Reducing the thermostat setting on your water heater can lower household energy costs while diminishing power-related greenhouse gas emissions. A money- and eco-saver you can warm up to.
How to reduce your water heater temp setting
If you don't have a timer on your water heater, it'll just keep on humming whether or not you need the water to be warm. Turning the temp down to the ideal setting of 120°F (between low and medium) is a relatively simple procedure, and will save you money monthly on your electricity bill. The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends consulting the owner's manual for your water heater for instructions on how to operate the thermostat, but if you can't find your manual, here are some quick tips:
- Gas storage water heaters have thermostat dials near the bottom of the tank on the gas valve which are usually pretty accessible.
- The thermostats on electric water heaters may be located behind panels or screw-on plates. Be sure to shut off the electricity to the water heater before opening such panels. And keep in mind that electric water heaters may also have two separate thermostats for the upper and lower heating elements.
If you're going to be away from your home for several days or more, shut the water heater off altogether (if there's no danger of freezing) to save even more. Electric water heaters can be shut down by turning off the circuit breaker, while gas water heaters run on a pilot light that must be safely relit when you return home.
Find it! Electric water heater timers
While turning your water heater down is as simple as adjusting the dial, you can save even more energy and money by installing a timer that'll ensure your water heater is on only during peak-use times. It's a hassle-free way to save energy while you sleep and while you travel, too.
Before you buy
Dishwashers without booster heaters may require that the water heater thermostat is set between 130ºF to 140ºF for optimum disinfection and cleaning. So, if you can't replace your old dishwasher with an energy efficient model, you may have to settle for a higher-priced water heater setting.
Reducing the thermostat on your water heater helps you go green because…
- It saves energy, which also reduces your overall carbon footprint.
Turning down the thermostat on your water heater by 10 percent reduces energy costs by 3-5 percent and slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Consumer Reports recommends a water heater setting of 120°F for optimum energy savings. Installing a timer that turns off your electric water heater at night can save an additional 5-12 percent of energy. If you won't be using your water heater for three days or more, turning the thermostat down to the lowest setting or completely shutting off the water heater saves even more energy.
Water heating is the third-largest energy guzzler in the home behind heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen appliances. Water heating represents between 13 and 17 percent of residential energy consumption. In a typical shower, approximately 73 percent of the water used is hot water, which inflates water heating costs in the home. While most manufacturers set the dial at 140°F, the heating needs of most homes is more than met with temperatures at 120°F, which will result in an average annual savings of 187 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per household.
Tax breaks and subsidies
While turning down the thermostat setting on your water heater and installing a timer will certainly save you money, if you've got an old appliance, the savings will be minimal. Water heaters that are 15 years and older are generally quite inefficient and should therefore be replaced. In the US, upgrading your home's water heater may qualify you for tax incentives at the federal, state, or local levels. For detailed information, see these resources:
- American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy: Updates on potential energy legislation.
- Tax Incentives Assistance Project: Explains federal tax credits for energy efficiency.
- Alliance to Save Energy: Offers an index of energy efficiency programs by state.
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: Provides information on state and federal incentives.
- Contact your utility provider for information on local offers.
