Learning how to adjust a hot water heater is important. The simple act of adjusting your water heater temperature can bring you multiple benefits:
- You can save energy, and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Your heater will be under less stress with reduced mineral build-up and corrosion, extending its life and reducing your maintenance costs.
- A lower hot water heater temperature is safer, because it reduces the risk of scalding.
Learning how to adjust your hot water heater temperature is easy, but the process differs by the type of heater you have and the temperature setting you choose. This article will walk you through the details so that you can easily select the right hot water temperature setting.
Before going into how to adjust hot water heater temperature, you might be wondering what temperature a water heater should be set at. It’s a common question.
What temperature should a hot water heater be set at?
Though there is no exact “best temperature,” setting your hot water heater to between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit is safe, effective and comfortable for most people.
Most manufacturers ship units with a default setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, you run the risk of getting scalded. In most cases, you can turn the temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a slight risk of growing legionellae bacteria at this temperature, so if you have immune problems, going a little higher is better. If you need hot water for your dishwasher, you should go no lower than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to adjust the temperature on an electric water heater
Learning how to adjust the temperature on an electric water heater is easy if you follow these steps.
Turn off the circuit breaker
For your safety, turn off the circuit breaker serving the hot water heater so that you stop the flow of electricity.
Remove the cover
Carefully remove the access panel that protects the hot water heater thermostat.
Adjust the temperature with a flathead screwdriver
You can set the water heater temperature of most models by using a flathead screwdriver to turn the temperature setting device.
Restore the cover
Put the access panel cover back on to keep the thermostat protected. Make sure it is securely in place before you turn the circuit breaker back on.
Wait at least three hours to test
A key step in how to adjust the water heater temperature is to wait until the water warms up. It may take some time for your water heater to bring water up to the hot water temperature that you set, so give it at least three hours.
How to adjust the temperature on a gas water heater
Learning how to adjust the temperature on a gas water heater is not difficult. Here are the main steps.
Turn off the circuit breaker
As with setting your electric water heater temperature, you will want to stop electricity flowing to your gas heater.
Remove the thermostat access panel
Remove the access panel to the thermostat with care so that you don’t damage it.
Adjust the temperature with a flathead screwdriver
Changing temperature on a gas water heater can require some experimenting. Many thermostats do not indicate temperatures, offering just “+” or “-” to raise and lower it. Use a flathead screwdriver to set your selection.
Restore the panel
Carefully place the thermostat access panel back in its original spot.
Check the pilot light is still lit
Before restoring power, check to make sure the pilot light is still on. You might need to relight it.
Wait at least three hours to test
Wait until your unit has had time to reach the hot water heater temperature you set. Turn on a faucet and let it run before testing the temperature.
Need to replace or repair your water heater?
Adjusting a hot water heater can bring you, your wallet and the environment multiple benefits. A few degrees makes a difference. You can contact Constellation Home to take care of adjusting the water heater temperature, as well as ensuring your hot water heater stays in good repair. We can also replace an older unit with a modern, high efficiency water heater.
