How to Reset Water on An Electric Heater?

Imagine waking up on a cold day and you are just wanting to take a hot shower to warm your body’s internal temperature. You step into the shower and there is nothing but cold water coming out. No matter how far you turn that faucet handle, cold water keeps spewing out. Immediately, you realize your water heater is not doing its job. It is time to reset the water heater. How to reset the water heater? Check the breaker and flip it to the on position. Then, push the red reset button on the water heater.

Let’s take a look below at what else might be involved with the water heater reset button.

Why Is There A Reset Button?

The electric water heater reset button on the water heater is meant to stop the power flow to the water heater. The safety feature is meant to kick in when the thermostat isn’t working properly or if there is a power surge. The reset button will keep the water in your water heater from getting too hot.

How Do I Locate And Reset The Water Heater?

Locating the rest button can be rather simple. Typically, the button is red and located near the thermostat. It can also be found behind the metal access panel that can be removed from the unit.

Keep in mind that there might be a lower thermostat button that could be a second reset button. You can push this and release it to determine if the heater will trip again. If the heater trips the breaker after pushing either reset button you will need to call a professional.

In short, to reset the electric water heater, flip the breaker off, push the reset button, and flip the breaker back on. If the water heater doesn’t trip off, then your reset button worked. If the breaker continues to trip, then you call a professional.

What Are Some Reasons For The Water Heater To Stop Working?

Believe it or not, the water heater could stop working for other reasons beyond a faulty reset button. Let’s take a look below at what some of those other possibilities might be.

  • A faulty thermostat will prevent the water heater from working correctly.
  • There is a malfunctioning reset button on the hot water heater.
  • The home has electrical issues and nothing to do with the water heater parts.
  • A loose wire in the water heater can cause it to trip the breaker by heating the water too high and the high-limit switch kicks in.
  • If the high-limit switch isn’t working the water will get too hot. If the switch trips, it is malfunctioning or allowing the water to get too hot.
  • If there is a short in the heating element the water might get too hot and trip the high-limit safety thermostat switch.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you understand what the reset button is on a water heater and where it is located, you can read up on how long it takes a water heater to heat up the water. Once you have reset the water heater it will take some time to heat up the water.

Next, if you want to keep your hot water going for longer, you can learn about what you can do to make hot water last longer in your home.

Lastly, while you are getting your water heater looked at this is a great time to go over your winter maintenance checklist. One of those items on the checklist is your water heater. This will ensure that you have hot water during the winter months.

When Do I Call A Professional?

The moment that your water heater begins to trip or starts to not work, you will need to call a professional. A professionally licensed electrician will need to come out and check your circuit breaker to make sure that the circuit isn’t the issue. Also, consider calling on your local home inspection team. They can inspect your electrical system and water heater to see if the water heater needs to be replaced.

Conclusion

Having a functional water heater is a necessity for homeowners. Without a water heater, you have no hot water for showers or appliances. No hot water in a dishwasher means you cannot sterilize your dishes while being cleaned. Most water heaters will last between 8 and 12 years. If you maintain them properly, you will get the maximum lifespan out of a water heater. Typically, having to use the reset button is a minor issue. However, reach out to your home inspection team to inspect the entire water heater and your electrical system. Call on Blue Guardian Home Inspections for a full home inspection in Kendall, Kane, Dupage, and LaSalle Counties of Illinois.

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How Strong Should Air Come out Of Vents?

When it comes to your HVAC system conducting regular maintenance is important. As a homeowner, you do not want to get any surprises about your HVAC unit. Make sure that you check your air filters and other maintenance suggestions as recommended. If you notice a change in the airflow of your HVAC system, then you should look into calling a professional. They can come out and test your equipment to determine how strong the airflow is. How strong should air come out of vents? The recommended airflow for each room is typically 50 cubic feet per minute.

Let’s take a look below at what this all means.

What Is The Best Way To Measure The Air Flow?

Believe it or not, there are professionals available to help you measure the airflow in your home. Let’s take a look below at what they use to do this.

