Ways to Modify a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly out of sight to warm up water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household tasks. Does your home’s water feel too hot at the tap? Maybe the opposite is true, and the water just won’t get as hot as you want. You could need to change your hot water heater settings to improve comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Learn why you might decide to change the temperature and how to make this easy adjustment based on the type of water heater you have.

Why to Change Your Water Heater Temperature

Sometimes, you need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might need a boost. Per the US Department of Energy, the ideal water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees F, striking a balance between safety and energy efficiency.

But where inside this range should you set your hot water heater? The answer relies on your household’s specific needs.

Turn Down the Water Heater Temp? Here’s Why:

• Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees risks third-degree burns in seconds. Turning down your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees lowers the risk of scalding by water from the tap. Even though scalding can happen to anyone, children and older adults are particularly at risk, as their skin is sensitive and can burn much faster.
• Maintenance: Turning the temperature off is a crucial first step before draining the tank or doing other water heater maintenance tasks. Once the unit is off, wait several hours so the water can cool before proceeding so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
• Energy savings: Water heating makes up a significant portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees decreases your utility bills without compromising hot water performance. When you aren’t going to be home for a few days, turn down the temperature even more for energy savings while you’re gone.

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Up

• Microbial growth in the tank: Avoid setting your water heater under 120 degrees for a long time because this produces an environment where unsafe bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t have a built-in heating system, you may need to set your water heater at a temperature more than 120 degrees for your dishes to get clean. Hotter water cleans grease and dirt more efficiently and results in better sanitation.
• More hot water for everyone: Boosting your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re normally the last family member to get ready in the morning and you repeatedly are forced to endure lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.

How to Change the Temperature on a Hot Water Heater

Before making any adjustments, it’s wise to determine your current water temperature. Turn on the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and put a cooking thermometer under the stream. Generally, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees lower than the water heater setting due to heat lost from the water as it flows through your pipes.

Adjusting the water heater is a simple task with many units. Stick to these recommendations to help you make the right adjustment.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures

If the water in your home has a gas or electric storage tank, look near the bottom of the tank for a temperature dial. You may see “Low” on one end and “Very Hot” on the other, with letter and symbol markings in between. Move the knob slightly to one side or the other, depending on whether you want hotter or cooler water.

After the adjustment, hold off doing anything else to the water heater for three hours for the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, go find the water temperature at the tap once again. Feel free to keep using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.

Changing the Temperature on a Tankless Water Heater

Contemporary tankless models usually have a simple-to-use digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down with the touch of a button. Note that tankless water heaters might not be able to reach the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, look into installing a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Water Heater Services in the U.S.

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is devoted to increasing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in the U.S.. Consider scheduling services with us if you need assistance modifying your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature don’t seem to match. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service customized to your needs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787 today!