Solar Water Heater Maintenance: The Right Way to Keep the Power of the Sun on Your Side
A solar water heater is one of the smartest and most cost-effective investments for your home or business. It produces free hot water using the power of the sun and significantly reduces energy bills.
It’s an investment that, with proper care, returns its value many times over — every sunny day. It’s payback with… proof on your bill. And like any system that provides value for years, it deserves care and respect — with proper and specialized maintenance.
A well-maintained system is like reinvesting — every year — in the benefits it offers you.
Why is maintenance the key to performance and longevity?
Maintenance protects the system and ensures:
- Consistent performance – no drop in water temperature
- Longer lifespan – the system withstands the test of time
- Efficient payback – maximizes the return on investment
- Warranty protection – ensures your warranty remains valid if you ever need it
Annual energy savings can reach hundreds of euros. There’s no reason to “burn” that performance just because a simple service was neglected.
Maintenance: Your “paper” for the warranty
Maintenance is the “paper” you hold when you need to claim your warranty. For the sun to keep working with your solar heater for you, someone has to take care of at least one of them.
Factors that wear down the system
The performance and lifespan are affected by the water, usage, and region. Certain chemical and physical parameters dramatically increase wear:
| Parameter | Meaning | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | Total dissolved solids | More salts and sediment – faster tank deterioration |
| Hardness (calcium + magnesium) | Substances that form scale | Create limescale – damage the tank, anode, and heating element |
| Water pH | Acidity or alkalinity | Outside normal range causes corrosion |
| Salinity, ammonia, sulfates | High concentration of chemicals | Accelerate corrosion of the system’s metal components |
How often should maintenance be done?
- Anode replacement: Every 12 to 24 months (depending on water quality and usage)
- Tank cleaning: Every 12 to 24 months, especially in areas with high salt content or if performance drops
- Circuit check and antifreeze refill: Ideally after summer, or depending on system behavior – usually every 1–2 years
What does maintenance include?
Maintenance involves:
- Draining, cleaning, and visual inspection of the storage tank
- Magnesium anode replacement (protective, consumable part)
- Antifreeze check and refill (only pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol, non-toxic and non-corrosive)
- Pressure and seal check of the closed circuit
- Inspection of thermostats, heating element, and wiring
- Repair of thermal insulation and covers, if damaged
What can go wrong (and cost you dearly)?
If maintenance is performed by an unqualified technician, the system may:
- Crack if it’s drained and suddenly refilled with cold water
- Get scratched enamel from improper cleaning tools
- Corrode the closed circuit due to the use of unsuitable antifreeze (e.g. ethylene glycol)
- Damage to valves and pump due to neglected pressure checks
Always choose a specialized service team, especially if your device is under warranty. A wrong intervention can void the warranty and cause expensive damage.
Service Areas
Heliofan offers:
➤ Immediate technical support within 48 hours in the regions of Attica & Corinth:
Athens, Piraeus, Northern & Southern Suburbs, West Attica, East Attica
Corinth, Loutraki, Kiato, Xylokastro, Agioi Theodoroi, Assos, Vrachati, and surrounding areas
➤ Nationwide coverage
Our company has a network of certified technicians throughout Greece, upon request. In any case, we recommend contacting the local partner from whom you purchased the system.
Call us at 801 700 7808 for service in your area.
Maintenance Cost & Process
The maintenance cost depends on the area, system accessibility (e.g. rooftops without easy access), system type, and age. The customer is always informed before any service is performed.
What the Warranty Covers
The warranty fully covers spare parts or replacement, provided that:
- Maintenance has been carried out correctly and within the recommended intervals
- Manufacturer's instructions and usage guidelines have been followed
The warranty does not cover technician travel costs, special tasks, or additional services — these are always communicated upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I don’t perform maintenance?
Performance will drop, wear will increase, and the warranty may be voided.
Who should perform the maintenance?
Only a qualified technician familiar with your system’s requirements — ideally approved by the manufacturer.
What antifreeze is suitable?
Only pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol, which is non-toxic and non-corrosive. It's the only safe option, even in case of a leak.
How often should the anode be replaced?
Depending on the region and usage – usually every 12 to 24 months.
Because maintenance isn’t an obligation. It’s protection.
Heliofan – Responsibility you can trust. Presence that lasts.
