Adjusting Water Heater Temperature for Energy Savings
Ways you can reduce costs without sacrificing comfort
Many of us know that slightly increasing the temperature on your home’s thermostat when you have your air conditioning on is a simple and effective way to save a little bit of money on your energy bills. However, not as many of us know that adjusting the temperature on your home’s water heater can have a similar impact.
Of course we need hot water in our homes to wash our hands and dishes, do our laundry and shower. We use hot water constantly throughout our day, sometimes without even realizing it. In fact, the average homeowner’s water heater typically accounts for between about 14% and 18% of his or her energy costs.
With all that being said, most of us could benefit by reducing the default temperature on our water heaters.
What temperature should I set my water heater to?
By default, most water heaters are usually set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit by manufacturers. This high temperature setting is helpful in the sense that you will always have a constant supply of hot water throughout your home. However, this high temperature can also mean expensive energy bills and a higher risk of burns.
Lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit will:
- Reduce energy consumption and costs: A homeowner can save up to 5% on his or her energy bills for every 10 degrees that their water heater’s temperature is lowered.
- Help keep you safe: You reduce your risk of getting scalded and burned when your heater’s temperature is lower.
- Help your equipment last longer: A lower temperature on your water heater helps prevent both corrosion and mineral buildup from forming inside your tank. This helps your heater last longer.
Don’t worry – lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit doesn’t mean you will be working with cold water. This temperature is perfectly sufficient for the majority of household needs.
How to change your water heater’s temperature
Adjusting your water heater’s temperature is fairly simple. Most water heaters come with a thermostat that is usually behind an insulated access panel. Depending on your exact heater you should be able to adjust the temperature by using a screwdriver or by simply adjusting the dial.
What else you can do to maximize your water heater’s energy efficiency
Lowering your water heater’s temperature is just one action you can take to help you cut back on energy costs. You can also insulate your water heater tank and hot water pipes and upgrade to a high-efficiency model if the time has come for a replacement.
You also do not want to skip out on annual professional maintenance appointments. These inspections are the best way to make sure your water heater is working at optimal efficiency. The professional service technicians here at Rucci Oil can help you out with this.
Rucci Oil is here to help you with your water heater
Homeowners here in Staten Island and Brooklyn as well as those in or near Elizabeth, New Jersey can turn to Rucci Oil for all their water heater needs.
If you are in the market for a new water heater, we can find the one that will work for you. Once you pick a heater out, our team can install it for you. Our service technicians can also handle water heater repairs and maintenance.
Contact Rucci Oil today to get a FREE estimate for water heater servicing, repairs or installations.