Share:

Your water heater plays a crucial role in your day-to-day life, giving you and your family a warm supply for bathing, cooking, and doing chores. However, many people don’t understand the basics of how it functions, and knowing which temperature to set the heater to can improve its performance. Here’s some information on how to properly set your heater.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Your Water Heater?

On most water heaters, the default setting is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you haven’t adjusted the temperature on yours after it was installed, that’s likely the current temperature of your supply. However, for optimal energy-efficiency and usage, The Department of Energy advises lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What Are the Risks of Improper Water Heater Temperature?

water heaterEnergy efficiency is a significant priority for homeowners wanting to lower their utility bills and impact on the environment. Neglecting to adjust your water heater’s temperature can add up to $36 to $61 each year in heat losses.

However, this doesn’t just affect your monthly expenses. If you leave the setting too high, your loved ones face an increased risk of scalding. This is especially troublesome for families with young children or elderly individuals who are more sensitive to injuries.

You also need to be careful about setting your water heater too low. If you set it below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, family members with suppressed immune systems might face an increased risk of getting sick. When the water is too cold, bacteria growth is more likely.

 

If you need help maintaining or adjusting your water heater, turn to the professionals at London Plumbing & Remodeling in Pine Grove, CA. With a special focus on small- to mid-sized jobs, they have the commitment needed to ensure your amenity is fully functional at all times. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (209) 296-3613 to schedule an appointment.

tracking