There is a simple way to immediately save money on your energy costs, and that is to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater tank.
Your water heater tank runs day and night to keep your hot water available to you at a certain temperature that is set on the thermostat. Every water heater tank has a thermostat that is set to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As you use your hot water, cold water is pulled into the tank via water pressure and is then heated to the desired temperature by heating elements. It is then dispensed through the plumbing of your home.
A large number of homeowners or property owners in Bloomington and around the U.S. don’t know that you can set or change the temperature that your hot water tank runs at.
To change the temperature, you will need to remove the panel, usually on the lower section of the tank in front, to expose the thermostat setting. Be sure you have proper lighting and can see well because most tanks tend to have very small numbers on the thermostat that are hard to see.
Again, most of the time you will find the temperature set at 140. At first attempt, try changing the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are able to get some enough hot water for you and your family’s needs, then leave it there.
We do however recommend that you check your dishwasher to be sure it is able to heat water. Some don’t have the booster needed to heat the water to 140 which kills bacteria and provides optimal disinfecting. You’re better off leaving the water heater at 140 if your dishwasher isn’t able to properly sanitize your dishes.
If you reset the temperature to 120 and it just isn’t warm enough, try it a little higher until you get the temperature that is right for you, and then just leave it to work.
Be sure you have your hot water tank cleaned out and inspected at least once a year. Sediments can build up within and cause your heating elements to malfunction or the tank to rust and leak. Your tank will need to be flushed out on occasion and parts replaced.
Having your tank inspected is important, especially if you have a gas operated hot water tank. Only a professional should repair or replace parts on gas operated hot water tanks.
We also recommend that only professionals repair or work on electric water tanks. Only a licensed and trained Bloomington plumber should work around electricity and water as well as gas.
At Sunkel Plumbing, we work with hot water heaters day after day and have done so since 1955. You can be assured that when you call us to inspect or repair your plumbing, you are getting the most skilled and professional licensed plumbers in the area.
We are a Bloomington owned and operated family business that specializes in residential plumbing, drain cleaning, septic tanks, pipe lining, plumbing repairs, water heaters, sewer systems, gas pipes, garbage disposals, water filtration, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling. Whatever your plumbing needs are, we handle it with the best in service. We are available to you 24/7.
If you are looking for a professional Bloomington Plumbing expert then please call 309-829-5320 or complete our online request form.
