Search:

Reduce Costs through Modifying Water Heater Temperature

Changing your water heater temperature settings could be the answer to your growing electric bills. In fact, it can be used to save energy. Water heaters consume the most energy at home compared to other appliances. You could be spending up to $400 a year in utility charges just on your water heater alone.

There are several ways for you to save up on energy, and consequently lessen the amount on your utility bills. Among these is purchasing a water heater timer or insulating materials. If you are not ready to dip into your pockets, there is also an easy way to minimize your water heater energy consumption. Just change the water heater temperature.

How does this work?

By simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater, you can save critical amounts of energy. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in water temperature, you can save up to 5% of energy.

Did you know?

The common household uses only 120 degrees Fahrenheit even if some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cut back 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save up to 10% of energy. Setting your thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause danger and hazards like 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 operate the thermostat?

Water heater manuals contain instructions that will guide you in maneuvering the thermostat. For a gas storage water heater, the thermostat dial is located near the bottom of the tank of the gas valve. For electric water heaters, the thermostat dial is usually behind screw-on plates or panels. As a precaution, always shut off electricity to your water heater before attempting to remove the plates, to prevent you from getting electrocuted. Also remember that an electric water heater may have two thermostats - one for each 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.

Assorted 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.

Overall, if you are concerned with the growing numbers on your utility bills but you're not ready to spend for water heater timers and insulating materials, lowering down the water heater temperature setting is the choice for you.