Choosing the optimal storage water heater temperature is crucial for efficiency and safety. 50°C strikes a comfortable balance for energy saving in Singapore. If you have a digital storage heater which allows you to program your thermostat, consider adjusting the tank temperature to 50°C. This temperature provides tangible benefits without sacrificing performance.
1. 50°C gives more energy savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your storage water heater lower offers substantial energy savings.
In Singapore, water heaters contribute to about 20% of a household’s energy consumption. Lowering the water temperature to 50 degrees can save energy costs of up to 10%. It minimises heat loss from the water heater to its surroundings.
Tip: Getting a heater with great tank insulation is another great way of saving energy. The insulation acts as a barrier, retaining heat in the tank for longer. This ensures water remains hot with minimal heating required. As a result, electricity costs are lowered.
2. 50°C prevents legionella bacterial growth
Legionella, a lung disease-causing bacteria, can spread through inhaling contaminated water droplets. While rare in Singapore, it could still infiltrate public building water systems.
Prevent contamination by maintaining your water heater at 50 d
3. 50 degrees is ideal for Singapore
In Singapore, setting your water heater to 50°C is ideal due to the country’s warm climate where incoming cold water temperature averages 25-31°C.
The 70°C factory setting is catered to cooler climates such as Europe, America or Australia where the cold water temperature can go down to 10°C and below. In those climates, a high tank temperature of at least 70ºC is a requirement to get a hot 38°C bath.
In Singapore, setting a 40-litre heater at 50°C is enough to ensure refreshing showers for a family of 2-4.
4. Setting at 50°C can prevent scalding
Setting your storage heater to 50°C offers protection against scalding for children. Children can accidentally turn the mixer to its highest temperature setting! At 50°C, a mixer accidentally turned fully to hot will not scald as quickly. This will reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Tip: Use a thermostatic mixer to reduce scalding risks. These mixers ensure a controlled temperature output of 38ºC.
