You may not know it, but the water heater in your home is one of the most energy-intensive appliances you have. In fact, it can account for up to 50% of the energy used in a household. That’s an astonishing percentage, and there are many reasons why this could be happening.
In this blog, you will learn about the reasons why lowering your water heater temperature can help save money on your monthly bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants supplying electricity to homes with water heaters.
Here are the five reasons to lower your water heater temperature:
It Saves You Money
When set to 120 degrees, the water inside the heater goes through standby heat loss. This happens when the stored water inside the tank cools off as it sits unused. In order to bring the temperature back to 120 degrees, your water heater will relight the burner and will consume energy. Keeping the temperature at a lower level will reduce the number of burner cycles your water heater completes, thus saving you money monthly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a household can save anywhere from 4 to 22 percent on their energy bills just by lowering their water heater temperature.
It Reduces Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Every hot water heater in the United States is responsible for an average of 2,200 to 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Imagine the difference it would make if everyone adjusted their hot water temperatures down by 10 to 20 degrees.
Lowering your water heater temperature will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that supply electricity to homes with hot water heaters and encourage everyone to do their part.
It Improves Your Safety
One of the best reasons to lower your water heater temperature is for safety purposes. Lowering the temperature by 10 degrees reduces the risk of being scalded by half. This is particularly important if you have kids and the elderly at home.
It Extends the Life of Your Water Heater
When the water heater is set to a higher temperature, it will wear down faster and require more maintenance. A cooler water temperature will help reduce the amount of stress on the water heater, leading to a longer lifespan. Not only is it essential to think about the long-term benefits of lowering your water heater temperature, but it’s also essential to consider the short-term benefits.
Additionally, scheduling regular maintenance with a reputable home services company in Dundalk can extend the lifespan of your water heater. Here at Reliability Home Services, we service any water heaters from installation, repairs, replacements, and even maintenance.
It Reduces Hard Water Minerals from Accumulating in the Tank
One of the lesser-known benefits of lowering your water heater temperature is that it can help reduce the amount of hard water minerals accumulating in your tank. When these minerals build up, they can cause corrosion and affect the performance and lifespan of your water heater. By keeping the temperature lower, you can prevent these minerals from accumulating and keep your water heater running smoothly for years to come!
How Can I Lower my Water Heater Temperature?
The most common way to lower your water heater temperature is to adjust the thermostat. This can be done by locating the thermostat and turning it down using a screwdriver or another tool. If you have a tankless water heater, you can also reduce the temperature by adjusting the settings on your control panel.
You can also install a water heater blanket to wrap around your tank to help keep the heat in and allow you to reduce the temperature setting without affecting its performance or lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does lowering water heater temperature save money?
Yes. According to the US Department of Energy, every household can save up to 22% on energy bills by lowering their water heater temperature. If you cannot reduce the temperature because of malfunction, call for water heater repair services from a trusted company in Dundalk. At Reliability Home Services, we can help with anything HVAC.
What temperature should a water heater be set at?
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), water heaters should be set to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit or 60 degrees Celsius. This is the best temperature to prevent the growth of the bacteria Legionella. Putting your water heater’s temperature at the recommended degrees will help you avoid having to call for professional water heater repair services.
