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.

Because of this, manufacturers are coming up with products that can minimize the energy consumed by water heaters. There are water heater timers and insulating materials that are both effective in cutting back energy consumption. Then again, if you do not want to spend for such, you can always apply simple and easy to implement changes to your water heater temperature setting.

How does this work?

Simply by lowering your water heater thermostat down to a low setting, you can already be saving vital amounts of energy. In fact, you can be saving up to 5% of energy for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction from your current water heater temperature setting.

Did you know?

While some water heater manufacturers set thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the average household requires only 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By reducing 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save up to 10% of energy. Moreover, a water temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit can potentially bring about certain hazards and risks, like scalding.

Moreover, by lowering your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you can prevent mineral build up and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. In effect, your water heater can last longer and function with 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.

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

Before setting off for a vacation, make sure to set the thermostat to the lowest temperature or completely shut off your water heater. You can do this by switching off the circuit breaker to it.

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.