Steps to Modify a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly behind the scenes to heat water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household tasks. Does your home’s water feel too hot at the tap? Or, it could be the opposite is true, and the water doesn’t seem to ever get as hot as it should be. You may need to change your hot water heater heat level to improve comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Learn why you might want to change the temperature and how to make this straightforward adjustment based on the type of water heater you have.

Reasons to Adjust Hot Water Heater Settings

At times, you may want to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might need a boost. As reported by 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.

However where in this range should you put your hot water heater? The answer relies on your household’s specific needs.

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

• Safety: A temperature greater than 140 degrees can produce third-degree burns in seconds. Decreasing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees lowers the risk of scalding at the tap. While 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 a crucial first step before draining the tank or performing other water heater maintenance work. Once the unit is off, wait several hours so the water can cool before doing any work so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
• Energy savings: Water heating accounts for a major portion of your home’s energy use. Lowering the temperature setting to 120 degrees decreases your utility costs without diminishing 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 away.

Why You Should Turn Up a Water Heater’s Temperature

• Microbial growth in the tank: Do not set the temperature of your water heater under 120 degrees for very long because this causes an environment where unhealthy bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t come with a built-in heating element, you may need to set your water heater greater than 120 degrees for your dishes to actually become clean. Hotter water cleans grease and dirt more successfully 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 one to get ready in the morning and you repeatedly get stuck with 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 adjustments, it’s wise to determine your current water temperature. Turn on 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 lower than the water heater setting because the water loses heat as it flows through your pipes.

Adjusting the water heater is a fairly simple undertaking with most units. Use these guidelines to help you make the correct adjustment.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures

If your water heater has a gas or electric storage tank, inspect the bottom of the tank for a temperature dial. You should 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 need hotter or cooler water.

Once you’ve made the adjustment, kick back and relax for three hours to allow the temperature in the tank to stabilize. Then, check the water temperature at the tap again. Even though you’re waiting a bit to test the temperature, you can continue using your hot water like normal during this waiting period.

Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment

Modern-day tankless models usually have a simple-to-use digital control panel with temperature settings you can move up or down simply by pushing a button. Be aware that tankless water heaters might 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 installing 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 devoted to improving 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 offer 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!