As temperatures drop and chilly days become more frequent, keeping your home warm becomes a priority. While adjusting your thermostat for heating is common, you might also wonder if you should increase the temperature setting on your water heater during the colder months. It may seem like an easy way to make things cozier, but there are several factors to think about before making any changes. Raising the water heater temperature in winter comes with both benefits and potential downsides.
How Winter Affects Water Heaters
Your water heater works by taking in cold water and heating it to a set temperature, usually between 120°F and 140°F. This heated water is stored in the tank, and it is ready for use in activities like showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. But when it’s cold outside, the water entering the system is colder, too, so the heater has to work harder to warm it up. This can make hot water feel less satisfying and lead some homeowners to raise their water heater’s temperature. But before you do that, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons.
Benefits of Raising the Temperature
There are a few good reasons why increasing your water heater temperature might be helpful during winter. First, raising the temperature improves comfort. In cold weather, hot water can lose heat more quickly while traveling through pipes or sitting in the tank. A shower that feels warm in summer might feel lukewarm in the middle of winter. By bumping up the temperature, you can keep your baths and showers at a consistently comfortable level. It won’t matter how cold it is outside.
Second, raising the temperature can give you quicker access to hot water. With colder water entering the system, it takes more time and effort for the heater to bring it up to the set temperature. Raising the thermostat setting helps the water heat up faster, which is especially useful in larger households where hot water is in high demand.
Finally, it can improve the performance of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. These appliances often need water to be at a certain temperature to work effectively. A higher temperature can result in better cleaning, and this can save you from having to run multiple cycles.
Drawbacks of Increasing the Temperature
Although it may be tempting to raise your water heater temperature, there are several risks involved. One of the biggest concerns is safety. Water that’s too hot can cause serious burns in just a few seconds. The American Burn Association warns that water at 140°F can cause third-degree burns in less than five seconds, while water at 120°F takes about 10 minutes to cause similar damage. If your household includes young children, elderly family members, or anyone else with sensitive skin, the risk of burns is something to seriously consider before turning up the temperature.
Another drawback is higher energy costs. Water heaters account for a significant portion of your household’s energy use, often between 15% and 20%. Raising the temperature increases the amount of energy needed to heat the water, and the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that each 10°F increase in temperature can boost energy usage by 3% to 5%. So, while you might enjoy hotter water, you’ll likely see an increase in your utility bills.
Additionally, raising the temperature puts more strain on your water heater, which can lead to wear and tear over time. The heater will have to work harder, and this will potentially shorten the lifespan of components like the heating element. This could lead to more frequent repairs or even the need for a replacement sooner than you’d expect.
Finding the Right Balance
For most households, keeping the water heater set to 120°F offers a good balance of safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. At this temperature, the water is hot enough for most uses while minimizing the risk of burns and keeping energy consumption in check.
If you find that 120°F isn’t quite hot enough winter, you could increase the temperature slightly to around 130°F. This small adjustment can provide a bit more warmth without drastically increasing energy costs or safety concerns. However, it’s best not to go higher than that to avoid the risks mentioned earlier.
Other Ways to Improve Hot Water Availability
If you’re hesitant to raise the temperature but still want warmer water in winter, you have other solutions to explore. One option is to insulate your water heater and pipes. This helps retain heat and makes your system more efficient, and this means that the water stays warmer longer without needing to crank up the thermostat. Insulating pipes can also reduce the amount of heat lost as water travels from the heater to your faucets. This will give you hotter water more quickly.
Another idea is to schedule high-demand activities like showers, laundry, and dishwashing for different times throughout the day. By spacing out these tasks, you give your water heater time to recover between uses. This will ensure a steady supply of hot water when you need it.
You might also consider upgrading to water-efficient fixtures, which use less hot water overall. This reduces the load on your water heater and can improve both comfort and energy efficiency. Additionally, installing a hot water recirculation system keeps hot water moving through the pipes, minimizing wait times at the tap.
If your water heater is old or inefficient, replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model can also solve many of the challenges you face in winter. Modern water heaters come with better insulation and advanced technology, which helps them keep water hot using less energy. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states that water heaters make up around 18% of a household’s energy bill, but newer models can lower energy costs by 10% to 50%. Choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified model can provide even more savings, as these units use heat pump or condensing technology for faster heating and greater reliability.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Deciding whether to raise your water heater temperature in winter involves weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks. On the plus side, you’ll have quicker, hotter water, which will make showers more comfortable and improve the performance of appliances. However, there are risks involved, including higher energy bills, the potential for burns, and added strain on your water heater.
Raising your water heater’s temperature is a personal decision that depends on your household’s needs, safety concerns, and energy goals. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can find a solution that offers both comfort and efficiency throughout the colder months.
Ask the Professionals for Help
If you live in Madison, WI or the surrounding areas, Southport Home Services offers you professional water heater services. Whether you’re looking to insulate your system, upgrade to a more efficient model, or explore other plumbing needs, our team is here to help. We also provide services like water treatment, drain cleaning, fixture installations, and emergency plumbing.
Contact Southport Home Services today to learn more about how we can improve your household’s comfort and efficiency!
