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Best Practices  /  Conserve Energy  /  Optimize hot water temperature

Optimize hot water temperature

You don’t overcook your food, so why make water hotter than you need it?

You pay for hot water three ways and those costs add up. But one clear way to save on your water heating costs is to check your water heater and optimize the temperature setting. The best part of this exercise is it's a no-cost project.

Water temperature is set by health code mandates. Typically that means 120 degrees fahrenheit at hand sinks and 140 degrees at dish machines, and you must meet those requirements. If you are setting the water hotter, however, you're wasting energy that could cost hundreds of extra dollars per year.

Spending just a few minutes at the hot water tank to adjust and optimize the settings can conserve both energy and money.

 

Video: Optimize Hot Water Temperature

Also, adding low-flow aerators can reduce the hot water used by each hand sink by 60 percent. Installing just one could save 9,000 gallons of hot water each year. For dishwashing, remember that high-efficiency pre-rinse spray valves can save you even more.

More Resources

  • Walking the Talk: Restaurateurs and suppliers talk sustainability.
  • Ask the Expert: Industry experts answer your sustainability questions.
  • Watch: Conserve Conversations with sustainability innovators.