Modifying the water heater temperature can actually be used in order to save energy. Water heaters are known to be the most energy-consuming appliances in your home, and you can be spending up to $400 in electric fees annually just through the use of water heaters 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?
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.
Once you have located the thermostat and adjusted it to a lower water heater temperature setting, take note of the adjustments you have made and keep it for future reference. Make sure to note the original temperature as well. After you have done so, check the water temperature from the tap farthest from your water heater. Do this to verify if the water temperature has indeed dropped. Most thermostat dials are imprecise, so you have to make several necessary adjustments before finally getting the desired water 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.
If you are using a dishwasher without a booster heater, a temperature within the range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for effective cleaning.
As a whole, if you want to cut back on electricity costs, but you're not ready to invest in water heater timers and insulating materials, you can do so by simply lowering down the water heater temperature setting.
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?
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.
Once you have located the thermostat and adjusted it to a lower water heater temperature setting, take note of the adjustments you have made and keep it for future reference. Make sure to note the original temperature as well. After you have done so, check the water temperature from the tap farthest from your water heater. Do this to verify if the water temperature has indeed dropped. Most thermostat dials are imprecise, so you have to make several necessary adjustments before finally getting the desired water 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.
If you are using a dishwasher without a booster heater, a temperature within the range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for effective cleaning.
As a whole, if you want to cut back on electricity costs, but you're not ready to invest in water heater timers and insulating materials, you can do so by simply lowering down the water heater temperature setting.
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