Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
- Seattle, Wa
Should You Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature?
Should You Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature?
If you live in Seattle, you know that hot water is a must, especially during the winter months. However, do you know what temperature your water heater is set at? Most homeowners don’t think about it, but adjusting the temperature of your water heater can not only save you money on your energy bills but also prevent scalding accidents. In this blog post, we’ll discuss whether you should adjust your water heater temperature or leave it as is.
What is the recommended temperature for a water heater?
The recommended temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to kill bacteria but not hot enough to cause scalding. However, most water heaters come set at a higher temperature, usually around 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher temperature can not only cause scalding but also waste energy as the water heater has to constantly heat the water.
Reasons to adjust your water heater temperature
Save money on energy bills.
As mentioned earlier, setting your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can save you money on your energy bills. This is because the water heater doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the lower temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption.
2. Prevent scalding accidents
Setting your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the default 140 degrees Fahrenheit can prevent scalding accidents. Scalding accidents can happen when the water is too hot and can cause serious burns, especially for children and the elderly.
3. Extend the life of your water heater
Lowering the temperature of your water heater can also extend its lifespan. When the water temperature is too high, it can cause mineral buildup inside the water heater, which can lead to corrosion and eventually a shorter lifespan for your water heater.
Reasons not to adjust your water heater temperature
1. Risk of legionella bacteria
Legionella bacteria can grow in water that is not hot enough. At 120 degrees Fahrenheit, hot water can kill the bacteria, but if the temperature is lowered, it can increase the risk of bacteria growth.
2. Hot water not hot enough
Lowering the temperature of your water heater can result in the hot water not being hot enough for your needs, especially during the winter months. If you decide to lower the temperature, make sure to test the hot water to ensure it’s still hot enough for your daily needs.
How to adjust your water heater temperature
Adjusting the temperature of your water heater is a simple task. First, turn off the power supply or gas to the water heater. Then, locate the thermostat and adjust it to the desired temperature, usually 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, turn the power or gas back on and wait for the water heater to heat up.
In conclusion, adjusting your water heater temperature can be beneficial in many ways, including saving money on energy bills and preventing scalding accidents. However, there are some risks to lowering the temperature, such as the risk of legionella bacteria, and the hot water not being hot enough for your needs. Before making any changes, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision. If you decide to adjust the temperature, make sure to follow the proper steps and precautions to ensure the safety and efficiency of your water heater.