Water heater settings can impact household energy costs

Homeowners can reduce energy costs by adjusting water heater thermostat settings. Most manufacturers set units to a default of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend setting the temperature to approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting balances efficiency, safety against scalding, and the prevention of Legionella bacteria growth.

Water heating can account for nearly 20 percent of a household's energy bill. For those using propane, water heating is a key component of overall fuel consumption. Propane systems can utilize either traditional storage tank models, which maintain a heated supply, or tankless models, which heat water on demand.