How Do I Adjust My Water Heater Temperature?

admin • June 17, 2022

Summer months are here, and you must ensure you’ve adjusted your water heater temperature. Unfortunately, you don’t have to heat your water to very high temperatures when you have the chance to enjoy the warmth from the sun. Some innovative approaches can help you save on water heating. Here’s how to adjust the water heater temperature.

Test the Water Temperature

Testing the water temperature is the first step you should take. This will help you understand how high or low the current temperature is. You can use a meat thermometer to test the water temperature. Stick the thermometer in the water and see what the reading says. The ideal water temperature for most homes is between 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the water temperature exceeds 140 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to turn down the thermostat. On the other hand, if the water temperature is below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you should consider turning up the thermostat.

Turning Up or Turning Down the Water Heater Temperature

You can find the thermostat on the water heater. It’s usually located near the bottom of the tank. The thermostat is generally covered, so you’ll need to remove the cover before making any adjustments. Once you’ve located the thermostat, use a flathead screwdriver to turn it in the appropriate direction.

For example, if you want to turn up the temperature, you’ll need to turn the screwdriver to the right. Conversely, if you’re turning down the temperature, you’ll need to turn the screwdriver to the left.

Tankless Water Heaters

In case you’re wondering, tankless water heaters work a little differently. With tankless water heaters, you won’t find a thermostat on the unit itself. Instead, you’ll need to adjust the temperature at the point of use.

For instance, if you have a tankless water heater in your kitchen, you’ll need to adjust the temperature on your kitchen faucet. Most modern kitchen faucets have a built-in thermostat, so you can easily make the necessary adjustments.

Just keep in mind that finding the perfect temperature for your needs may take a little trial and error. Start by turning the temperature up or down a few degrees until you find the ideal setting.

Gas or Electric Water Heaters

In the case of gas water heaters, you’ll need to adjust the temperature by turning the knob on the gas control valve. The knob is usually located near the bottom of the unit. As for electric water heaters, you’ll need to find the breaker box and flip the unit’s switch that controls the power. Once the power is off, you can adjust the thermostat on the unit itself.

Conclusion

As you can see, adjusting the water heater temperature is a pretty straightforward process. However, make sure you take the time to test the water temperature before making any adjustments. That way, you can be sure you’re setting the temperature to the desired level. Contact Affordable Rooter if you have any questions or need assistance adjusting the water heater temperature.

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