Nearly 20% of your energy bill is calculated from your water heater. Our water heater plumber says that setting your water heater temperature too high/too low can do more harm than good. For example, if your water heater temperature is too high, you’re paying for that extra cost. On the contrary, if your water heater is too low you may experience an inconvenience with lack of hot water. Also, with lower water temperatures, you’re at greater risk for growing bacteria in your tank.
The EPA recommends a temperature of 120˚F for a water heater. It typically avoids insufficient hot water supply, is energy-efficient for billing purposes, and is a comfortable temperature for family members of all ages. But, there are a few reasons why you may want to set your heater above or below the recommended amount.
Reasons For Straying From the Recommended Temperature Setting
- If you have a dishwasher that doesn’t preheat water, you may want to set the water heater to 140˚F.
- If children or Elderly are in the facility, you may want to keep it lower due to burning concerns.
- Individuals with suppressed immune systems or respiratory disease should keep the hot water at 140˚F.
- Individuals living alone may want to keep it lower to try to save money since demand for water is less.
- In general, every 10˚F you turn it down, you can save an average of 3-5% on your energy bill.
Other Notes About Water Temperature Setting
- Need to know what your current water temperature setting is set to? It can be found by looking at the dial on the water heater. Or, if you don’t have a dial, you can take a temperature reading from any faucet. If you do a measurement from the faucet, be sure to let the water run for a few minutes to get the most accurate reading.
- If you’re unsure on the temperature your water heater should be set, start at 120˚F change by intervals of 5-10˚F. You know you found the perfect temperature when…
- You get enough hot water to shower, wash dishes, do laundry, etc without running out.
- Children or other family members are not at risk of injury/burns.
- It’s comfortable to cleanse with but is still at a respectable temperature to be wary of the energy bill.
- If you decide you need to lower your water heater temperature, but are worried about bacteria growth, you could install a hot water tank booster. This will store the water at 140˚F, but will mix with cooler water before reaching the faucet. Thus, you get water about 120˚F by the time it is pouring into your hands and you can rest assured that bacteria isn’t infecting your water heater.
Water Heater Plumber Near You
Find a water heater plumber near you. In our previous blog we shared the different types of water heaters we offer at Moonlight Plumbing. Talk with one of our professionals today to see which water heater is best suited for your home/facility. Also discuss what temperature to which your water heater should be set. Anyway we can help, we’re here for you!
