Turn Water Heater Temp Down
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, averaging 15% or more of your utility bill. Take a few minutes to lower your water heater temperature and save energy and money.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Lowering your water heater temperature from 140°F to 120°F is free, simple, and can be done in just a few minutes!
Most water heater manufacturers set their temperature to 140°F by default, however water at this temperature is a serious scalding hazard and wastes energy. A water heater with the temperature set to 120°F is:
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Generally hot enough and safe for most household uses. Check the safety considerations below to see if this works for your household.
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Extends the life of your water heater by slowing corrosion and mineral buildup in your unit and pipes.
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Saves energy and money: up to $400 or more per year on your energy bill.
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Reduces climate and air pollution.
1Stay safe
Health considerations. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a temperature setting of 120°F is safe for most smaller residential water heaters. However, if you have a family member that has a compromised immune system or chronic respiratory disease, skip this action and keep your water heater temperature at 140°F as an added precaution. Be careful to avoid scalding risks.
Check your dishwasher for a built-in heat booster. In order to clean and sterilize dishes effectively, dishwashers require a water temperature of 130-140°F. Most dishwasher models come with built-in heat boosters to raise the temperature of the water coming from your water heater to meet this requirement.
Before you lower your water heater temperature, check your dishwasher manual to make sure your model has a heat booster. If you can’t find your manual, search online with your make and model number. If your dishwasher model doesn’t have a heat booster, then leave the temperature at 140°F to ensure your dishes are sterilized properly.
2Turn your water heater down to 120°F
Turning down your water heater is easy. First, check your water heater manual for instructions on how to adjust the temperature on your model. Some water heater thermostats are not accurate. To be sure you have the correct temperature, you can test the temperature of your water with a thermometer. For step by step instructions, check out the Energy.gov guide.