Is Your Water Heater Ready For Winter?

Tankless and hot water tank heaters in Waterloo and Listowel

Without proper maintenance, winter can expose existing vulnerabilities in your water heater, leading to breakdowns, leaks, and an unexpected lack of hot water when you need it most. Is your water heater truly ready to handle the demands of the season?

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Posted by Brad | December 31, 2025

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, there's nothing worse than turning on the shower only to be met with an icy blast.

A properly functioning water heater is crucial for your comfort and well-being during the colder months, especially here in Ontario.

The Extra Strain of Winter

Just like your furnace, your water heater has to work harder in the colder months. This is because the incoming water from your municipal system is coming straight from the ground, and that means it’s pretty darn cold.

Your water heater then has to use more energy to effectively heat up your water, and use more energy to keep it warm and ready for use. Which can quickly increase those monthly utility bills.

You might also simply be asking more of your water heater. Longer showers, more dishes and laundry due to the holiday season, the list goes on. This increased use can lead to repairs and breakdowns if your water heater is not properly taken care of in between shifts.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs A Little Attention

Signs your water heater could use a seasonal tune-up include:

Taking longer to heat water
Strange popping or banging noises
Rusty or discolored water
Low water pressure or inconsistent hot water
Higher-than-normal energy bills

Stay Winter Ready With Cross

If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, stop potential problems in their tracks with regular water heater inspections and maintenance from the experts at Cross Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our typical tune-up process includes:

Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency.
Inspect and replace the anode rod to prevent rust and corrosion.
Check the temperature setting to ensure efficient heating.
Test the pressure relief valve for safety.
Do a visual check of the exterior of your tank to check for leaks or pooling water.

We might even recommend insulating pipes and your water heater tank to further prevent heat loss in cold weather.

The Cross Advantage Program

And to ensure your water heater continues to run its best, we recommend signing up for our exclusive Cross Advantage Program.

By signing up you’ll take the first step towards maintaining your water heater's warranty, and your own peace of mind. Other benefits include:

Semi-annual equipment inspections
1 year repair warranties
Annual HVAC dollars
10% discount on repairs
20% discount on air and water filters
Reduced service rates
The most thorough maintenance services in Waterloo, Hanover and Listowel.

When Should You Consider Upgrading?

If your water heater is over 10 years old, chances are a replacement will be the best choice for reliable performance and efficiency.

Today’s energy-efficient models can provide consistent hot water while reducing utility costs, especially during the winter months. Plus they often come with long-term warranties, which can help cover repair costs should anything happen.

Contact our friendly team today to discuss your options!

Don't let the cold weather catch you off guard and interrupt your hot water supply. Taking the time now to prepare your water heater for winter is a vital step in home maintenance. By making routine maintenance a priority and conducting an early inspection, you can prevent major, costly issues and ensure your family enjoys reliable, hot water throughout the coldest months of the year.

Why Choose Cross Heating & Air Conditioning

No Regret Repair

If you need to purchase a new furnace or air conditioner within 14 days after your repair, we can deduct the full or partial cost of your repair from the purchase price.

Free Consultations

Our no-stress, no-obligation consultations are a free conversation between you and our team. We will help you determine your best solutions for heating and air conditioning.