For every 10 degrees you lower the
water temperature of your water heater, you can save between 3 and 5 percent on your energy bill. Lowering water temperature can also prevent scalding in the shower or kitchen. Ready to get low? Note that water temperature in your water heater isn't necessarily the same temperature as water that comes out of your faucet. Test the temperature of the tap water using the hot-water faucet
farthest away from the water heater. Ideally, the water coming out of your hot water faucet should be 120 degrees; your hot water heater's temperature should be at least 120 to 130 degrees to prevent bacteria.
For even more savings,
turn down the water temperature of your water heater or turn it off completely if you'll be out of town for three days or more. (Read the owner's manual for your water heater before making any changes.) And
use cold water whenever possible to save money on water heating.
1. Consult your water heater owner's manual for instructions on operating the thermostat and where to find the thermostat dial.
2. Before changing water temperature, shut off the electricity to the water heater using your home's electrical panel.
3. Test the temperature of the water that comes out of your hot water faucet. Turn on the faucet that's farthest away from your water heater and run the water until it's completely hot. Put a cooking thermometer into a tall glass and fill the glass with hot tap water to test water temperature. It should be approximately 120 degrees.
4. If you have an electric water heater, you will likely have two thermostats: one near the top of the hot water tank and one near the bottom. Adjust them both to the same temperature. If you have a gas storage water heater, the thermostat dial will likely be located on the gas valve near the bottom of the tank.
5. Using a screwdriver, set water temperature on your water heater to 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the temperature of the water that came out of your hot-water faucet.