If you’re planning an extended vacation and wondering whether to turn on your water heater’s vacation mode or simply leave the pilot light on, you’ve come to the right place. Both options have their pros and cons when it comes to energy savings, safety, and convenience.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Using vacation mode is generally better than just leaving the pilot light on if you’ll be gone for more than 3-5 days. Vacation mode completely shuts off the water heater to maximize energy savings.
The pilot light alone still consumes some gas.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare vacation mode vs leaving the pilot light on so you can decide which option is best for your situation. We’ll cover the key differences in how they work, energy use and cost savings, safety considerations, effects on water heater lifespan, and ease of use.
Read on for the full breakdown!
How Do Vacation Mode and Pilot Lights Work?
Vacation Mode
Vacation mode is a feature found in many modern water heaters that allows homeowners to save energy while they are away from home for an extended period. When activated, vacation mode adjusts the temperature settings of the water heater to a lower temperature, typically around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
This prevents the water heater from continuously heating water to the usual temperature, resulting in significant energy savings.
By using vacation mode, homeowners can ensure that their water heater is not wasting energy and heating water that won’t be used while they are away. It’s an excellent feature to have if you’re going on vacation or if you have a second home that is frequently unoccupied for extended periods.
Keep in mind that when you return from vacation, it’s important to switch off vacation mode and set your water heater to the desired temperature to ensure you have hot water readily available.
Pilot Light
A pilot light is a small flame that is continuously burning in older models of water heaters. It serves as an ignition source for the main burner, which heats up the water in the tank. The pilot light is typically fueled by natural gas or propane.
When the water temperature drops below the set level, the pilot light automatically ignites the main burner, which starts heating the water. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, the burner shuts off, but the pilot light continues to burn.
This process repeats as long as there is a need for hot water.
However, it’s important to note that pilot lights can be energy inefficient. The constant burning of the pilot light consumes a small amount of gas or propane continuously, resulting in ongoing energy usage. This can add up over time and result in higher energy bills.
In recent years, many newer water heater models have eliminated the need for a pilot light and replaced it with electronic ignition systems, which are more energy-efficient.
For more information on how water heaters work, you can visit Energy.gov, which provides detailed information on water heater types and efficiency.
Energy Use and Cost Savings
When it comes to energy use and cost savings, both vacation mode and pilot mode have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding how each option affects your energy consumption and wallet can help you make an informed decision.
Vacation Mode Saves More
Vacation mode is designed to minimize energy usage while you’re away from home for an extended period. When activated, it reduces the temperature of the water in your heater to a lower setting, typically around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
This significantly decreases the amount of energy required to maintain a hot water supply, resulting in substantial cost savings.
According to the Department of Energy, activating vacation mode can save you up to 5% on your water heating costs for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit you lower the temperature. So, if you typically have your water heater set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and you lower it to 50 degrees while on vacation, you could potentially save up to 35% on your water heating costs for that time period.
That’s a significant amount of money that can add up over the course of a long vacation.
Exact Savings Depend on Water Heater Type and Duration of Vacation
It’s important to note that the exact savings will depend on factors such as the type of water heater you have and the duration of your vacation. Tankless water heaters, for example, may not have a vacation mode option, but they are generally more energy-efficient overall compared to traditional tank-style heaters.
So, even if you don’t have a vacation mode on your tankless heater, it may still use less energy than a tank-style heater in pilot mode.
The duration of your vacation also plays a role in determining the savings. If you’re only going to be away for a few days, the energy savings may not be as significant compared to a longer vacation. However, every bit of energy saved adds up, so even a short vacation can still have a positive impact on your energy consumption and cost savings.
Ultimately, the decision between vacation mode and pilot mode comes down to your specific circumstances and preferences. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, activating vacation mode can provide substantial energy savings.
However, if you’re only going to be gone for a short time or have a tankless water heater, pilot mode may be a more practical option. Consider your water heater type, vacation duration, and energy consumption goals to determine which option is best for you.
Safety Considerations
Risk of Rust Buildup
One important safety consideration when it comes to water heaters is the risk of rust buildup. Over time, water heaters can accumulate sediment and mineral deposits, which can lead to corrosion and rusting of the tank. This can weaken the tank and increase the risk of leaks or even tank failure.
When a water heater is left in vacation mode for an extended period of time, the stagnant water inside the tank can promote the growth of bacteria and accelerate the rusting process. It is recommended to drain and flush the tank before going on vacation to minimize the risk of rust buildup.
Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of the water heater can help detect and address any potential rust issues before they become a safety hazard.
