Benefits of adjusting your water heater's temperature

At Spire, we're all about sharing little ways to create savings in your home. 

And one way to create savings and prolong the life of a key household appliance is by adjusting your water heater's thermostat. 

It's easy to do. Just find the temperature dial on the side of your water heater and lower it from the highest setting to the temperature that works for your individual needs. 

Aside from saving money, here are the top five reasons to lower your water heater's temperature. 

1. Safety: What feels comfortable to you may cause burns for children or elderly family members who have more sensitive skin. So setting your water heater temperature at an appropriate level helps prevent scalding injuries. 
2. Energy efficiency: Lowering the temperature on your water heater can help you save energy and reduce utility bills. Water heating is the second highest source of energy use in the typical household, so lowering the temperature can lead to bigger cost savings.
3. Protecting plumbing: Extremely high temperatures can accelerate corrosion within the water heater and plumbing system. By keeping the temperature within recommended levels, you can extend the life of your water heater and reduce the risk of corrosion in the pipes.
4. Scaling prevention: When your water heater's temperature is too high, sediment can build up in the water heater, leading to scaling, which can lower its efficiency. Lowering the temperature can minimizing scaling and, therefore, the lower efficiency and higher costs. 
5. Compliance with regulations: Some municipalities, condo associations and other localities have building codes or regulations that set a recommended temperature. Following these guidelines makes sure that your water heater meets safety standards and regulatory requirements. 

In summary, adjusting your water heater's temperature is helpful for safety, energy efficiency, protecting your plumbing and pipes, avoiding scaling and complying with local regulations. Always consult your water heater's manual or a professional plumber to determine the optimal temperature setting based on your specific needs.