Solar Water Heater Maintenance 101: Tips by SUMMER

Let’s picture a scenario quickly. You’ve owned your SUMMER solar water heater for a while now. It’s the weekend and you want to take a nice hot shower before you head out, but you notice your SUMMER solar water heater is not working as well as it did when you first got it. “That’s odd,” you think to yourself, but heed it no mind and use it as usual, thinking whatever the problem is would probably go away on its own. Well, what if there are ways for you to fix it, or at least maintain your system so that it never happened in the first place? Lucky for you, that’s what today’s blog is all about. From us to you, let’s talk about how to maintain that SUMMER solar water heater of yours. 

Benefits of Maintenance

Before we talk about the how, we should first talk about the why. The why being “why should I even maintain my SUMMER solar water heater myself if I can just call people to fix it”. You could be right on that, but as we’ll go over it now, there are several key benefits to maintaining your system yourself, starting with improved energy efficiency. By making the rounds and doing routine cleaning and inspections, you ensure your SUMMER solar water heater is running the best it can at any given opportunity. For more information on the benefits of maintenance, see The Benefits Of Solar-Powered Water Heating For Homeowners 

On top of that, maintaining your SUMMER solar water heater can lead to a prolonged system lifespan. Think of it like a pet, if your pet was a very heavy piece of technology that heats up your water. Regular care prevents the accumulation of dirt and debris, reducing wear and tear on the system. Timely identification and resolution of issues during maintenance prevent long-term damage, preserving the integrity of your entire solar water heating system. Consistent care also helps prevent corrosion and deterioration, contributing to an extended overall lifespan. For more detailed insights, read about How Can You Maintain a Solar Water Heater? 

Maintenance Tasks 

First and foremost, you should start with cleaning the solar collectors of your SUMMER solar water heater regularly to eliminate dust, dirt, and debris, ensuring they can effectively absorb sunlight and facilitate heat transfer. Additionally, addressing issues like bird droppings or other contaminants prevents potential obstructions that may compromise the overall efficiency of the system. 

Another thing you should regularly keep your eye on is the plumbing system of your SUMMER solar water heater. Check for leaks to prevent water loss and potential damage. It’s just as important to keep your eyes peeled on the pipes, joints, and connections to make sure they’re free from corrosion or blockages. Keeping your plumbing in check safeguards your system and prevents waste – two birds, one stone. For more on maintenance tasks, visit Benefits of Maintaining Solar Hot Water Heating Systems.  

On top of what was mentioned above, another important step is to check the insulation for both the pipes and storage tank of your solar water heater. Both can suffer damage over time, and that can negatively affect the efficiency of your system. Keep a lookout for stuff like cracks, thinning, or damp spots in the insulation. This is important as it ensures the heat generated stays where it’s needed, reducing energy loss and keeping your water heater working optimally. If you see some damage, you can either replace it yourself or have it professionally repaired. 

When to Seek Professional Help

With all the tips we’ve given in mind, some things can’t be done on our own, and professionals must step in to assist with your SUMMER solar water heater. Issues like significant leaks, cracks in the solar panels, or electrical problems, it’s time to ring up a professional. SUMMER is affiliated with Water Hippos – experts in any home water appliance emergency. For us, we trust them to help you with our systems. 

Remember, regular preventive maintenance not only extends the life of your solar water heater but also ensures it operates at peak efficiency. By following these simple steps, you’re contributing to both the health of your system and the environment.