Changing your water heater temperature settings could be the answer to your growing electric bills. In fact, it can be used to save energy. Water heaters consume the most energy at home compared to other appliances. You could be spending up to $400 a year in utility charges just on your water heater alone.

Nowadays, there are many products available that will help you save up on energy, and as a result, minimize your electricity expenses. You can opt for purchasing a water heater timer or insulating materials. However, if you do not want to shell out some cash as an investment, you can always cut back on energy by applying simple changes to your water heater temperature setting. How does this work? By simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater, you can save critical amounts of energy. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in water temperature, you can save up to 5% of energy.

Did you know? The common household uses only 120 degrees Fahrenheit even if some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you cut back 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save up to 10% of energy. Setting your thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause danger and hazards like 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 maneuver 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. Assorted Tips on Using Your Water Heater If you plan to be away from home for a number of days, turn down your water heater temperature to the lowest setting. Or you can just shut off your water heater completely. Switching off the circuit breaker to your water heater can turn it off. For maximum efficiency, you can use a temperature range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit if you are using a dishwasher without a booster heater.

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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