Here are some things a homeowner can do to take care of their water heater:
The thermostat should be set at 120 degrees. For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature, you'll save up to 5% on energy costs and lessen the chance of scalding.
Unless the manual specifically instructs otherwise, keep a 2 foot clearance all around the appliance.
To remove sediment and debris, drain about a quarter of the tank a few times annually. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve, turn off the cold water supply, and then run water into a bucket until it is clear. If the water is still cloudy, drain the tank once more and briefly open the water supply valve to stir up any leftover sediment.