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Ways to Modify a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly behind the scenes to warm up water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household activities. Have you noticed the water feeling too hot at the tap? Perhaps the opposite is true, and the water just won’t get as hot as you want. You may need to correct your hot water heater settings to improve comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Read more to find out why you might decide to change the temperature and how to make this simple adjustment based on the type of water heater your home uses.

Why to Change Your Water Heater Temperature

Occasionally, you need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might require a boost. According to the US Department of Energy, the desired water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees F, which provides a nice 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 unique needs.

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Down

  • Safety: A temperature greater than 140 degrees risks third-degree burns in seconds. Turning down your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees reduces the risk of scalding from the tap. While hot water burns can happen to anyone, children and older adults are particularly at risk, as their skin is sensitive and can burn more rapidly.
  • Maintenance: Turning the temperature off is an essential first step before draining the tank or carrying out other water heater maintenance activities. As soon as the appliance is off, wait several hours to give the water time to cool before proceeding so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
  • Energy savings: Water heating results in a significant portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees decreases your utility bills without sacrificing hot water performance. When you aren’t going to be home for a few days, turn down the setting even more for energy savings while you’re out.

Why You Should Turn Up a Water Heater’s Temperature

  • Microbial growth in the tank: Avoid setting your water heater under 120 degrees for very long because this creates an environment where unhealthy bacteria can grow.
  • Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t include a built-in heating capability, you may need to set your water heater greater than 120 degrees for your dishes to actually become clean. Hotter water removes grease and dirt more successfully and results in better sanitation.
  • More hot water for large families: Increasing your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re frequently the last person to get ready in the morning and you typically suffer through lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.

How to Modify the Temp of a Hot Water Heater

Before making any changes, it’s wise to determine your current water temperature. Turn on the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and place a cooking thermometer into the stream. Generally, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees colder than the water heater setting because the water loses heat as it flows through your pipes.

Adjusting the water heater is an easy task with many units. Follow these guidelines to help you make the proper adjustment.

Changing the Temperature on a Tank Water Heater

If you have a gas or electric storage tank, inspect the bottom of the tank for a temperature dial. You might see “Low” on one end and “Very Hot” on the other, with letter and symbol markings in between. Turn the knob a little bit in one direction or the other, depending on if you want hotter or cooler water.

Following the adjustment, wait three hours so the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, check the water temperature at the tap once more. You can keep using your hot water like normal while you wait.

Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment

Modern-day tankless models often have an easy-to-use digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down just by hitting a button. Note that tankless water heaters may not be able to attain the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, consider setting up a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.

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

Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is dedicated to enhancing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in the U.S.. Consider scheduling services with us if you need assistance changing your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature are different. We provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service tailored to your needs, contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787 today!

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