Ways to Change a Hot Water Heater Temperature
Every home has a water heater working quietly behind the scenes to heat water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household needs. Does your home’s water feel too hot at the tap? Or, it could be the opposite is true, and the water just won’t get hot enough. You might need to change your hot water heater heat level to improve comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Read more to find out why you might need to change the temperature and how to make this simple adjustment based on the type of water heater in your residence.
Reasons to Adjust Hot Water Heater Settings
Sometimes, you might need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might need a boost. According to the US Department of Energy, the desired water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees F, striking a balance between safety and energy efficiency.
Just where inside this range should you put your hot water heater? The answer will depend on your household’s individual needs.
Turn Down the Water Heater Temp? Here’s Why:
- Safety: A temperature greater than 140 degrees can result in third-degree burns in just a few seconds. Reducing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees lowers the risk of scalding at the tap. While this can happen to anyone, children and older adults are particularly at risk, as their skin is sensitive and can burn more quickly.
- Maintenance: Turning the temperature off is a crucial first step before draining the tank or doing other water heater maintenance work. After the unit is off, wait several hours to allow the water to cool before doing any work so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
- Energy savings: Water heating makes up a major portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees minimizes your utility costs without compromising hot water performance. When you leave town for a few days, decrease the temperature even more for energy savings while you’re gone.
Why You Should Turn Up a Water Heater’s Temperature
- Microbial growth in the tank: Do not set the temperature of your water heater under 120 degrees for an extended time because this creates an environment where harmful bacteria can grow.
- Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t come with a built-in heating system, you may need to set your water heater greater than 120 degrees for your dishes to get clean. Hotter water removes grease and dirt more effectively and offers better sanitation.
- More hot water for the household: Boosting your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re usually the last family member to get ready in the morning and you typically get stuck with 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 adjustments, it’s smart to check your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and hold a cooking thermometer in the stream. Often, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees lower than the water heater setting because the water loses heat as it flows through your pipes.
Adjusting the water heater is a simple process with many units. Use these tips to help you make the right adjustment.
Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures
If you have 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. Rotate the knob slightly to one side or the other, depending on if you are aiming for hotter or cooler water.
Following the adjustment, wait three hours to allow the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Next, go find the water temperature at the tap once again. Even though you’re waiting a bit to test the temperature, you can keep using your hot water like normal while you wait.
Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment
Contemporary tankless models usually have a user-friendly digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down with the touch of a button. Note that tankless water heaters sometimes aren’t able to reach the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re having problems with the lower flow rate, consider adding 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 Canada
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is committed to improving home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in Canada. Consider scheduling services with us if you need assistance modifying your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature are different. We create fast, enduring solutions to all your water heater concerns. For expert service tailored to your needs, phone Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787 today!
