Your water heater is a vital part of your home, ensuring you have hot water for bathing, house cleaning, dishwashing, and laundry. However, many homeowners leave it set to the default temperature without realizing that small adjustments can save energy and prevent scalding. When you consider that heating water comprises roughly 20% of the average home’s energy use, even a small adjustment could save you real money.
Residents in Charles Town and across Eastern West Virginia can benefit greatly by learning how to adjust their water heater’s temperature and adopting a few energy-saving practices. Here’s how you can do it.
The specific way you adjust your unit’s temperature will vary among manufacturers and models. Generally speaking, you should see a thermostat at the top or bottom of the unit, sometimes behind an insulated access panel. You should see the temperature and specialty settings that you can use to increase or decrease how hot your water is.
Here are some recommended temperature adjustments for your water heater.
Many manufacturers set water heaters to 140°F by default. While this temperature ensures reliable hot water, it can lead to higher energy spending and an increased risk of accidental burns, particularly for children or elderly individuals.
A simple yet effective way to boost energy efficiency is to lower the temperature to 120°F. This small adjustment is an essential part of a hot-water-saving process that could save you about $400. And this lower temperature is still hot enough to kill harmful bacteria while minimizing the risk of scalds.
Planning to leave town for a few days? Don’t heat water that no one will use — switch your water heater to vacation mode or turn it down to the lowest possible setting. Most modern water heaters have a specific “vacation” or “pilot” mode designed to maintain minimal operation while conserving energy.
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate at the bottom of your water heater. Flushing your water heater once a year helps maintain efficiency and slows wear and tear. To flush the tank safely, it’s important to shut off the burner or set the unit to pilot mode before starting the process. This precaution ensures the heating element doesn’t remain on while the tank is being drained, which could cause damage.
At Roach Energy, we’re committed to helping homeowners in the Eastern Panhandle region find smarter solutions to save energy and enhance comfort. Whether you’re adjusting your current water heater or upgrading to a more efficient system, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team has years of experience, and we carry top-tier products designed to lower your utility costs without compromising reliability.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s energy efficiency or want to learn more about our tankless propane water heaters, contact us today for a consultation and a free estimate.
