Keep safety and energy savings on tap year-round with these simple tips for your home water heater.
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
- Set the water heater thermostat to 120°F or less to save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. (If your dishwasher lacks a booster heater, a setting of 140°F may be needed.)
- Hand-test water temperature before bathing or showering. A child’s bath water generally should be no hotter than 100°F.
- Securely install water heater restraints to wall studs to prevent movement or toppling during an earthquake, as required by state law.
- Keep flammable products away from the water heater and vent system to help prevent fire hazards.
- Keep the area around the water heater clean and well-ventilated.
- Fix leaky faucets to prevent heated water from dripping away.
- Use cold water to wash clothes and rinse dishes when possible.
- Run full loads in the clothes washer and dishwasher.
- Install low-flow devices on faucets and showerheads — less water, less heating.
Find other strategies for energy-efficient water heating.