Ways to Modify a Hot Water Heater Temperature

Every home has a water heater working quietly behind the scenes to warm up water for showering, cooking, cleaning and other household activities. 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 might need to correct your hot water heater temperature to improve comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Read more to find out why you might want to change the temperature and how to make this straightforward adjustment based on the type of water heater in your residence.

Why Change Your Hot Water Heater’s Temperature?

At times, you need to lower the temperature; other times, the hot water might need a boost. Per the US Department of Energy, the optimal 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 have your hot water heater? The answer will depend on your household’s unique needs.

Reasons to Turn the Temperature Down

• Safety: A temperature higher than 140 degrees can result in third-degree burns in just a few seconds. Turning down your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees further minimizes the risk of scalding by water from the tap. While this 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 an essential first step before draining the tank or doing other water heater maintenance work. Once the appliance is off, wait several hours to allow the water to cool before beginning maintenance so scalding water doesn’t splash on your skin.
• Energy savings: Water heating accounts for a major portion of your home’s energy use. Changing the temperature setting to 120 degrees minimizes your utility costs without compromising hot water performance. When you will be gone for a few days, lower the heat even more for energy savings while you’re out.

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 causes an environment where unhealthy bacteria can grow.
• Better cleaning: If your dishwasher doesn’t include a built-in heating system, you might need to set your water heater higher than 120 degrees for your dishes to actually become clean. Hotter water cleans grease and dirt more efficiently and provides better sanitation.
• More hot water for everyone: Increasing 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 repeatedly get stuck with lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.

How to Adjust a Hot Water Heater

Before making any changes, it’s smart to test your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and hold a cooking thermometer under the water. Generally, 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 most units. Follow these tips to help you make the correct adjustment.

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater Temperatures

If the water in your home 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 just a little to one side or the other, depending on if you are looking for hotter or cooler water.

After the adjustment, hold off doing anything else to the water heater for three hours to allow 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 continue using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.

Tankless Water Heater Temperature Adjustment

Contemporary tankless models often have a simple-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 attain the highest settings during cold spells or peak demand times. If you’re struggling with the lower flow rate, contemplate adding 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 dedicated 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 don’t seem to match. We create fast, enduring solutions to all your water heater concerns. For expert service that is completely personalized to your needs, phone Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 954-736-4314 today!