Do you ever feel like your water heater is providing inconsistent temperatures of hot water? Or maybe it’s hard to figure out which temperature setting should be used for the best results? Your Houston residential plumber can help make sure your water heater provides warm water at a reasonable temperature is essential to ensure the safety of your family and effectiveness of household chores.
In this post, we will provide some guidelines about the ideal temperature setting for your water heater. This will help you get the most efficient performance without spending extra on energy costs! It will also help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for every member of your family.
At Santhoff Plumbing, we offer expert Houston water heater repair services designed to suit your needs and your budget. Our team of plumbing professionals will work with you to determine the best options for your home. Call our team today to schedule a service appointment.
The Ideal Temperature for Your Water Heater
As a homeowner, it’s important to understand how your water heater works. Setting your water heater to the right temperature not only saves energy and money, but it also keeps you safe from scalding hot water and from dangerous bacterial growth.
The ideal temperature setting for a home water heater is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As any Houston residential plumber can confirm, this area is known for hard water and high levels of dissolved minerals in our water supply. Keeping your water heater at 120 degrees will help reduce the amount of minerals that collect on the insides of your pipes. This should mean less water heater repair headaches down the road due to hard water buildup.
Too High or Too Low
Water set above 120 degrees not only wastes energy and leads to more expensive energy bills, but it can also be dangerously hot for those with sensitive skin, especially young children or the elderly. More than 1 million people in the U.S. seek emergency treatment for burns from boiling water or steam each year.
A temperature setting that is too low can lead to bacterial growth in the tank. If it is 115 degrees or lower, bacteria such as legionella can spread. Legionella causes Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe type of pneumonia that is a high risk for older adults or people who are immunocompromised. This sickness causes lung inflammation, head and muscle aches, shortness of breath, and high fever. So don’t be tempted to turn down your water heater in order to save on energy costs—there may be a bigger price to pay in the long run. If you have been operating your hot water heater at a lower temperature, you can ask your plumber to set your water heater temperature to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a set duration of time. This is hot enough to kill most bacteria in a traditional water heater tank.
It’s important to consult with a Houston residential plumber to make sure your water heater is set up correctly and safely. By having a basic understanding of water heater temperature settings, you can enjoy hot water while also saving money and staying safe.
Maintain and Protect Your Water Heater
As a homeowner, it’s important to keep your water heater operating safely and efficiently. After all, you rely on it every day for cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Since most water heaters in the Houston area are installed in an uninsulated area of the house, it’s important to help protect it during variations in Texas weather. Always keep the area around your water heater clear of clutter, especially during hot summer months. Never store flammable liquids near the unit. For cold weather, especially if a freeze is predicted, you can wrap the unit in a water heater insulated jacket that helps keep the cold out and the heat in.
Schedule regular inspections and maintenance checks with a licensed Houston residential plumber. You can ensure your family’s safety and avoid costly repairs or emergency situations down the road. Don’t take any chances when it comes to your water heater—make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep it running smoothly and safely!
Consider Switching to a Tankless Water Heater
If you are concerned about safely maintaining an older water heater in your home, consider upgrading to a tankless water heater. These advanced systems eliminate the need to store hot water in a bulky tank for extended periods of time.
A tankless water heater heats the incoming water directly when the hot water tap is turned on. This means that you get an instant supply of hot water without having to wait for a tank to refill. They are much more energy efficient than tank-style water heaters, as they only use energy when hot water is needed. This can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. They are also much smaller than tank-style units and can be mounted directly to a wall or another surface.
Installing a tankless water heater requires skill and expertise. It involves intricate plumbing and electrical wiring work, which can be fatal if done incorrectly. Hiring an unqualified technician for the installation of your tankless water heater is strongly discouraged as it could lead to hefty repair expenses or serious injury. Instead, work with a trusted Houston residential plumber who knows the local codes and has experience installing these water heaters, so you can rest assured that your unit is in capable hands.
Santhoff Plumbing – Your Houston Residential Plumber
Santhoff Plumbing can provide quick and comprehensive service that caters to whatever needs you may have with your water heater. We offer exceptional customer service and make sure that our customers are satisfied with their results. Let the experienced experts at Santhoff Plumbing assist you in making sure that your home is equipped with an optimal water heater setting for maximum efficiency and comfort! Contact us today.