Reducing energy through adjusting your water heater temperature

Following is a message I am relaying from The Earth Day Network Team... Did you know that the average water heater makes up 14-18% of a home’s total utility bill, costing each household up to $600 a year? Make the pledge today to reduce your water heater’s energy consumption and lower your utility bills! So why do water heaters use so much energy? For one, most are programmed to heat water up to 140⁰F—a temperature so hot that it can burn you. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to change that. By simply turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120⁰F, you can cut energy use and save money. If just 1/5 of the households in the US made that change, they could collectively save up to $1.3 billion! Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to find out how to turn down the thermostat safely. If your thermostat is already set at 120⁰F, a simple water heater insulating blanket can also save you money. Join us by pledging to reduce the temperature on your water heater. It’s good for you and the planet—and it’s easy. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family. And share your story on Twitter: #ActOfGreen