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. However, does the water in your residence feel too hot at the tap? Maybe the opposite is true, and the water never seems to get as hot as you want. You might need to correct your hot water heater settings 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 in your residence.

Reasons to Adjust Hot Water Heater Settings

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

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

Turn Down the Water Heater Temp? Here’s Why:

• Safety: A temperature of more than 140 degrees risks third-degree burns in seconds. Reducing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees lowers the risk of scalding at the tap. While scalding can happen to anyone, children and older adults are specifically 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 doing other water heater maintenance work. After the unit 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 major portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees minimizes your utility bills without compromising hot water performance. When you aren’t going to be home for a few days, decrease the temperature even more for energy savings while you’re gone.

Why You Should Turn Up a Water Heater’s Temperature

• Microbial growth in the tank: Avoid setting your water heater lower than 120 degrees for a long time because this creates an environment where unhealthy bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t come with a built-in heating system, you might need to set your water heater at a temperature more than 120 degrees for your dishes to get clean. Hotter water cleans grease and dirt more effectively and results in better sanitation.
• More hot water for the household: Increasing your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re normally the last person 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 smart to test your current water temperature. Turn on the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and put a cooking thermometer under the stream. Often, 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.

Changing the water heater is a fairly simple undertaking with the majority of units. Use these tips to help you make the proper adjustment.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures

If your water heater has 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. Move the knob slightly one way or the other, depending on whether you need hotter or cooler water.

Following the adjustment, hold off doing anything else to the water heater for three hours to allow the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, check the water temperature at the tap once again. Feel free to continue using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.

Changing the Temperature on a Tankless Water Heater

Modern tankless models commonly have a simple-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, contemplate 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 devoted to enhancing 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 don’t seem to match. We provide fast, enduring solutions to all your water heater issues. For expert service that is completely personalized to your needs, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today!