Useful extras

December 06, 2007

Turn down your water heater thermostat

By Kashi Read more daily challenge, eco-friendly, and energy savers
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

In a typical household, the water heater thermostat is often set to 140 degrees F. But did you know that 120 is usually fine? Why is this important for the earth? Well, according to Power Scorecard (founded by leading environmental organizations and scientists), each 10 degree reduction saves 600 pounds of CO2 per year for an electric water heater or 440 pounds for a gas heater. And here’s another interesting tidbit from their site: “If every household turned its water heater thermostat down 20 degrees, we could prevent more than 45 million tons of annual CO2 emissions - the same amount emitted by the entire nations of Kuwait or Libya.” Pretty impressive. Today, challenge yourself to check your water heater and lower it to the most energy efficient level.

Track Your Progress

My Progress: Join this challenge and start watching your progress grow!

Community Progress: 97% success

Community Stats

43 participants 39 entries logged

Have something to add? Share it here.

  1. User_48
    carwaterguide commented on this. over 4 years ago

    it’s has review many sites like gas for free,run your car on water etc.

    http://carwaterguide.blogspot.com

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  2. User_48
    judybleu commented on this. over 5 years ago

    We turned down our water heater thermostat to 120 a couple of years ago. Our household thermostats are set between 68 – 70. This year our Christmas gift to each other is programmable thermostats for the house. We recycle, use fabric grocery bags, etc. It just makes sense to conserve energy.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  3. 48_img_0017
    emilyeslyons commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Not only is this good for the environment and your energy bill- but better for your skin, as well!

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  4. User_48
    dakotatwilight commented on this. over 5 years ago

    We have been keeping our water turned down to 120 since we hit cold weather. TG we have a energy star heater that is super economical, even when we have to let the water run at a trickle to keep the pipes unfrozen. We live in a trailer in sw SD.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  5. 48_thanksgiving_07_by_ana_kilgore_412
    pathfisher commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Hot water heater is lowered AND so is the thermostat. We think winter is perfect for heat from the fireplace.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  6. 48_photo4flowers
    lisaj2000 commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I am about to turn my water heater down and I hope that it does save energy.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  7. User_48
    mrtaz commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Have been keeping hot water heater set to 120 for long time now. Also set the thermostat to about 70.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  8. User_48
    mrbru2 commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Personally I don’t like the scalding hot water, so I always try to turn the temperature down to like 115. I also set the thermostat to 78 during the day, my kitty cat doesn’t seem to mind and it saves on the power too.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  9. User_48
    LaurieKing commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I’ve always had the water heater turned down, it’s easier on the budget. I’ve also always been big on recycling, when I go outside for a walk I take a bag with me to pick up plastic bottles and aluminum cans, as well as glass bottles. Cleans up the neighborhood and puts extra money in my pocket.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  10. User_48
    Chesar commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I did this a while ago!

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  11. User_48
    drgnflyacres commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Ever since our son was born (5 years now!) the hot water heater has been down to 120.
    T’stat never goes above 68, nights its down to 64. Only one who doesn’t like it is our hermit crab!

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  12. 48_n525460252_6531121_2174705
    Solitia commented on this. over 5 years ago

    My father has always set the water heaters down to 120 in our house and his. Our thermostat is always set to around 68-70 degrees, even in the dead of winter. We can always pile on clothes and blankets. More heat than that is unnecessary.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  13. User_48
    rmillner commented on this. over 5 years ago

    My has been turn down for a few years for safety also

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  14. User_48
    moose69 commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I turned down my waterheater 39 years ago,started recycling,eating healthy,where have you been all this time?You do have good snacks and food.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  15. User_48
    Kimi commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I had already been to doing this since high school;over ten years ago. :)

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  16. User_48
    jacarnaghie commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Turning you water heater to 120 will save energy but if you use a dish washer you will need to make sure to use the “Hot Rinse” function [use an internal heater] or a detergent formulated for warm, not hot, water.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  17. User_48
    grnpickle commented on this. over 5 years ago

    I always keep my thermostat at 68 degrees.because I am cost conserving.I also have turned down my water heater to medium tempature. and it is working out just fine..

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  18. User_48
    mrscam35 commented on this. over 5 years ago

    Also hope to save energy! Have turned water heater down to 120!

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.
  19. User_48
    suelock commented on this. over 5 years ago

    hope to save energy.

    Log in or join the community to reply to this comment.