water temperature. Good cycling means you have access to constant, consistent hot water for daily needs.

Common Issues to Watch in Water Cycling

• Sediment Buildup: Minerals in hard water may settle at the bottom of the tank and interfere with the flow of water, proper cycling.

• Leaky Pipes: Leaks in your plumbing system can cause your heater to work overtime, affecting water cycling efficiency. We recently wrote about plumbing leaks in this article!

• Inefficient Systems: Older water heaters cycle water less efficiently; they can be much more costly and less predictable to run.

How to Optimize Water Cycling in Your Water Heater

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

It’s best to have a professional inspect and flush your water heater at least once annually to remove sediment buildup; this ensures proper cycling.

2. Upgrade to a Tankless System

If your old water heater is inefficient, you may want to consider replacing it with a tankless water heater. In these systems, there is no cycling because water is heated only on demand.

3. Install a Recirculation Pump

The domestic hot water recirculation pump circulates water to keep the water from stalling in the system; hence, it reduces waiting time by enhancing cycling efficiency.

4. Check for Leaks and Pressure Issues

Low water pressure or leaks disrupt the cycling process. Many of these problems can be found and repaired well in advance with regular plumbing inspections.

Why Choose Water Damage Specialists to service your water heater?

At Water Damage Specialists, we understand that a properly functioning water heater is integral to the comfort and efficiency of your home. We have an experienced team ready for all of your Lehi water heater maintenance, repair, or upgrade needs.

Save Money and Energy with Much Better Water Cycling

The little thing that will make a big difference in the water heater of your home is proper cycling of water. Keeping your system maintained and addressing early issues means you will have lower energy bills, fewer repairs, and hot water whenever you need it.

If you’re ready to increase your water heater’s efficiency, then Water Damage Specialists will be delighted to help-just give us a call for a professional plumbing inspection or inquire about any of our services.

Call Today for Water Damage Specialists

Let inefficient water cycling take a toll on neither your time, money, nor comfort. Reach out and let our Utah and Salt Lake County plumbers make sure your water heater is running as best it can for you.