Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Save Big Bucks through Changing Water Heater Temperature!

By Ann Triune

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.

Because of this, manufacturers are coming up with products that can minimize the energy consumed by water heaters. There are water heater timers and insulating materials that are both effective in cutting back energy consumption. Then again, if you do not want to spend for such, you can always apply simple and easy to implement changes to your water heater temperature setting.

How does this work?

Simply by lowering your water heater thermostat down to a low setting, you can already be saving vital amounts of energy. In fact, you can be saving up to 5% of energy for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction from your current water heater temperature setting.

Did you know?

While some water heater manufacturers set thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the average household requires only 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By reducing 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can save up to 10% of energy. Moreover, a water temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit can potentially bring about certain hazards and risks, like scalding.

Lowering your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can also delay the process of corrosion and mineral buildup in your water heater and pipes. This contributes in making your water heater last longer and function at its optimal efficiency.

How do I operate 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 locating the thermostat and adjusting it to a lower water temperature, take note of the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature displayed on the thermostat dial. This will serve as your future reference. Afterwards, proceed to checking the water temperature at the tap farthest from the water heater if the temperature has indeed dropped according to your specifications. Most thermostat dials are inaccurate so you might need to perform several adjustments before you finally get the right temperature.

Assorted Tips on Using Your Water Heater

If you plan to be away from home for several days, turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting or completely turn off your water heater. You can switch it off by turning off the circuit breaker to it.

For maximum efficiency, you can use a temperature range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit if you are using a dishwasher without a booster heater.

In conclusion, lowering the water heater temperature is the right course of action for you to take if you're worried with the increasing amount on your utility bills, but not willing to spend for other devices. - 14915

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