Water Heater

In May, I turn off the hot water that heats my condo in the winter. The photo shows the red-handled, quarter-turn valve in the OFF position (perpendicular to the piping) for the RETURN line. There might be very little hot water flow in the summer if the circulating-pump is not running, but with the valve OFF there is ZERO flow. This can improve condo cooling in the summer. Do NOT use the "HEAT" setting on your thermostat when the RETURN valve is closed.

Some of our HVAC units require the hot water valve to be turned OFF in order to provide adequate cooling in the summer. This is because the hot water circulating-pump is running when the thermostat is calling for cooling. This could be the result of a design flaw, improper installation, or incorrect thermostat wiring. But turning the valve OFF works!

If you turn off the wrong valve you'll get no hot water out of your spigots. All we need now is to remember to turn the valve back ON in September so that we can get heat.

The emergency-pressure-relief valve piping is shown, properly positioned in the white, plastic funnel-drain.

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YFiRE
Your Friend in Real Estate, LLC
Arlington, Virginia, USA