How to Adjust a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly out of sight to heat water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household jobs. However, does the water in your residence feel 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 heat level to enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Here are some reasons why you might want to change the temperature and how to make this simple adjustment based on the type of water heater in your residence.

Why Change Your Hot Water Heater’s Temperature?

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

However where within this range should you have your hot water heater? The answer depends on your household’s unique needs.

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Down

• Safety: A temperature greater than 140 degrees can result in third-degree burns within seconds. Decreasing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees reduces the risk of scalding by water from the tap. Although this can happen to anyone, children and older adults are the most 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 work. After the water heater 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 significant portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees decreases your utility bills without diminishing hot water performance. When you aren’t going to be home 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: Avoid setting your water heater below 120 degrees for very long because this produces an environment where harmful bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t have a built-in heating element, you might need to set your water heater greater than 120 degrees for your dishes to actually become clean. Hotter water removes grease and dirt more efficiently and offers better sanitation.
• More hot water for large families: Increasing your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re often the last family member 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 Change the Temperature on a Hot Water Heater

Before making any changes, it’s wise to determine your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and place a cooking thermometer in the stream. Generally, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees less 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 many units. Follow these recommendations 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, 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. Rotate the knob slightly to one side or the other, depending on whether you are aiming for hotter or cooler water.

Following the adjustment, wait three hours so the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Next, check the water temperature at the tap once more. Feel free to keep using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.

Changing the Temperature on a Modern Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Today’s popular tankless models often have a user-friendly digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down just by hitting a button. Be aware that tankless water heaters sometimes aren’t able to attain the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re having problems with the lower flow rate, consider installing a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.

Contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Water Heater Services in Fort Lauderdale

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is committed to improving home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in Fort Lauderdale. Consider scheduling services with us if you need help modifying your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature are different. We provide fast, lasting solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service that is completely personalized to your needs, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today!