As winter starts to set in across Anchorage, Alaskan homeowners know the importance of preparing their homes for the extreme cold. For those with tankless water heaters, taking a few essential steps can ensure consistent hot water and protect the system from winter-related issues. Here’s a detailed guide on how to assess and prepare your tankless water heater for the challenges of an Alaskan winter.

Freeze Protection

With temperatures often dropping well below freezing, protecting your tankless water heater from the cold is crucial. Most modern tankless units come with built-in freeze protection systems that help maintain internal temperatures above freezing. However, there are additional measures you can take to ensure your system’s longevity:

Check the Freeze Protection System: Verify that the built-in freeze protection system is operational. Refer to your user manual or contact a professional to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Add Insulation to Pipes: Even with a freeze protection system, it’s wise to insulate any exposed pipes connected to the water heater. This simple step helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during extreme cold spells.
Location Matters: If your water heater is installed in a garage or unconditioned space, consider adding extra insulation around the unit itself to further guard against freezing temperatures.

Proper Venting

Venting is another key aspect to consider when preparing a tankless water heater for winter. Cold air backflow can compromise the system’s performance and efficiency, especially if the heater is installed in less insulated areas. Here’s how to ensure proper venting:

Inspect Venting Pipes: Check that venting pipes are securely connected and free from any gaps. Any small openings can allow cold air to enter the system, potentially freezing internal components.
Clear Obstructions: During snowy months, regularly inspect venting outlets for snow or ice buildup. Blocked vents can hinder airflow, causing the system to shut down or operate inefficiently. Keep the area around the vents clear to ensure proper ventilation.
Professional Venting Check: Consider scheduling a professional inspection to ensure that venting is properly set up for Alaska’s winter conditions. This can prevent issues like cold air backdrafts and ensure optimal performance.

Adjusting Water Temperature Settings

In Alaska, the groundwater temperature is much colder than in the lower 48 states. This can mean that your tankless water heater may take longer to heat water to the desired temperature. Adjusting your water heater settings can help maintain a steady supply of hot water throughout winter:

Increase Temperature Settings: Slightly increasing the temperature setting can help offset the colder incoming water, providing more consistent hot water during the winter months. However, avoid setting it too high to prevent scalding risks.
Flow Rate Adjustments: Reducing the flow rate on your tankless water heater can help the system deliver hotter water by allowing more time for it to be heated. This adjustment can be particularly useful during especially cold days.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Alaskan Homeowners

Regular maintenance is key to keeping a tankless water heater running smoothly, especially during the winter. Here are some essential seasonal maintenance steps:

Winterization: Before the first deep freeze, check that any external pipes are properly insulated, and the freeze protection system is functioning. This helps prevent freezing and ensures the unit operates smoothly throughout the cold season.
Annual Descaling: Hard water can cause mineral buildup inside the unit, affecting its efficiency. Descaling the system at least once a year is essential, especially in areas with varying water quality like Anchorage. This process removes scale buildup, ensuring that your heater runs efficiently.
Check for Blocked Vents: Snow buildup can sometimes block vents, impacting the heater’s performance. Regularly inspect and clear snow or ice around the venting system to ensure proper airflow and prevent shutdowns.

Stay Warm and Prepared

Preparing your tankless water heater for winter is a crucial step in ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout Alaska’s long cold season. By focusing on freeze protection, proper venting, and seasonal maintenance, you can keep your system running smoothly and avoid disruptions. If you need professional assistance with preparing your tankless water heater for winter, the experts at Diamond Heating are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a winter readiness check and enjoy uninterrupted comfort all season long.