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Next to space heating and cooling, water heating is the second largest user of energy—accounting for about 20 percent of the family’s energy budget. In order to save on your water heating use:

• Fix the drips. One drop of hot water a second is nearly 500 gallons a month wasted energy down the drain.
• Take a shower instead of a bath. An average shower requires half the water of a bath.
• Install a flow restrictor to your showerhead to save hot water. Flow restrictors limit the flow to 3 gallons or less per minute and can save $25 a year.
• Don't keep hot water running while washing dishes or shaving.

How Hot Should Household Water Be?
A temperature of 140 degrees is required to break up many detergents used in electric dishwashers. However, a lower temperature can be used:

• With dishwasher detergents that specifically state they are fully effective at lower temperatures;
• With dishwashers having "boosters" that raise incoming water to 140 degrees.

For most household needs, you can get by with water at 120 degrees or lower. Washing machines require only 90 to 100 degree water to achieve desired results.

How Much Can You Save?

A 30-degree setback can mean one week's free hot water every month.

Hot Water Safety Tips
Hot water scalding can occur in:

• 2 seconds at 150 degrees
• 10 seconds at 140 degrees
• 30 seconds at 130 degrees
• 10 minutes at 120 degrees

How to Adjust Your Hot Water Tank Thermostat

1. Before making any adjustment: Turn off the electric power to the heater by removing the fuses or turning off the circuit breaker which is usually plainly marked in the main service entrance panel.
2. Most residential electric water heaters have two thermostats. Open the access panels to both thermostats. Usually each panel is secured by only two screws.
3. Part the insulation to expose the thermostat dials.
4. Turn the dials to the desired setting. Make sure both dials are set at the same number.
5. Fold the insulation back in place; reinstall access panels. Restore power to the heater.