Your water heater may be the most underappreciated appliance in your home. It quietly powers showers, dishes, and laundry…until something goes wrong. A few small tweaks and a little maintenance can keep it humming happily while saving energy and money. Consumer Reports notes that heating water “accounts for roughly 18% of a household’s energy use” (or more), so it’s important to keep up regular maintenance.

Let’s start with temperature. Most experts agree the ideal setting for a residential water heater is 120°F. At this level, water is hot enough to limit bacterial growth but not so hot that it wastes energy or creates a scalding risk, according to Real Simple. Go lower and you risk lukewarm showers and bacteria-friendly conditions; crank it higher and you’ll pay for it in higher utility bills and potential burn hazards.

If your water heater is set above 130°F, you’re not getting “better” hot water, you’re just asking your system to work harder than it needs to. Higher temperatures can also speed up wear on internal components, shortening the lifespan of the unit. 

Maintenance matters, too. Along with routine maintenance, This Old House notes that there are both visible and performance issues that indicate your water heater may need some extra attention. This includes rusty water, visible corrosion, and water leaks, as well as inconsistent water temperature, strange noises, and reduced hot water supply.

An annual tank flush helps remove sediment buildup that can cause popping noises, reduce efficiency, and lead to uneven heating. The most diligent homeowner may ask their local plumber if it’s smart to replace the anode rod based on minerals present in the local water supply (the anode rod is the unsung hero that attracts corrosion so your tank doesn’t have to!). This relatively inexpensive part can significantly extend the life of your water heater, says the team at This Old House.

In short: set it to 120°F, give it a little annual TLC, and your water heater will return the favor with hot showers, lower bills, and fewer “uh-oh” moments in the utility room. Now that’s a relationship worth maintaining