Does My Water Heater Have a Vacation Mode?

It’s that time of year with summer on the horizon, warming temperatures, and vacations scheduled. While it is an exciting time to get back out in the world and take those long overdue vacations, you may want to take a moment to make sure all of your water heater maintenance needs have been taken care of before heading out.

While your water heater is one of those home appliances that is best to check prior to leaving for vacation, here’s what you can do to conserve that hot water in your home before enjoying some well-deserved time off.

First things first: what is “vacation mode?”

Vacation mode is a setting that allows homes to conserve energy and hot water while the homeowners are away for an extended period of time, hence the term “vacation.”

This feature is becoming more common in products from many water heater companies. By setting your water heater to “vacation mode,” the boiler runs at a lower-than-normal temperature to conserve energy. Most water heater manufacturers set their vacation mode to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just enough to prevent freezing in colder climates.

How do I use my water heater’s vacation mode?

How to use the vacation mode on your water heater will vary based on the make and model of your system. Providers such as Rheem and Bradford White have built this feature into most of their products, allowing you to simply turn the setting off when you leave and back to normal when you return.

For older water heaters, this might require a little creativity. Most models without a vacation setting will have a dial to manually adjust the temperature. In this case, it’s important to reset it upon returning.

Why should I use my water heater’s vacation mode settings?

Long story short: to save money. Heating water consumes a significant amount of energy, and this is especially wasteful when homeowners are not home to use the hot water. Using vacation mode allows you to reduce energy usage and lower your utility bills without compromising the safety of your home appliances.

Need Help with Your Water Heater?

If you find that you need any water heater repairs, maintenance, replacement, or installations, be sure to give Todd’sWater Heater Repair a call today! Our qualified team of professionals has years of expertise and experience to assist with all your water heater needs and guide you on using your vacation mode settings.

Enhance Your Comfort While Conserving Energy

By properly utilizing your water heater’s vacation mode, you’re not just saving money—you’re ensuring that your home systems are well-maintained while you’re away. Let us help you get the most out of your water heater with quality services tailored to your needs.