What does vac mean on a water heater? Have you noticed “VAC” on the dial of your water heater? We are sure you are a little confused because you do not know what it means. Do not worry; we’ll educate you on everything you need to know about the VAC mode on your water heater.
VAC is a short form for Vacation Mode. Have you ever traveled somewhere and had to turn off your water heater? Well, with VAC mode, you do not have to do that anymore. You just have to turn on VAC mode and go your merry way. It is an ingenious way to save energy because it lowers the temperature of your water heater. If you leave your house and turn this mode on, your water heater will use just enough energy to keep your pipes from freezing. This mode is useful during the winter season.
we recommend you set your water heater to VAC mode when you leave your house for three days or more.
What Does Vac Mode Do?
The VAC mode on your water heater turns down the operating temperature of the heater. This feature is nice because it leaves the pilot light on, but the water heater is not necessarily functioning. It is almost like sending your laptop to sleep. It is still functioning, but it does not use the same amount of energy anymore.
Of course, you do not want to receive the same bill for the energy consumption of your water heater. Especially since you will not be around much during the month.
Although VAC mode is amazing, it is not all roses. There are some merits and demerits to using this mode. Hence, we felt it necessary for you to learn the advantages and disadvantages of this mode.
Pros
The VAC mode is easy and convenient to use. You do not need a complex tutorial to operate it.
VAC mode is environmentally friendly because you will reduce the amount of energy you use. Thus, reducing your carbon footprint.
You will save a lot of money because no one is using the hot water your water heater is providing.
Even machines need a little break every once in a while. This feature will allow your water heater to kick back and relax.
During the winter, your pipes won’t freeze because your water heater is still functioning. Thus, you can travel to meet your loved ones without worrying.
Cons
When you set your water heater to Vacation Mode, the water in the tank becomes lukewarm. If you did not know already, that is the perfect temperature for bacteria growth. You will have to deal with bad odor from your hot water when you get back. Especially if you are gone for a long time.
If you live in an apartment that shares a water heater you will not have access to the water heater to turn on VAC mode. But you can equally turn off all the water in your apartment.
Alternatives to VAC Mode
I’m aware that not everyone will be a fan of VAC mode on water heaters. Hence, we also have another alternative you can use if you do not want to leave your water heater on. Although it may not be using the same amount of energy, it is still using some energy to run. Hence, you will still get a hike in your power bill at month’s end.
If you fall into this category, you can just turn off your water supply completely. Ensure you turn off the main water supply valve to your house. If you don’t know the location of the main water valve in your house, you should check the wall closest to the street. You will agree that water lines always come in from the street. Thus, check the wall facing your street, and you should find it.
Some houses may not have the main valve outside the house. Hence, check indoors as well. If you do not find it outside, we recommend you check your basement. Additionally, shutting off your water directly from the main water supply can protect your home.
If you shut off the water totally, you can avoid:
Water freezing in your pipes and expanding. If water freezes and expands, it’ll eventually burst your pipes, and you will return to a damaged house with broken pipes.
Your pipes may be leaking somewhere, and you do not know about it. Shutting your water supply prevents water from damaging your house and goods.
More Alternatives
There are also other alternatives to VAC mode that you can use when you are taking some time off from your everyday life. If you do not take proper precautions before leaving your house, you will come home to a disaster. If you do not fancy turning off your water or turning on VAC mode on your water heater, you can also:
Reduce the temperature on your thermostat and set it to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. But we advise you to keep the temperature of your thermostat at this temperature. If you go any lower than this, your pipes will freeze, especially during winter months.
Ensure you check your house’s plumbing for leaks before you pack your bags and get on a flight out of town.
You can also entrust your house to a neighbor, relative, or friend so they can regularly check it out for you. You can also ask them to grab stuff like your mail and keep it in the house for you.
If you are not a fan of any of the methods we have pointed out, you can also install a water shut-off device. If you have already installed a water shut-off device, ensure you replace the batteries before you leave. You can set the device to away mode while you travel the country.
FAQs
Is the water heater VAC setting safe?
While researching the meaning and uses of VAC settings on water heaters, we noticed many people asking if the setting was safe. Especially since bacteria grow in your absence. However, we assure you that you do not have to worry. But we do recommend you wait for your water heater to work for a while before you step into the shower. The reason that bacteria do not breed while you use your water heater is due to the heat. Hence, if you heat your water, it will eventually kill off all the bacteria in it.
Water heater isn’t hot enough
You can just pop the high heat setting when you return from your long journey. Alternatively, you can set a timer for your water heater to awaken. The best water heaters have a timer on their VAC setting. Hence, you can set your water heater to start heating your water a day before you return from your journey. This feature is great because you will not have to wait hours for the bacteria and odor to die before showering.
Conclusion: The VAC Mode on a Water Heater
The VAC Mode on a water heater is a lifesaver. If your water heater does not have this setting, we suggest you wait at least four hours before using your water. But that is for a gas tank water heater. If you have an electric water heater, wait at least eight hours. Thus, if you have a timer on your water heater, we recommend you use it. However, if you have a tankless water heater, you do not have to worry about bacteria growing in your tank since you do not store warm water. We hope this answers your question, “What does vac mean on a water heater?”
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