Gas Leaks
For gas-powered water heaters, the risk of gas leaks is a safety consideration that should not be overlooked. When a water heater is in vacation mode, the pilot light is typically turned off to conserve energy.
However, if the gas valve or connections are faulty, there is a potential for gas leaks to occur. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, as they can lead to fires or even explosions. It is crucial to ensure that the water heater is properly maintained and inspected before leaving for vacation to minimize the risk of gas leaks.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, it is important to evacuate the area immediately and call a professional for assistance.
Danger of Power Outages
Power outages can pose a safety risk when it comes to water heaters. When a water heater is in vacation mode, it relies on electricity to maintain a safe temperature and prevent the growth of bacteria.
However, if a power outage occurs while the water heater is in vacation mode, the temperature inside the tank may drop significantly, increasing the risk of bacteria growth. This can be especially problematic if the water heater is not properly drained and flushed before going on vacation.
To mitigate this risk, it is recommended to either keep the water heater in pilot mode or drain and turn off the water supply to the heater during a vacation. This way, even in the event of a power outage, there is no risk of bacteria growth or other safety hazards.
When it comes to the safety considerations of water heaters, it is essential to assess the specific risks associated with rust buildup, gas leaks, and power outages. Taking the necessary precautions, such as regular maintenance, inspections, and proper draining before vacation, can help ensure the safety of your water heater and your home.
Effects on Water Heater Lifespan
Repeated On/Off Cycling Can Shorten Lifespan
One of the main factors that can affect the lifespan of a water heater is the repeated on/off cycling. When the water heater is continuously turned on and off, it puts stress on the heating elements and other components, which can lead to wear and tear over time.
This can result in a shorter lifespan for the water heater.
According to a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, water heaters that are frequently turned on and off have a lifespan of around 10-12 years, compared to those that are left running continuously, which can last up to 15 years.
Additionally, the constant on/off cycling can also lead to energy inefficiency, as the water heater has to work harder to heat the water each time it is turned on. This can result in higher energy bills and a less efficient water heating process.
Leaving Pilot Light On Has Minimal Impact
On the other hand, leaving the pilot light on while on vacation has minimal impact on the lifespan of the water heater. The pilot light is a small flame that is constantly burning, keeping the water heater ready to heat water when needed.
According to the Department of Energy, the energy consumption of a pilot light is relatively low, accounting for only a small fraction of the total energy usage of a water heater. Leaving the pilot light on while on vacation does not significantly affect the overall energy efficiency or lifespan of the water heater.
However, it is important to note that leaving the pilot light on while on vacation can still result in some energy consumption. If you are concerned about energy usage, you may consider turning off the pilot light and following the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting it when you return.
Ease of Use
Setting Vacation Mode
When it comes to ease of use, vacation mode on a water heater is a convenient option for those who are going away for an extended period. With just a few simple steps, you can activate vacation mode and ensure that your water heater is not wasting energy while you’re away.
Depending on the model of your water heater, you may need to access the control panel or use a dedicated vacation mode button. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate this feature. Vacation mode allows the water heater to maintain a lower temperature, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on your utility bills.
It’s a hassle-free option that provides peace of mind during your time away.
Relighting Pilot Light
On the other hand, if your water heater doesn’t have a vacation mode or you prefer not to use it, relighting the pilot light is another option. Relighting the pilot light may require a bit more effort and technical knowledge compared to setting vacation mode.
You’ll need to locate the pilot light, which is typically found near the bottom of the water heater. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely relight the pilot light, ensuring that you follow all safety precautions.
While relighting the pilot light may take a few extra minutes, it allows you to completely turn off the water heater while you’re away. This can provide additional energy savings and peace of mind.
💡 Expert Tip: If you’re unsure about how to relight the pilot light on your water heater, it’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a professional plumber for assistance.
In terms of ease of use, vacation mode is generally considered the more convenient option. It offers a simple way to reduce energy consumption without completely turning off the water heater. However, if you’re comfortable with relighting the pilot light and prefer to completely shut off the water heater, that can be an effective option as well.
Conclusion
When weighing vacation mode vs leaving the pilot light on, in most cases vacation mode comes out on top. The energy savings of completely shutting off the water heater tend to outweigh the small hassle of resetting the unit. Vacation mode is the best option if you’ll be gone for over 3-5 days.
However, if your trip is shorter, dealing with relighting the pilot may not be worth the minor savings. And in certain circumstances like high risk of freezing, having the pilot on can be safer. Evaluate your own situation carefully before deciding which is better for your home and water heater.
With the pros and cons of both options covered here, you now have the information you need to make an informed choice. Have a wonderful and relaxing vacation knowing your water heater is properly taken care of!
