Unveiled: The Secret to Surviving Power Outages with Your Water Heater
What To Know
- Storage tank water heaters store a tank of hot water, so they can continue to provide hot water even when the power is out.
- The amount of time that a storage tank water heater will work without power depends on the size of the tank and the temperature of the water.
- As a general rule of thumb, a 40-gallon storage tank water heater will provide enough hot water for a family of four for about 24 hours without power.
When the power goes out, many household appliances become useless. But what about your water heater? Does it work without power? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the type of water heater you have.
Types of Water Heaters
There are two main types of water heaters: tankless and **storage tank**.
- Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so they do not require a storage tank. They are more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters, but they can be more expensive to purchase and install.
- Storage tank water heaters store a tank of hot water, so they can continue to provide hot water even when the power is out. However, they are less energy-efficient than tankless water heaters.
Do Water Heaters Work Without Power?
Tankless water heaters do not work without power because they require electricity to heat the water.
Storage tank water heaters can work without power, but only for a limited time. The hot water in the tank will eventually cool down, and you will not be able to get any more hot water until the power comes back on.
How Long Will a Storage Tank Water Heater Work Without Power?
The amount of time that a storage tank water heater will work without power depends on the size of the tank and the temperature of the water. A larger tank will hold more hot water and will therefore last longer without power. Water that is hotter will also last longer without power.
As a general rule of thumb, a 40-gallon storage tank water heater will provide enough hot water for a family of four for about 24 hours without power. A 50-gallon storage tank water heater will provide enough hot water for a family of four for about 36 hours without power.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Water Heater Working Longer Without Power?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your water heater working longer without power:
- Insulate your water heater. This will help to keep the heat in the tank and slow down the cooling process.
- Turn down the temperature on your water heater. This will help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from the tank.
- Take shorter showers. This will help to conserve hot water.
- Avoid using hot water for non-essential tasks. This will help to extend the amount of time that you have hot water available.
What to Do If Your Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water
If your water heater runs out of hot water, there are a few things you can do:
- Wait for the power to come back on. This is the most obvious solution, but it may not be possible if the power outage is expected to last for a long time.
- Boil water on the stove. This is a good way to get hot water for essential tasks, such as washing dishes or taking a sponge bath.
- Use a solar water heater. Solar water heaters can provide hot water even when the power is out.
- Call a plumber. If you have a tankless water heater, you will need to call a plumber to get it working again.
In a nutshell: Planning Ahead for Power Outages
Power outages can be a major inconvenience, but they can be even more inconvenient if you don’t have access to hot water. By understanding how your water heater works and taking steps to conserve hot water, you can help to ensure that you have hot water when you need it most.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use a generator to power my water heater?
A: Yes, you can use a generator to power your water heater. However, you will need to make sure that the generator is large enough to power the water heater and any other appliances that you are using.
Q: How can I tell if my water heater is working without power?
A: If you have a storage tank water heater, you can check the temperature of the water in the tank. If the water is cold, then the water heater is not working. If you have a tankless water heater, you will not be able to get any hot water from the faucet.
Q: What should I do if my water heater is not working without power?
A: If your water heater is not working without power, you should call a plumber. The plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and get your water heater working again.
