How to Adjust 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 tasks. Have you noticed the water feeling too hot at the tap? Perhaps the opposite is true, and the water never seems to get hot enough. You may need to adjust 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 simple adjustment based on the type of water heater you have.
Reasons to Adjust Hot Water Heater Settings
Sometimes, you need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might require a boost. According to 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 within this range should you set your hot water heater? The answer depends on your household’s specific needs.
Reasons to Turn the Temperature Down
- Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees risks third-degree burns in seconds. Lowering your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees further minimizes 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 an important first step before draining the tank or performing other water heater maintenance activities. Once the unit is off, wait several hours to allow the water to cool before proceeding so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
- Energy savings: Water heating accounts for a significant portion of your home’s energy use. Lowering the temperature setting to 120 degrees reduces your utility bills without compromising hot water performance. When you leave town for a few days, lower the setting even more for energy savings while you’re away.
Reasons to Turn the Temperature Up
- Microbial growth in the tank: Avoid setting your water heater below 120 degrees for an extended time because this creates an environment where harmful bacteria can grow.
- Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t have a built-in heating element, you may need to set your water heater higher than 120 degrees for your dishes to get clean. Hotter water removes grease and dirt more effectively and provides better sanitation.
- More hot water for large families: Increasing your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re usually the last one to get ready in the morning and you routinely suffer through lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.
How to Adjust a Hot Water Heater
Before making any adjustments, it’s wise to test your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and place 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 loss as the water flows through your pipes.
Adjusting the water heater is a simple process with most units. Follow these guidelines to help you make the proper adjustment.
Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures
If you have a gas or electric storage tank, check near 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 slightly one way or the other, depending on whether you need hotter or cooler water.
Following the adjustment, wait three hours for the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, test the water temperature at the tap again. Feel free to continue using your hot water like normal during this waiting period.
Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment
Modern tankless models often have an easy-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 may not be able to achieve the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, consider installing a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.
Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Water Heater Services in Canada
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is dedicated to enhancing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in Canada. Consider scheduling services with us if you need help adjusting your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature don’t seem to match. We provide fast, long-lasting solutions to all your water heater problems. For expert service tailored to your needs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing at 866-397-3787 today!