Written on: November 18, 2020
Ask most people how to save money on home energy bills and they’ll probably think about dropping the temperature on their home heating thermosat. But there’s another thermostat in your home whose settings can help you save money: your water heating thermostat.
Many water heaters come with a factory-set thermostat temperature of 140 degrees, which is higher than most people need (there are exceptions to this – see below). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your water thermostat to 120°F 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 degrees, you’ll burn less propane or heating oil, potentially saving you quite a bit of money over the course of a year – all without sacrificing any comfort (you can enhance your savings by installing low-flow shower heads and aerators, which will cut the amount of hot water you use in half and save you even more money!).
While most people can get by setting their thermostat to 120°, certain homeowners should stick with 140°. For example, if someone living in your household has a compromised immune system or chronic respiratory disease, a 140-degree setting is preferred to prevent Legionnaires’ disease and other water-borne health risks.
Not sure what temperature your hot water heater is set to, or how to change it? Don’t worry – it’s easy! Check out this video from the U.S. Department of Energy, and if you’re still having trouble, give us a call – we’ll walk you through it.
Another great way to save money on your water heating bills is to make sure you have the right equipment for the job: swap your electric storage-type water heater for a tankless propane water heater, for example, and you could save as much as 40 percent on your monthly heating bill.
Not ready to make the move to tankless? Simply replacing your electric water heater with a propane model will save you 20-30 percent on your bills. Your water will heat faster, and your equipment will last longer, too.
If your electric or oil-fired water heater is 10 years old or more, now is a GREAT time to replace it: the New York Propane Gas Association is offering a $250 rebate on new propane water heater installation in the Hudson Valley. Combine this rebate with incentives from Rinnai and save even more – contact us today to find out how!
