Steps to Adjust a Hot Water Heater Temperature
Every home has a water heater working quietly behind the scenes to supply hot water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household jobs. Does your home’s water feel too hot at the tap? Or, it could be the opposite is true, and the water never seems to get as hot as you want. You could need to adjust 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 easy adjustment based on the type of water heater your home uses.
Why to Change Your Water Heater Temperature
At times, you might need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might require a boost. Per the US Department of Energy, the optimal water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees F, which provides a nice balance between safety and energy efficiency.
Just where within this range should you have your hot water heater? The answer depends on your household’s specific needs.
Why Should You Turn Down the Water Heater Temperature?
- Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees can result in third-degree burns in just a few seconds. Reducing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees reduces the risk of scalding by water from the tap. While this 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 an essential first step before draining the tank or performing other water heater maintenance tasks. As soon as the appliance 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 results in a major portion of your home’s energy use. Lowering the temperature setting to 120 degrees reduces your utility costs without diminishing hot water performance. When you leave town for a few days, lower the temperature even more for energy savings while you’re out.
Reasons to Turn the Temperature Up
- Microbial growth in the tank: Don’t set your water heater lower than 120 degrees for an extended time because this produces an environment where unhealthy bacteria can grow.
- Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t include a built-in heating system, you might need to set your water heater greater than 120 degrees for your dishes to come out of the dishwasher clean. Hotter water cleans grease and dirt more effectively and provides 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 person to get ready in the morning and you routinely are forced to endure lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.
How to Adjust a Hot Water Heater
Before making any changes, it’s smart to check your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and hold a cooking thermometer into the water. Generally, 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.
Altering the water heater is a simple undertaking with most units. Stick to these guidelines to help you make the proper adjustment.
Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures
If the water in your home has a gas or electric storage tank, check 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 a little bit in one direction or the other, depending on if you are aiming for hotter or cooler water.
Following the adjustment, kick back and relax for three hours for the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, test the water temperature at the tap once more. Feel free to keep using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.
Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment
Modern tankless models often have a simple-to-use digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down just by hitting 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 having difficulties with the lower flow rate, consider adding a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.
Call A1 Chesney Service Experts for Water Heater Services in Calgary
A1 Chesney Service Experts is devoted to enhancing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in Calgary. 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 offer fast, lasting solutions to all your water heater concerns. For expert service customized to your needs, contact A1 Chesney Service Experts at 587-315-5271 today!
