When you want to save energy in your Lorain area home, you may adjust the temperature of your heating and cooling systems. Another system in your home that is regulated by a thermostat is your water heater. Read on to see how turning down the water heater temperature delivers automatic energy savings and keeps more money in your pocketbook.
Water Heater Expenses
The typical water heater in an average home holds 80 gallons of water and accounts for up to 20 percent of home energy usage. Here’s why:
- Heating water: As hot water is used at a fixture or appliance, cold water enters the water heater. The cold water causes the temperature to drop and the water heater turns on. Turning back the temperature 10 degrees can save up to 5 percent water heating costs.
- Standby heat loss: Stored hot water loses heat through the tank and inlet and outlet pipes. Your water heater periodically turns on to bring the stored water back to the thermostat setting, even though no hot water has been used.
- Maintenance and repairs: Stored hot water higher than 120 degrees expedites tank and pipe corrosion. Over time, this increases the probability for repairs and reduces system life span.
Turn Down the Thermostat
Turning back water heater temperature is a straightforward task that takes just a few minutes. First, take the temperature of hot water with a thermometer at a faucet. To turn down the temperature on a gas water heater, locate the thermostat dial on the gas valve. This is located near the bottom of the tank.
For electric water heaters, you’ll see a panel near the bottom of the tank and perhaps a second panel near the top. Turn off the electricity to the water heater before you remove the panels. Turn back the thermostat dials and measure hot water temperature. Repeat these tasks as necessary until hot water is 120 degrees, which is recommended by Energy Star.
If you have questions about turning down your water heater temperature, please contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area