Understanding Your Water Heater's Temperature Control
I recently adjusted the temperature on our Bradford White 75-gallon gas tank water heater from the HOT setting to a lower temperature. This small change has led to a significant reduction in water temperature without affecting the comfort of our household. The water heater's control system, known as the ICON System, features a red knob that can be adjusted from Low to HOT, with various settings in between. The dial setting was just under the HOT position, which Bradford White estimates to be around 120°F. However, my own thermometer readings showed the actual water temperature was consistently around 130°F. By making the adjustment, I aimed to reduce the risk of scalding incidents in our home, especially with two young children.
Measuring the Temperature
To ensure the accuracy of the temperature adjustment, I used a meat thermometer to measure the water temperature at our sink in the basement. The readings consistently ranged between 130.1 and 130.3°F. After lowering the temperature by 10 degrees, the water temperature at the sink dropped to approximately 120°F. This adjustment was achieved by turning the knob on the ICON System from a position just under the HOT setting to a position about 3/4 of the way from the third dot to HOT. Testing the temperature again confirmed that the water was now at the desired 120°F.
The Impact of the Adjustment
The reduction in water temperature has not affected the overall comfort of our household. The water feels the same when used for showers and baths. The adjustment has also led to a slight reduction in the amount of hot water produced by the tank, with our 75-gallon tank now producing about 98 gallons of 120°F water compared to 112 gallons at 130°F. This reduction in hot water production is a minor concern, as we still have more than enough hot water for daily use. The water temperature in the shower is still warm enough to prevent scalding accidents, and we have not experienced any cold showers.
Energy Savings and Safety
While the energy savings from lowering the water heater's temperature by 10 degrees are theoretical, the potential benefits in terms of scalding prevention are significant. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a 30-second exposure to 130°F water can cause a third-degree burn, while 120°F water is sufficient to prevent such injuries. With two young children in the house, the risk of scalding accidents is particularly concerning. The Department of Energy's Building America tips suggest that a 10-degree reduction in water heater temperature can lead to a 5% savings in water heating energy, primarily due to standby loss. However, the actual savings may be limited by our household's high energy consumption, including the use of our furnace, fireplaces, dryer, and other appliances.
Conclusion
Adjusting the temperature on your water heater can be a simple yet effective way to reduce energy consumption and protect your family from scalding accidents. By making small adjustments to the temperature control, you can achieve significant savings and peace of mind, especially in households with young children. It's a small change that can make a big difference in your home's energy efficiency and safety.
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