Debunking Water Heater Misconceptions
As your trusted heating, cooling, and plumbing experts since 1953, Wighton’s has heard plenty of misconceptions about water heaters over the years. Today, we’re going to address one of the most expensive myths that could be costing you money every month.
The Myth: Setting Your Water Heater to Maximum Temperature Saves Money
Many homeowners believe that setting their water heater to the highest temperature possible is more efficient because they can mix it with cold water to achieve their desired temperature. This common misconception has been circulating throughout San Luis Obispo County and beyond for decades.
The Truth
At Wighton’s, we’ve been helping Central Coast families optimize their water heating systems for over 68 years, and we can definitively say this practice wastes energy and money. Here’s why:
- Higher temperatures create more standby heat loss
- Excessive heat can damage your water heater’s components
- The ideal temperature setting is 120°F for most households
- Every 10°F reduction in temperature saves 3-5% on water heating costs
As your reliable team for heating, cooling, and plumbing services, Wighton’s recommends maintaining your water heater at 120°F for optimal efficiency and safety. This temperature is hot enough to kill harmful bacteria while preventing scalding and maximizing energy savings.
Need help optimizing your water heater’s performance? Our expert technicians are ready to help ensure your system runs efficiently while maintaining our tradition of quality workmanship that has made us leaders in the industry on the Central Coast.
Contact Wighton’s today to schedule a professional water heater inspection and ensure you’re not letting money go down the drain with inefficient temperature settings.