Your water heater plays a big role in the plumbing of your home. On average, it accounts for roughly 18% of your home’s energy bill, so in order to get the most out of your money and increase efficiency, you want to ensure that your water heater is set to the optimal temperature.
The EPA suggests homeowners should keep their water heater at 120 degrees. At this temperature, the water will be hot enough to kill off any bacteria that may develop in standing water, but not too hot that it will be scalding. However, it is recommended that people with a suppressed immune system should keep their water heater set at 140 degrees. As they are prone to developing illness at a higher rate, this higher temperature will kill off other harmful bacteria. Keep in mind that infants and small children may need the water temperature lower as their skin is more sensitive than adults.
When choosing your temperature, you could always start at 120 degrees and slowly go up from there to see what is most comfortable for your household. The higher the temperature, the higher your energy bill will be, as well as the risk of severe burns and injuries.
If you need maintenance or repairs on your water heater, schedule an appointment with Canady’s by contacting us here!