Cold incoming water in winter forces water heaters to work harder. Insulating the tank and the first few feet of hot and cold pipes reduces standby losses and speeds recovery.

Check the temperature setting—120°F is usually sufficient for most homes and reduces scald risk and energy use. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment that reduces efficiency and can lead to premature failure.

If your water heater is more than 10–12 years old or struggles to keep up, consider a high-efficiency replacement or tankless option sized for local conditions.

Cooley’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing services and replaces water heaters for homes across Delta, Montrose, and Mesa counties. Schedule a check before the coldest months.

Key Takeaways

• Insulate the tank and nearby pipes.
• Flush sediment yearly.
• Verify the temperature setting.

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