When people think about living sustainably, they often picture solar panels, electric cars, or compost bins. While those are great, some of the most impactful changes start in the smallest places—like your water heater. A simple adjustment, lowering your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, can save energy, cut costs, and even make your home safer.
Most manufacturers set water heaters at 140°F by default. That may seem fine, but it’s hotter than most households actually need. At that temperature, not only are you wasting energy keeping water unnecessarily hot, but you also risk scalding burns—especially for children or older adults with sensitive skin. Dropping your heater to 120°F creates a sweet spot: warm enough for showers, dishwashing, and laundry, but not so hot that it’s dangerous.
The energy savings are significant. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating makes up about 18% of a typical home’s utility bill. Reducing the temperature by just 20 degrees can cut energy use by 4–22%, depending on your household size and water habits. That’s real money saved over time, without any sacrifice to comfort.
There’s also a sustainability benefit. Lowering your water heater reduces the demand on your home’s energy system, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions if your electricity or gas is sourced from fossil fuels. Imagine millions of households making the same adjustment—those collective savings add up to a meaningful reduction in our environmental footprint.
Safety, cost, and sustainability all in one small change—it’s hard to find a better deal than that. Best of all, it takes less than five minutes to make the adjustment. Simply check your water heater’s control panel and lower the thermostat. Afterward, run the tap and test the temperature to make sure it’s comfortable for your family.
Living sustainably doesn’t always mean big investments or complicated changes. Sometimes, it’s about those quick, thoughtful decisions that reduce waste and make daily life safer. So if you’re looking for an easy first step on your sustainability journey, start with your water heater. It’s a change you’ll feel good about every time you turn on the tap.