Should I Put My Water Heater on Vacation Mode?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning on going out of town for a few days or weeks, you may be wondering whether it’s a good idea to put your water heater on vacation mode. This is a common question among homeowners, and the answer depends on a number of factors.

What is Vacation Mode?

Vacation mode is a feature that’s available on many water heaters. It’s designed to save energy and reduce wear and tear on the unit while you’re away from home. When you activate vacation mode, the water heater will lower its temperature to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), which is just warm enough to prevent bacteria growth but not hot enough to be useful for daily use.

Benefits of Using Vacation Mode

There are several benefits to using vacation mode when you’re away from home:

  • Energy Savings: By lowering the temperature of your water heater, you’ll save energy and reduce your utility bills.
  • Extended Lifespan: Lowering the temperature can also help extend the lifespan of your unit by reducing wear and tear.
  • Safety: With no one at home to use hot water, there’s less risk of accidental scalding or burns.

When Not To Use Vacation Mode

While vacation mode can be useful in many situations, there are times when it’s not recommended:

  • Cold Climates: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, it’s best to keep your water heater running normally to prevent frozen pipes.
  • Pets: If you have pets at home that require hot water (such as fish or reptiles), it’s best not to use vacation mode.
  • Extended Absences: If you’ll be away from home for an extended period of time (more than a few weeks), it’s better to turn off your water heater completely to prevent any potential damage.

How to Activate Vacation Mode

Activating vacation mode on your water heater is a simple process. Here are the general steps:

  1. Locate the control panel on your water heater.
  2. Look for a button or switch labeled “vacation mode” or “energy saver.”
  3. Press the button or switch to activate vacation mode.
  4. Set the temperature to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

Note:

If you’re unsure about how to activate vacation mode on your particular model of water heater, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer.

In Conclusion

Whether or not you should put your water heater on vacation mode will depend on your particular situation. If you’re going away for a short period of time and want to save energy and reduce wear and tear, vacation mode can be a good option.

However, if you have pets at home or will be away for an extended period of time, it’s best not to use vacation mode. Make sure to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about how to activate this feature on your particular model of water heater.