Signs You Should Lower Your SLC Water Heater Temperature

Temperature levels are important in a few different areas of your home, and one that sometimes doesn't receive enough attention is that of your water heater. Water heaters are set to a specific temperature, with a thermostat that regulates this temperature - and there are some cases and situations where, as a homeowner, it pays significantly to assess your water heater's temperature and consider lowering it. 

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, we're happy to offer a number of plumbing services for clients around Salt Lake City, including water heater solutions for any need you may have in this area. What are some of the signs or reasons that might indicate you should consider lowering your water heater temperature, and how can this be done either on your own or with the help of our plumbers? Here's a simple rundown.

Safety From Burn Risks

Have you begun to notice that the water temperature coming out of your taps is reaching a level that's uncomfortable? This can be due to hot water temperatures that are set too high. There are even some cases where such water heater temperatures can lead to burning or scalding risks, such as children or elderly individuals showering without realizing the temperature is too high.

In these cases, lowering the temperature is imperative to ensure safety and avoid these risks. Many water heaters will be automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or sometimes even higher, but most households will find that a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is more than enough for them.

Cost Savings

Another major reason why many may choose to lower the temperature of their water heater is due to cost savings. If your energy bill has been rising steadily in recent months, it could be because you're spending more money than necessary on heating up your home's hot water - and this can easily be solved by lowering the temperature level on your water heater's thermostat.

You might be surprised at just how much energy it takes to heat your water, and by adjusting the thermostat to a lower temperature level, you may be able to save significantly on your energy bills.

At Neighborly Plumbing & Services, our team of experienced plumbers can help with all of your water heater needs - including assessing and lowering the temperature as needed.

Sediment Buildup

Some people may not realize it, but hotter water heater temperatures actually increase the likelihood of sediment buildup in your tank. Any temperature above 120 degrees Fahrenheit will cause minerals, scale, and other debris to accumulate in the water heater over time - and this can lead to costly repairs or replacement down the line.

This is another reason why you might want to consider lowering the temperature on your water heater - as it can help prolong its lifespan and make sure that sediment buildup doesn't become a major issue.

Typical Steps to Lowering Water Heater Temperature

Whether you're going to be carrying this job out on your own or receiving assistance from our expert plumbers, here's the typical approach for how to lower the temperature of your water heater:

• Find thermostat operating instructions: If you're going to be attempting this job on your own, the first thing you'll need to do is find and read up on the operating instructions in your water heater's manual. Look for things like the thermostat location, how many thermostats are present (many electric models have two), and the current temperature setting.
• Test temperature: Generally speaking, it's recommended to test the water at the faucet furthest away from your water heater - as this will give you an accurate representation of the temperature.
• Check reading: If your water heater's temperature is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you should start to consider lowering the temperature.
• Lower thermostat setting: After finding your water heater's manual and making sure that the current temperature is indeed set too high, you can then begin adjusting the thermostat settings accordingly. As mentioned earlier, it's usually best to lower it to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit - but you can always adjust the temperature in smaller increments to see what works best for your household. It's also important to make sure that both thermostats (if present) have been adjusted - as sometimes, one may be set higher than the other.
• Re-test temperature: Once you've finished adjusting the thermostat settings, it's a good idea to retest the temperature of your hot water one more time to make sure you're satisfied with it.

By following these steps, you'll be able to properly lower the temperature on your water heater and ensure that you're getting the most out of your energy bills - while also avoiding any safety risks associated with higher temperatures.

For more information on water heater temperature levels or for assistance in adjusting the thermostat, contact Neighborly Plumbing & Services today! Our team of experienced plumbers will be happy to help with all your water heating and other SLC plumbing needs.