The Best Water Heater Temperature Setting

Posted: September 14, 2020

One of the most popular energy-saving tips is to lower the thermostat setting on your home heating system to save money. But did you ever think about adjusting the temperature setting on your water heater to save more money? Unfortunately, there are variables involved that make finding the right temperature setting a little more complicated.

When most water heater manufacturers preset their thermostats, they use a default setting of 140°– a temperature that can be hot enough to scald, and higher than most people need.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a 120°, setting is more than enough to slow mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes while keeping your water supply safe to use. By dropping the thermostat on your water heater by 20° you’ll use less energy, saving money in the process.

Exceptions to the rule

While most people can get by with setting their thermostat to 120°, there are situations where the 140° setting should be left alone. For example, if you have someone in your house who has a suppressed immune system or a respiratory condition, a 140° setting is recommended to prevent the possibility of water-borne health risks. If you also have elderly people or children in your household, consider installing scald-prevention devices on faucets and showerheads to increase hot water safety.

Another reason not to lower your water heater temperature too much involves your dishwasher. If your dishwasher model cannot increase the water temperature, it’s recommended that you keep the water heater temperature between 130-140°. Anything lower will not allow your dishwasher to properly clean and sanitize your dishes.

If you’re not sure about the proper setting for your water heater, or if you’re having trouble getting enough hot water or other problems, reach out to us for help. We offer expert water heater repair and can give you a FREE estimate on a water heater upgrade for your Delaware Valley home, including the towns of Media, Wallingford, Swarthmore, Springfield, Broomall and Newtown Square.

For expert water heater service and professional water heater installations, you can trust the professionals at Wilson Oil and Propane. Contact us today to learn more.