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!
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?
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.
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 operate the thermostat?
You can find instructions from your water heater manual to assist you in operating the thermostat. Usually, the thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater is located near the bottom of the tank of the gas valve while electric water heaters have thermostat dials behind screw-on plates and panels. Before removing the plates, make sure you have cut off the electricity to your water heater, to prevent yourself from getting electrocuted. An remember that an electric water heater could have two thermostats - one for each upper and lower heating elements.
After you have pinpointed the location of your thermostat, you can adjust it to a lower setting. Make sure to note down the beginning and adjusted temperature for future reference. You can then proceed to verifying if the temperature has indeed dropped by checking the temperature of the water from the tap farthest from your water heater. You may have to perform a number of adjustments to get the exact temperature you want since most thermostat dials are inexact.
Miscellaneous Tips on Using your Water Heater
If you plan to be away from home for several days, turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting or completely turn off your water heater. You can switch it off by turning 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.
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?
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.
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 operate the thermostat?
You can find instructions from your water heater manual to assist you in operating the thermostat. Usually, the thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater is located near the bottom of the tank of the gas valve while electric water heaters have thermostat dials behind screw-on plates and panels. Before removing the plates, make sure you have cut off the electricity to your water heater, to prevent yourself from getting electrocuted. An remember that an electric water heater could have two thermostats - one for each upper and lower heating elements.
After you have pinpointed the location of your thermostat, you can adjust it to a lower setting. Make sure to note down the beginning and adjusted temperature for future reference. You can then proceed to verifying if the temperature has indeed dropped by checking the temperature of the water from the tap farthest from your water heater. You may have to perform a number of adjustments to get the exact temperature you want since most thermostat dials are inexact.
Miscellaneous Tips on Using your Water Heater
If you plan to be away from home for several days, turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting or completely turn off your water heater. You can switch it off by turning 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.
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