When you first buy an electric water heater system in your home or replace an old one with a new system you might not have any idea about how to turn on an electric water heater. Although in modern systems the design is very simple and reliable, turning them on improperly leads to disturbance in performance, damages the system and safety risks.
So understanding this makes your system work effectively and safely. For guiding you in this blog we will discuss everything you need to know like from locating a water heater power switch to starting an electric water heater and most importantly turning on the water heater safely.
We also guide you about when you will need assistance from professionals like MileHi HVAC for ensuring optimal performance.
Importance of safely turning on electric water heaters
Electric water heaters have heating components that rely on electricity and heats the water stored in the tank. One thing to consider about that is when you turn on the water heater when the tank is not full the heating elements may burst out.
So learning how to turn on electric water heater properly helps you:
- Improves energy efficiency
- Protects heating elements from damages
- Ensure consistent hot water supply
- Extends the lifespan of system
- Avoids electrical hazards
That’s why it is recommended to follow the right startup process when starting an electric water heater system.
Components to know about before turning water heater system
In turning on electric water heaters there are several components that you need to know about.
Power Switch
The electric water heater power switch is responsible for providing electricity to the water heater. This switch is usually located near the heater or electrical panel of your system.
Thermostat
It is the most important component. The thermostat controls the temperature of water inside the tank.
Circuit breaker
Most electric water heaters are designed in such a way that they are connected with the dedicated breaker in your electrical panel.
On off switch for electric water heater
Some units contain external on off switches for electric water heaters. Through this switch system can be controlled without accessing the electrical panel.
Read More: How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Step by step guide: How to turn on electric water heater
For safely turning on your electric water heater system follow these steps.
Verify the tank is full
One of the first steps in starting an electric water heater system is making sure that the water heater tank is full of water.
Follow this:
- Turn on the cold water supply connected with water heater
- Open the hot water faucet
- Allow the water to run smoothly without air.
The purpose behind this is running the face first to remove the air from the tank and make sure that now it’s safe to turn on the water hater safely.
Locate the Water Heater Power Switch
Now find the water heater power switch which provides electricity to the water heater.
The switch can be located on following places like:
- Wall which is near the heater
- Breaker panel of your home
- On a nearby disconnect box
If your electric water heater has an external on off switch for electric water heater then it will be near the tank for easy access.
Turn On the Circuit Breaker
If your heater uses a breaker instead of switch then look for an electrical panel and flip the breaker labelled as water heater ON option. Through this electricity is supplied through the water heater power switch to heating elements for delivering hot water. So once you turn on the breaker the process of starting electric water heaters begins automatically.
Activate the On Off Switch for Electric Water Heater
Some systems consist of on and off switches for electric water heaters. So for turning on electric water heater safely follow these steps
- Flip the switch to on option
- Wait for heater to start heating the water inside the tank
Set the Thermostat Temperature
After starting the electric water heater now set the temperature of the thermostat according to your need. Most of the professionals recommend to set the temperature to 120F for safe and efficient use.
Setting the temperature too high leads to damage and more energy consumption. Professionals like MileHi HVAC recommend setting the moderate temperature for energy efficiency and better performance.
Wait for heating
Once you complete all the steps and the water heater is on then it starts to heat the water inside the tank. The typical heating time is almost 30 to 60 minutes for a full tank.
This is the final stage and after proper heating you can use hot water for household chores.
Tips for turning on water heater safely
Safety is the first priority and most important when dealing with electrical appliances. Following these steps help you to turn on the water heater safely.
Make sure to fill the tank
Never turn on the water heater when the tank is not full.
Inspect for leaks
Check some connections and look for any leaks and damages before starting the electric water heater.
Avoid using wet hands
When turning on the water heater power switch make sure that your hands are dry to prevent any electrical hazard.
Follow manufacturer instructions
Turning on the water heater safely follows the manufacturer guidelines as each model has different setups.
Problems in starting electric water heaters
Sometimes when homeowners are starting electric water heaters they face several issues. Following are some common problems and solutions for them.
No power to heater
If there is no electrical supply to the heater check the water heater power switch and circuit breaker.
Heater is operating but water is still cold
This issue may be due to several reasons like:
- Faulty thermostat
- Electrical problem
- Burned heating elements
This issue can also be due to damaged on off switch for electric water heater the heater is unable to receive power.
When to call professionals
Although this process can be done on your own and most homeowners can handle turning on the water heater safely. In some cases professional assistance is required.
Contact our expert team at MileHi HVAC if:
- The water heater power switch is not responding
- Breaker is tripping repeatedly
- You are noticing strange noises from heater
- After starting electric water heater there is no supply of hot water
The Certified team at MileHi HVAC will inspect your system, repair problems and make sure that your system will perform effectively.
Maintenance tips after starting electric water heater
Once you turn on the electric water heater safely then for its long term performance and efficiency follow these maintenance tips.
- Flush the tank on annual basis
- Check the on off switch for electric water heater
- Frequently inspect the water heater power switch
- Check the temperature setting as normal
Through routine maintenance you can easily increase the lifespan of your system.
Conclusion
Every homeowner needs to know how to turn on an electric water heater. You may safely start your system by making sure the tank is full, finding the water heater power switch, turning on the electric water heater’s on off switch, and adjusting the thermostat.
By starting your electric water heater correctly, you may reduce damage, increase efficiency, and guarantee dependable hot water for your house. Above all, make it a top priority to turn on the water heater carefully in order to prevent electrical problems or expensive repairs.
The experts at MileHi HVAC are there to help with professional water heater services in Denver, including installation, maintenance, and repair, if you are ever unclear about the procedure.
FAQS
How long does it take to receive hot water after starting an electric water heater?
Most electric water heaters require 30 to 60 minutes to heat a full tank of water after you’ve learned how to turn on an electric water heater.
Where is the power switch for the water heater?
The water heater power switch might be located at the main breaker panel, within an electrical disconnect box, or close to the heater.
If the tank is empty, can I still turn on the heater?
No, doing so could harm the heating components. Before turning on an electric water heater, always fill the tank.
Is it safe to often turn an electric water heater on or off?
Indeed. The electric water heater’s on off switch is made to control maintenance and regular functioning.
If my water heater won’t turn on, what should I do?
First, check the water heater power switch and breaker. After starting the electric water heater, get in touch with experts like MileHi HVAC for an assessment and repairs if the heater is still not working.
