How 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. Does your home’s water feel too hot at the tap? Maybe the opposite is true, and the water never seems to get as hot as you want. You may need to correct your hot water heater heat level to increase comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Read more to find out why you might want to change the temperature and how to make this easy adjustment based on the type of water heater your home uses.

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 most beneficial water heater temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees F, which strikes a balance between safety and energy efficiency.

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

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Down

• Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees can produce third-degree burns within seconds. Turning down your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees further minimizes the risk of scalding at the tap. Even though this can happen to anyone, children and older adults are specifically 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 doing other water heater maintenance work. As soon as the appliance 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 results in a significant portion of your home’s energy use. Reducing the temperature setting to 120 degrees minimizes your utility bills without diminishing hot water performance. When you leave town for a few days, decrease the temperature even more for energy savings while you’re away.

Why You Should Increase Your Water Heater Temp

• Microbial growth in the tank: Do not set the temperature of your water heater under 120 degrees for a long time because this produces an environment where harmful bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t come with 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 cleans grease and dirt more effectively and offers better sanitation.
• More hot water for large families: Boosting 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 Modify the Temp of a Hot Water Heater

Before making any modifications, it’s wise to check your current water temperature. Turn on the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and put a cooking thermometer in the stream. Usually, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees colder than the water heater setting because the water loses heat as it flows through your pipes.

Changing the water heater is a simple process with the majority of units. Stick to these recommendations to help you make the correct adjustment.

Adjusting the Temperature on a Tank-Style Water Heater

If you have 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 a little bit to one side or the other, depending on whether you are aiming for hotter or cooler water.

After the adjustment, kick back and relax for three hours for the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, go find the water temperature at the tap once more. You can continue using your hot water like normal while you wait.

Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment

Today’s popular tankless models usually have an easy-to-use digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down simply by pushing a button. It’s worth noting that tankless water heaters may not be able to attain the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, consider setting up a second point-of-use unit in the kitchen or bathroom.

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

Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is dedicated to increasing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in Fort Lauderdale. Consider scheduling services with us if you need assistance changing your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature are different. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service tailored to your needs, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today!