Rising energy bills may be linked to your hot water heater. Discover how issues like sediment, leaks, and aging parts reduce efficiency—and how regular maintenance or an upgrade with Action Furnace can save you money and restore comfort.
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Your hot water heater plays a vital role in your daily comfort. But when something goes wrong, it doesn’t just lead to cold water—it can also cause a noticeable spike in your monthly energy bill.
If you’ve noticed rising energy costs or inconsistent hot water, your water heater could be the culprit. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common water heater issues that lead to energy waste—and how you can prevent them.
Sediment Buildup in the Tank
Alberta’s hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals settle at the bottom of your hot water tank, forming a thick layer of sediment.
This sediment acts as a barrier between the burner and the water, forcing your heater to work harder—and burn more energy—to deliver the same hot water output.
Flush your water heater at least once a year to remove sediment buildup and keep it running efficiently. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, call the experts at Action Furnace for a professional cleaning.
Malfunctioning or Inefficient Heating Elements
Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, your system relies on key components to heat water efficiently.
- Electric units use heating elements that can degrade or burn out over time.
- Gas units may suffer from faulty burners, dirty pilot lights, or worn-out thermocouples.
Why it matters: If these components aren’t working efficiently, your water heater has to run longer to maintain temperature, increasing your energy use.
Pro Tip: Schedule regular maintenance to check and replace faulty heating elements. Action Furnace can inspect and service your system to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Thermostat Issues
Your water heater’s thermostat plays a crucial role in maintaining safe, efficient temperatures.
- Incorrect settings: A thermostat set too high overheats the water, wasting energy and increasing scalding risk.
- Faulty thermostats: These may cause your heater to run constantly, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
How to fix it: Stick to energy-efficient settings—typically around 49–52°C. If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, have it inspected and replaced.
Leaks in the Water Heater or Pipe System
Even a small leak in your water heater or surrounding pipes can have big consequences.
What to look for:
- Damp spots around the base of the tank
- Reduced hot water availability
- A sudden increase in water and energy bills
Why it matters: Leaks force your heater to continuously heat incoming cold water, wasting energy and putting strain on your system.
Call Action Furnace for a full inspection. We’ll identify leaks early and perform repairs before they lead to major damage or costly inefficiencies.
Old or Inefficient Water Heaters
Hot water heaters have a lifespan of 10–15 years. As they age, components wear down, efficiency drops, and energy usage goes up.
The solution: If your water heater is past its prime, it might be time to upgrade. High-efficiency or tankless models use less energy, deliver consistent hot water, and can significantly lower your monthly bills.
Action Furnace installs Alberta’s most trusted water heater brands—our team will help you choose and install the right system for your needs.
Insufficient Insulation
Without proper insulation, your hot water tank and pipes lose heat quickly—forcing the unit to reheat water more often.
DIY Tips:
- Insulate exposed hot water pipes with foam sleeves.
- Use an insulating blanket around the tank (for older models only—check manufacturer guidelines first).
These simple upgrades help retain heat and reduce energy consumption.
Faulty Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a critical safety feature that releases pressure if your water heater becomes too hot or over-pressurized.
What can go wrong: If the valve is faulty or leaking, it can constantly release hot water—causing your heater to use more energy to replace it.
Solution: Have this valve inspected regularly. If it’s leaking or malfunctioning, Action Furnace can replace it quickly to prevent energy waste and keep your system safe.
Constant Cycling or Overuse
Using a lot of hot water in a short period—like running multiple appliances or back-to-back showers—can strain your system and cause it to cycle frequently.
Why it matters: Frequent cycling increases wear and tear, raises energy bills, and may indicate your water heater is undersized for your household.
What to do:
- Space out your hot water usage throughout the day
- Consider upgrading to a larger or tankless unit if your current one can’t keep up
From sediment buildup to thermostat issues, leaks, and aging units, there are many reasons your water heater might be silently driving up your energy bills. But the good news is, most of these issues can be prevented or fixed with regular maintenance.
Why Choose Action Furnace?
With expert technicians, trusted brand installations, and a commitment to top-tier service, Action Furnace is Alberta’s preferred choice for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement. We’ll help you stay comfortable—and keep your energy bills in check—all year long.
Book your water heater tune-up or replacement with Action Furnace today!
Hot Water Heater FAQ
How long does it take to install a hot water heater?
Installation times for hot water heaters vary depending on the type of system being installed, the size of your home or building, and the condition of your existing plumbing. On average, it can take several hours to a day to install a hot water heater—but if your installation is likely to take longer, we’ll let you know in advance so you know what to expect.
What should I do to maintain my hot water heater?
A hot water heater requires regular maintenance, including flushing the tank, checking the anode rod, and inspecting and tightening the connections. We do not recommend attempting these tasks on your own—instead, contact Action Furnace once a year to have your water tank serviced by our experienced professionals.
