A water heater is one of the most essential appliances in our homes. It keeps the hot water flowing for showers, dishwashing, and washing clothes. However, many property owners don’t realize that the temperature setting on their water heater affects their comfort, health, and money savings. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top reasons why lowering the water heater temperature is a smart move that can enhance your daily life and help you save money.
Prevent scalding accidents
Many water heaters are set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is way too high for human skin to tolerate. A scalding accident can cause serious burns, especially in children and seniors who have thinner skin. By lowering the water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you can prevent scalding accidents and keep your family safe.
Save energy and money
A higher water heater temperature means the unit uses more energy to heat up water, which results in higher utility bills. Additionally, having a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the heater parts and shorten its lifespan. By lowering the temperature, you can save up to 5% on your energy bill and prevent costly repairs.
Reduce limescale buildup
The higher the water temperature, the more limescale buildup you will have in your pipes and fixtures. Limescale is a hard, whitish deposit that forms on plumbing fixtures and can cause blockages and corrosion. By setting the water heater at a lower temperature, you reduce the risk of limescale buildup and extend the life of your plumbing system.
Improve efficiency
When the water heater temperature is set too high, you may run out of hot water faster, especially if multiple people are using it. By lowering the temperature, you can improve the efficiency of your water heater and have more hot water available for daily activities like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry.
Conserve water
Hiking up the water heater temperature to obtain hotter water doesn’t only waste money, but it wastes water too. Once you reach your required temperature, water starts to mix and cool down in pipes leading to wastage of water, whereas if it is already set at a lower temperature, then it reduces water wastage by instantly heating up water at a lower temperature, which is more water-efficient.
Conclusion
Making small changes in the temperature of your water heater can have a significant impact on your energy bills, safety, and plumbing system longevity. By lowering the temperature to 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit, you can prevent scalding accidents, reduce limescale buildup, save energy, and enjoy more hot water. Consult with a local plumber like S3 Plumbing to learn more about how you can optimize your water heater performance and get the most out of your home’s plumbing system.