Steps to Adjust a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly out of sight to warm up water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household tasks. However, does the water in your residence feel too hot at the tap? Or, it could be the opposite is true, and the water never seems to get hot enough. You may need to change your hot water heater temperature to enhance comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Learn why you might need 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

Occasionally, you may want to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might necessitate a boost. Per 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.

Just where within this range should you put your hot water heater? The answer depends on your household’s individual needs.

Why Should You Turn Down the Water Heater Temperature?

  • Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees risks third-degree burns in seconds. Reducing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees reduces the risk of scalding from the tap. Although hot water burns can happen to anyone, children and older adults are specifically at risk, as their skin is sensitive and can burn more rapidly.
  • Maintenance: Turning the temperature off is a crucial first step before draining the tank or doing other water heater maintenance tasks. Once the unit is off, wait several hours to give the water time to cool before beginning maintenance so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
  • Energy savings: Water heating results in a considerable portion of your home’s energy use. Lowering the temperature setting to 120 degrees reduces your utility costs without sacrificing hot water performance. When you will be gone for a few days, decrease the heat even more for energy savings while you’re gone.

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Up

  • Microbial growth in the tank: Don’t set your water heater lower than 120 degrees for a long time because this causes an environment where unsafe bacteria can grow.
  • Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t have a built-in heating capability, you might need to set your water heater higher than 120 degrees for your dishes to come out of the dishwasher clean. Hotter water removes grease and dirt more effectively and provides better sanitation.
  • More hot water for everyone: Increasing your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re normally the last one 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 Adjust a Hot Water Heater

Before making any adjustments, it’s wise to check your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and put a cooking thermometer under the stream. Usually, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees less than the water heater setting due to heat lost from the water as it flows through your pipes.

Altering the water heater is an easy process with the majority of units. Follow these tips 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 may see “Low” on one end and “Very Hot” on the other, with letter and symbol markings in between. Move the knob slightly one way or the other, depending on if you need hotter or cooler water.

Once you’ve made the adjustment, hold off doing anything else to the water heater for three hours so the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Next, test the water temperature at the tap again. Even though you’re waiting a bit to test the temperature, you can keep using your hot water like normal during this waiting period.

Changing the Temperature on a Tankless Water Heater

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. It’s worth noting that tankless water heaters may not be able to reach the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, look into setting up a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.

Reach Out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Water Heater Services in Fort Lauderdale

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is devoted to increasing 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 create fast, long-lasting solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service tailored to your needs, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today!

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