If you ever wonder what is worse than a cold shower, it is getting scalded when you run hot water. Most people love a nice warm shower, but no one likes to shower in boiling hot water.
This is why optimal water heater temperatures are necessary to maintain. Not setting your water heater to the right temperature can be unsafe and a drain on your hard-earned money as well. Did you know that your water heater accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy bill? If you set the temperature for your water heater too high, you will be paying for it in your next energy bill. On the other hand, too low a temperature can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Here are a few tips to follow if you are confused about what is the right, safe, and optimal temperature for your water heater at home –
1. Maintain 120 Degrees: You should always make sure to maintain at least 120 degrees of temperature in your water tank at all times. Any temperature below 120 degrees can be a perfect host for bacteria in stagnant water. EPA, as well as the U.S Department of Energy, recommends a minimum of 120 degrees as it is hot enough to keep disease-causing bacteria at bay.
2. Take Prevention If You Have Kids: If you have a house with kids, extremely hot water can do more harm than cold water. 150 degree water can cause third-degree burns within seconds, making water that is too hot potentially more dangerous.
3. Insulate Your Pipes: Some amount of heat is lost as the water travels through pipes. The further a faucet is from the water, the more would be the heat loss. A great way to prevent this is by insulating your pipes. Once your pipes are insulated, you would not have to increase the temperature of your water heater constantly. This will also help you save money.
4. Analyze Your Home’s Needs: The correct temperature of your water heater also depends on how big your family is and how much water do you use. A large household would have a high demand for water, and thus demands a relatively high temperature. On the other hand, if you live alone or have a small family, a lower temperature can fulfill your needs and save you money as well.
If your goal is to save money on your energy bill, for every 10 degrees that you turn down in your water tank’s temperature, you can save 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill. Another factor that can help you decide the temperature for your water heater is whether your dishwater preheats or not. If it does not, you may want to set your water heater to 130 or 140 degrees.
A water heater is one of the most important home appliances. Maintaining its optimum condition at all times is necessary. Call Arellano Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning LLC to get your water heater checked, repaired, or install a new one.
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