3 Reasons to Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

You probably don’t think about your water heater temperature as long as you get enough hot water for daily use. However, it’s important to set the right water temperature, and there are several benefits to it.

Let’s look at three good reasons why you should consider lowering your water heater temperature and how to do it:

Decrease Your Energy Bill

One of the major benefits of lowering your water heater temperature is the positive impact it can have on your energy bill. When your water heater temperature is set too high, a significant amount of heat is lost through standby heat loss. This happens when the stored water in the water heater’s tank cools off as it sits in the tank. Standby heat loss can contribute to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills since the water heater needs to work more frequently to maintain the desired hot water temperature.

Many water heaters are set at higher temperatures than necessary, which means they're using more energy to maintain that heat. By reducing the temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you can significantly cut down on the energy required to heat the water for your daily needs. This translates to noticeable savings on your monthly energy expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save anywhere from 4 to 22 percent on your energy bills by just lowering your water heater temperature. When you consider that water heating accounts for about 20% of your home’s energy use, it’s easy to see how something as simple as lowering your water heater temperature can save you money in the long run.

Tip: A tankless water heater is 24-34% more energy efficient than a storage water heater. If you’re still using a storage water heater, consider calling in a trusted plumbing service to help you with tankless water heater installation.

Improve Your Safety

Another compelling reason to lower your water heater temperature is for safety purposes. Most water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees, which is hot enough to cause severe scalding in a matter of seconds, especially for young children, people with disabilities, or the elderly. Lowering your water heater temperature eliminates the risk of scalding and creates a more secure environment for everyone in your household. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends dialing back your water heater temperature to 120 degrees to minimize the risk of accidental burns and scalding.

Reduce Hard Water Minerals from Accumulating in the Tank

Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can accumulate over time, forming sediment within your water heater tank. This sediment buildup can reduce the efficiency of your water heater, leading to longer heating cycles and potential damage to the heating elements. Lowering the water heater temperature can help reduce the formation of these minerals and slow down the accumulation of sediment. This not only prolongs the lifespan of your water heater but also maintains its efficiency.

Need Reliable And Budget-Friendly Water Heater Services? Reach Out To Neighborhood Plumbing

If you’re looking for a reputable plumbing service that offers reliable water heater services, look no further than Neighborhood Plumbing. Our plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and advanced tools to provide top-notch water heater services, including tankless water heater installation, water heater repair, water heater replacement, and more.