Steps to Change 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. Does your home's water feel too hot at the tap? Perhaps the opposite is true, and the water just won't get hot enough. You could need to change your hot water heater temperature to increase comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Read more to find out why you might need to change the temperature and how to make this simple adjustment based on the type of water heater your home uses.

Reasons to Adjust Hot Water Heater Settings

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

But where within this range should you set your hot water heater? The answer will depend 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 just a few seconds. Decreasing your water heater’s temperature closer to 120 degrees further minimizes the risk of scalding at the tap. While hot water burns can happen to anyone, children and older adults are particularly 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 performing other water heater maintenance tasks. As soon as the appliance 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 accounts for a major portion of your home’s energy use. Reducing the temperature setting to 120 degrees reduces 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: Don't set 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 come with a built-in heating system, you may need to set your water heater at a temperature more than 120 degrees for your dishes to get clean. Hotter water eliminates grease and dirt more efficiently and offers better sanitation.
More hot water for the household: Boosting your water heater’s temperature makes more hot water available. If you’re frequently the last person to get ready in the morning and you routinely are forced to endure lukewarm showers, try turning the water heater setting up to 140 degrees.

How to Change the Temperature on a Hot Water Heater

Before making any modifications, it’s a good idea to check your current water temperature. Open the hot water tap at the kitchen sink and place a cooking thermometer into the stream. Usually, the temperature at the tap is about 10 degrees colder than the water heater setting due to heat loss as the water flows through your pipes.

Altering the water heater is an easy undertaking with the majority of units. Use these guidelines to help you make the right 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 should see “Low” on one end and “Very Hot” on the other, with letter and symbol markings in between. Rotate the knob just a little to one side or the other, depending on whether you are looking for hotter or cooler water.

Following 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 another time. Feel free to keep using your hot water like normal even though you are waiting.

Changing the Temperature on a Modern Tankless Hot Water Heater

Modern tankless models often have an easy-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 sometimes aren't 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.

Reach Out to Service Experts for Water Heater Services in the U.S.

Service Experts is devoted to increasing home comfort and safety with reliable water heater repair in the U.S.. Consider scheduling services with us if you need assistance adjusting your hot water heater settings or if the thermostat reading and tap temperature do not match. We offer fast, enduring solutions to all your water heater dilemmas. For expert service that is completely personalized to your needs, call Service Experts at today!