Most water heater thermostats are automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but did you know it’s safe* to reduce that temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit?
Reducing the water heater thermostat temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient to slow mineral buildup as well as corrosion in the pipes. It also gives you less of a chance to scald yourself from water that is too hot. But best of all, you’ll cut your water heating costs by 6-11 percent.
According to ecomall.com, each 10 degree reduction saves 600 pounds of CO2 per year (electric water heater) or 440 pounds of CO2 per year (gas water heater). That’s like saving 20-30 gallons of gas a year. Think how much that would save if every household participated in this free tip!
For step-by-step instructions on how to lower the temperature on your water heater watch this video.
*From Energy.gov: “If you have a suppressed immune system or chronic respiratory disease, you may consider keeping your hot water tank at 140ºF.”
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