Save Big Bucks through Changing Water Heater Temperature! | Home

By AnnTriune
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Changing your water heater temperature settings can help you cut back on your energy consumption and consequently, your utility expenses. Water heaters consume the highest amount of electricity compared to other appliances in your home and if truth be told, you can be spending up to $400 a year just because of your water heater alone.

Nowadays, there are many products available that will help you save up on energy, and as a result, minimize your electricity expenses. You can opt for purchasing a water heater timer or insulating materials. However, if you do not want to shell out some cash as an investment, you can always cut back on energy by applying simple changes to your water heater temperature setting.

How does this work?

If you set your water heater thermostat at a low setting, you can actually be saving significant amounts of energy. As a matter of fact, you could be saving up to 5% of energy just by reducing 10 degrees Fahrenheit from your current water heater temperature.

Did you know?

Some manufacturers calibrate water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit even when the average household only requires a water heater temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you lower your temperature setting by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can be saving up to 10% of energy. Using 140 degrees Fahrenheit as your temperature setting can also pose some serious risks and hazards, such as scalding.

Also, you can prevent the process of mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes by lowering your temperature setting to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps extend the life of your water heater and promotes maximum efficiency.

How do I maneuver the thermostat?

You can refer to the instructions found in your water heater manuals as to how the thermostat is operated. Usually, the thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater is located near the bottom of the tank of the gas valve. For electric water heaters though, thermostats can be found behind screw-on panels or plates. Remember that before opening the panels, make sure to shut off the electricity to the water heater. This is to prevent you from getting electrocuted. An electric water heater may also have two thermostats - one for the upper and lower heating elements.

After locating the thermostat and adjusting it to a lower water temperature, take note of the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature displayed on the thermostat dial. This will serve as your future reference. Afterwards, proceed to checking the water temperature at the tap farthest from the water heater if the temperature has indeed dropped according to your specifications. Most thermostat dials are inaccurate so you might need to perform several adjustments before you finally get the right temperature.

Miscellaneous Tips on Using your Water Heater

If you plan to be away from home for a number of days, turn down your water heater temperature to the lowest setting. Or you can just shut off your water heater completely. Switching off the circuit breaker to your water heater can turn it off.

For dishwashers without a booster heater, use water temperature with the range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum cleaning.

In conclusion, lowering the water heater temperature is the right course of action for you to take if you're worried with the increasing amount on your utility bills, but not willing to spend for other devices.

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