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Turn down the heat: 5 hacks for reducing electric water heater consumption

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If you’re looking to save money on your energy costs, one of the easiest things you can do is to turn your electric water heater down.
  • Turning your electric water heater down is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
  • In addition to turning your electric water heater down, there are a few other things you can do to save energy.

Electric water heaters are a common household appliance, and they can account for a significant portion of your energy bill. If you’re looking to save money on your energy costs, one of the easiest things you can do is to turn your electric water heater down.

Why Turn Your Electric Water Heater Down?

There are several reasons why you might want to turn your electric water heater down:

  • Save money on energy costs. The hotter your water heater is, the more energy it will use. By turning it down, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your bills.
  • Reduce the risk of scalding. Water that is too hot can cause serious burns. By turning your water heater down, you can reduce the risk of scalding yourself or your family members.
  • Extend the life of your water heater. Water heaters that are run at high temperatures can wear out more quickly. By turning your water heater down, you can extend its lifespan and save money on replacement costs.

How to Turn Your Electric Water Heater Down

Turning your electric water heater down is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate your water heater. Electric water heaters are typically located in a basement, utility room, or garage.
2. Turn off the power to the water heater. You can do this by flipping the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that powers the water heater.
3. Find the temperature dial. The temperature dial is usually located on the front of the water heater.
4. Turn the dial down. The ideal temperature for an electric water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Turn the power back on to the water heater.
6. Check the temperature of the water. You can do this by running hot water from a faucet. The water should be warm to the touch, but not hot enough to cause scalding.

Other Tips for Saving Energy with Your Water Heater

In addition to turning your electric water heater down, there are a few other things you can do to save energy:

  • Insulate your water heater. Insulating your water heater can help to reduce heat loss and save energy.
  • Take shorter showers. The shorter your showers, the less hot water you’ll use.
  • Wash clothes in cold water. Most clothes can be washed in cold water, which will save energy and reduce wear and tear on your clothes.
  • Use a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads can help to reduce the amount of water you use while showering, which will save energy and money.

How to Turn Down a Rheem Electric Water Heater

Rheem electric water heaters are one of the most popular brands of water heaters on the market. If you have a Rheem electric water heater, you can turn it down by following these steps:

1. Locate the access panel. The access panel is usually located on the front of the water heater.
2. Remove the access panel. You can do this by unscrewing the screws that hold the panel in place.
3. Find the temperature dial. The temperature dial is usually located on the inside of the access panel.
4. Turn the dial down. The ideal temperature for a Rheem electric water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Replace the access panel. Once you have turned the temperature down, you can replace the access panel and screw it back into place.

How to Turn Down a Bradford White Electric Water Heater

Bradford White electric water heaters are another popular brand of water heaters on the market. If you have a Bradford White electric water heater, you can turn it down by following these steps:

1. Locate the control panel. The control panel is usually located on the front of the water heater.
2. Press the “Set” button. The “Set” button is usually located on the control panel.
3. Use the up and down arrows to adjust the temperature. The ideal temperature for a Bradford White electric water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Press the “Save” button. Once you have adjusted the temperature, you can press the “Save” button to save your changes.

In a nutshell: How to Turn Down Your Electric Water Heater and Save Money

Turning your electric water heater down is a simple and effective way to save money on your energy bills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily turn your water heater down and start saving money today. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in your energy consumption and your wallet.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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