  • Calibrating air balancing hood – Any vent grille that is flat against the wall or ceiling will have this tool placed over the grille. All of the airflow of the fan from the HVAC unit is then caught by the air balancing hood.
  • Airflow traverse and an Anemometer – This is used to measure the air velocity. The airflow traverse can only be used on a long straight exhaust duct. Drill a few holes into the air duct and place the anemometer over the holes to catch the airflow velocity.
  • Non-contact tachometer and a static pressure kit – Check the manufacturer’s fan performance table to determine the expectation of the fan. Measure the fan speed in RPMs by using a non-contact tachometer. Then use a static pressure kit to measure the static pressure of the airflow. Together the RPM and static pressure can be compared with the manufacturer’s fan performance table.

How Strong Should It Be?

Typically, the strength of your airflow is dependent on the system that you have installed. Each manufacturer has a standard when it comes to creating their units. However, the strength of the system can vary based on the motors and fans or parts installed. Airflow should be equal throughout the home.

The reality is that the airflow strength depends on the systems’ strength. The air in each room of your home should be changed over 8 times per hour. Typically, the smaller the room the faster your airflow will change. You can measure the airflow in cubic feet per minute. Most small rooms, like a bathroom, have an air movement of 50 cubic feet per minute (CFM).

What Prevents The Air Flow?

When it comes to HVAC there are many areas that could prevent airflow. Let’s take a look below at what those items are.

  • Vent-blocked or closed – Vents are typically on the wall or roof of your home. Make sure that nothing is in the way of blocking the vent and that you can see through the grid.
  • Closed damper valve – When a damper valve is closed it will prevent airflow through the ductwork. In some cases, an automatic switch will open and close the damper valve.
  • Leaky ducts – If your ducts become loose or somewhat disconnected the air will escape from the openings and your airflow will be substantially reduced.
  • Low air pressure – Clean your air filters or replace them. Dirty air filters create lower air pressure.
  • Clogged duct – In some cases, rodents can get trapped in your ductwork. This will create a blockage of airflow. Also, over time, if your air filters aren’t replaced, dirt and debris will begin to build up in your ducts. This too will create a blockage or a clog.
  • Misshapen flex duct – Some ducts are flex ducts and they are used to connect a furnace with air vents and trunk lines. If the flex duct does not stay expanded then the space inside the flex duct is smaller and slows the rate of airflow. The system has to work harder to push the air back through your vents because it is a smaller space.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Now that you have an understanding with regard to how strong air should come out of vents you can read up on if leaving your air conditioner on fan or auto is better. Knowing which mode is best for your home will save you money on your utility bill.

Next, be sure to study how long your HVAC system should last. If you aren’t conducting the proper maintenance on your HVAC system, then you likely won’t have your system very long. Always conduct the recommended maintenance on your HVAC system as suggested by the manufacturer of the unit.

Lastly, while you are getting your HVAC system inspected and serviced, this might be a good time to conduct all of the other necessary maintenance to prepare your home for the winter months. Having a checklist is a great idea so that nothing is neglected or missed.

When Do I Call A Professional?

Anytime there is a concern with your HVAC, you should always reach out to a professional HVAC service technician. Make sure that you are getting your HVAC unit serviced twice a year. Also, do your research and find out who is reputable in the local area. Call on your local home inspection team to get your HVAC system inspected during a full home inspection. They can give you a suggested list of repairs before any professional HVAC service technician tries to over-charge you for service.

Conclusion

If you are a homeowner that loves to complete projects, then it should be very simple for you to change your air filters on a regular basis. However, testing the airflow of your HVAC system requires specific tools and knowledge of how they work. It is recommended that if you are concerned with the airflow in your home you call on a professional HVAC technician. If you aren’t sure who to use, call on your local home inspection team. They will inspect your HVAC system and refer you to a reputable HVAC technician. Reach out to Blue Guardian Home Inspections for a full home inspection in Kendall, Kane, Dupage, and LaSalle Counties of Illinois.

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