How to leave hot water heater while gone
First-time snowbirder mulling over how to leave our home hot water while gone on a 3-month long trip south this winter.
We have city water and it will be shut off at the street.
Furnace will be left on with thermostat set at 50 degrees.
It is a gas hot water heater and is approximately 11 years old.
I don't want to drain the hot water heater.
The two options I am considering are:
1: Turn the temperature down to "vacation".
2: Turn the water heater off completely.
How warm does the heater keep the water at the "vacation" setting?
Is it like only having the pilot light on?
How much energy is being used at the "vacation" setting?...what is the approximate cost?
Is there any danger or can any damage be done by turning it off but leaving it full of water?
My one concern is that if it is left on and a leak develops in the tank, it will call for water but will get none because the water will be shut off. The tank would then completely drain because of the leak and then I would have a hot heater in the "on" setting (albeit at a low setting) with no water in the tank. Possible fire danger?
Any insight would be appreciated.
We have city water and it will be shut off at the street.
Furnace will be left on with thermostat set at 50 degrees.
It is a gas hot water heater and is approximately 11 years old.
I don't want to drain the hot water heater.
The two options I am considering are:
1: Turn the temperature down to "vacation".
2: Turn the water heater off completely.
How warm does the heater keep the water at the "vacation" setting?
Is it like only having the pilot light on?
How much energy is being used at the "vacation" setting?...what is the approximate cost?
Is there any danger or can any damage be done by turning it off but leaving it full of water?
My one concern is that if it is left on and a leak develops in the tank, it will call for water but will get none because the water will be shut off. The tank would then completely drain because of the leak and then I would have a hot heater in the "on" setting (albeit at a low setting) with no water in the tank. Possible fire danger?
Any insight would be appreciated.
