I have adjusted the temperature of my water heater to a very high degree, primarily because I don't use the dishwasher, and the hot water helps to sanitize the dishes. I live alone so I don't have to worry about others being scalded.
I have 2 questions:
1. Does hot water have a self-insulating effect? If I keep my water at a higher temperature, does it use less electricity because the hot water is keeping itself hot inside the water heater? I am hoping so, because I like to conserve electrictiy, however the sanitizing aspect is extremely important to me for health reasons.
2. At a certain temperature, does the hot water start to damage the copper plumbing? If so, what temperature?
2006-09-05 04:29:29 · 3 answers · asked by blueblood 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Setting the temperature higher increases heat loss to the room, so you are using more electricity (or gas). Just heat your water for dishes on the stove to a higher temperature. Even just your final rinse water.
I doubt you'll damage the plumbing. You might damage some things near the pipes or the faucet washers. You might get increased sedimentation in the tank. You'll definitely shorten the life of the heating elements.
2006-09-06 02:13:47 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot water doesn't "self insulate". The temerature difference between the hot water and the outside of the water heater affects heat loss. Hotter water will lose heat faster. There are things you can do to avoid a higher electric bill. You can insulate the outside of your water heater with fiberglass batting insulation. You can also put your hot water heater on a timer that only heats the water for a few hours a day. I once had a great solar hot water heater that was passive. Passive meaning that there was no pump. 50 gallons of hot water were held in reserve in the tanks on the roof so that it took less energy to get the water hot. I think you could make your own solar hot water heater just by putting 200 feet of black hose on your roof and hook in to your heater's input.
2006-09-05 04:41:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have single handle faucets? Could be the mixing valves are shot. EASY, CHEAP fix
2016-03-26 22:59:46 · answer #3 · answered by Jennifer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