Hot Water Heater Settings: How to Change the Temperature on a Water Heater
March 21, 2016
You may need to change your hot water heater settings at some point. Whether you have a traditional or tankless system, adjusting the temperature is a fairly simple task, but it's essential to get it right. Too high, and you risk scalding yourself; too low, and you might not have enough hot water, or worse, you could allow harmful bacteria to grow in your system.
Manufacturers typically recommend setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature strikes a balance between energy efficiency and safety, helping to prevent scalding water while saving on water and energy costs. If you have children or elderly family members, adjusting the temperature is even more critical to ensure their safety.
At A.J. Perri, we understand the importance of properly setting your water heater for both comfort and safety. This guide will walk you through how to change the temperature on a water heater, helping you optimize your system for your family's needs. If you need expert assistance, call us at 732-733-2541 or schedule service online.
Why Water Heater Temperature Matters
The temperature of your water heater might seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in your home's safety and comfort.
If your water heater is set too high, you risk exposing yourself and your family to dangerously hot water. This could cause severe burns, especially for children and elders. On the other hand, setting the temperature too low can allow harmful bacteria to thrive in the water, leading to serious health risks.
Beyond safety, setting water temperature on a water heater also impacts energy efficiency. The higher the temperature, the more energy your water heater will consume, increasing utility bills.
Lastly, comfort plays a big part in finding the best temperature for hot water heater use. Nobody wants to run out of hot water during a shower or wait too long for the water to heat up. Adjusting your water heater's settings ensures a balance between energy savings, safety, and enjoying reliable, comfortable hot water throughout your home.
Recommended Hot Water Heater Settings
The industry-recommended temperature for water heaters is 120°F for ideal safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. At 120°F, the risk of scalding is minimized while bacteria growth in your system is prevented.
Setting the temperature higher than this increases energy consumption and poses a greater risk of burns.
Common Water Heater Settings: What Do They Mean?
Many water heaters use dial settings labeled A, B, and C rather than specific temperatures. Understanding these settings can help when figuring out how to adjust the temp on water heater units.
- A typically represents around 130°F.
- B usually corresponds to 140°F.
- C indicates a temperature of about 150°F or higher.
While the A setting is generally recommended, certain households might benefit from using the B setting, such as:
- Homes with individuals who have compromised immune systems
- Households with dishwashers that do not preheat water, where hotter water may be needed for proper sanitization
However, keep in mind that using the B setting increases the risk of scalding, so caution is essential, especially if children or elderly family members are present.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change the Temperature on a Water Heater
Adjusting your water heater's temperature is a relatively simple task, but the process differs depending on whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless system.
Traditional Gas Water Heater
If you have a gas water heater, adjusting the temperature is easy. Start by locating the dial on the front of the gas control valve. To increase temperature, simply turn the dial toward the "hot" setting.
Keep in mind that the hot setting usually corresponds to around 150°F, while the warm setting is approximately 95°F. As mentioned earlier, the recommended temperature for most households is 120°F.
When learning how to turn up the temp on a water heater, remember these safety precautions:
- Always turn off the gas supply before making adjustments.
- To prevent scalding, avoid setting the temperature higher than 120°F.
- Allow a few hours after the adjustments to monitor the water temperature before use.
Traditional Electric Water Heater
Adjusting the temperature on a traditional electric water heater requires more care, but it's still manageable for most homeowners.
First, turn off the breaker to cut off the power supply to the water heater. For double-element water heaters, you'll need to remove the upper and lower access panels; for single-element units, just remove the lower panel.
Once the panel is open, move the insulation aside to expose the thermostat. If your thermostat has a plastic cover, remove it, unless there is an access hole for the adjusting screw. This is typically located at the bottom of the thermostat, just above the heating element. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to adjust the temperature.
For safety, always make sure to:
- Turn off the power to avoid any risk of electric shock.
- Avoid setting the temperature higher than 120°F, to prevent scalding.
- Allow time for the water to reach the new temperature before checking it.
Tankless Water Heater
Adjusting the temperature on a tankless water heater is often quick and simple. Depending on the make and model of your system, you can typically adjust the temperature by pressing a button on the front panel command center or using a remote control. Most modern tankless systems allow you to digitally set the precise temperature you want, making it easy to optimize for comfort and energy efficiency.
Safety tips to keep in mind when adjusting your tankless water heater:
- To prevent scalding, avoid setting the temperature above 120°F.
- After adjustments, test the water at different fixtures to ensure consistency.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for your specific model to avoid any potential issues.
With these simple steps, you'll have full control over your water heater's temperature, ensuring safe and comfortable water use throughout your home.