Should I Turn Off Water Heater Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a vacation or will be away from home for an extended period of time, you may be wondering if you should turn off your water heater. While it may seem like a logical step to save energy and money while you’re away, there are a few things to consider before making this decision.

Why Turn Off Your Water Heater?

Turning off your water heater can save energy and money while you’re away. Your water heater is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home, so turning it off can significantly reduce your energy bills. Additionally, if there’s a chance that no one will be using hot water while you’re gone, there’s no need to waste energy keeping the water hot.

When Should You Turn Off Your Water Heater?

The decision to turn off your water heater depends on how long you’ll be away. If you’re only going to be gone for a few days or a week, it’s probably not worth turning off your water heater. The amount of energy saved will be minimal, and it can take a while to heat up the water again when you return.

However, if you’re going to be away for several weeks or months, it may make sense to turn off your water heater. This can help reduce your energy bills and prevent any potential damage that could occur if the unit is left running for an extended period of time.

How to Turn Off Your Water Heater

Before turning off your water heater, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific unit. In general, here are the steps:

  • Turn off the electricity or gas supply
  • Turn off the cold-water supply valve
  • Open a hot-water faucet in your home
  • Allow the tank to cool down before draining any remaining water

When Should You Keep Your Water Heater On?

There are a few situations where it’s best to keep your water heater on, even if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time. If you have a tankless water heater, it’s best to leave it on because it heats water only as needed, rather than storing hot water in a tank.

Additionally, if you’re leaving pets or plants in your home while you’re away, it’s best to keep your water heater on. This will ensure that there’s always hot water available for their needs.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you should turn off your water heater while you’re away depends on how long you’ll be gone and the type of unit you have. If you’ll only be gone for a short period of time, it may not be worth the hassle.

However, if you’ll be gone for several weeks or months, turning off your water heater can save energy and money. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before turning off the unit and consider any special circumstances before making a decision.