Finding the ideal temperature for your water heater is crucial for maximum comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, but it can be challenging. Although 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the standard setting for most water heaters, homeowners often adjust it to their liking to solve safety issues or save money on energy bills. The ideal temperature for your home will depend on your wants, the needs of the people living there, and other variables such as energy prices.
120-Degree Setting
Most houses are safer with water heaters set to 120 degrees, which is also the most popular and efficient setting. This temperature is perfect for families with little children because it significantly reduces the chance of burning. Plus, at 120 degrees, the water is safely hot enough for common household tasks like dishwashing and showering.
By reducing power usage, this temperature setting also aids in reducing electricity costs. Another perk is that it prevents mineral deposits from accumulating in the water heater, which extends its overall lifespan.
140-Degree Setting
While 120 degrees is sufficient for the majority of houses, some people discover that 140 degrees is where their water heater really shines. Legionella and other harmful bacteria flourish in water heaters set to lower temperatures, but hotter water kills them. This higher level is especially helpful for households where residents have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory problems.
Properly sanitizing dishes and utensils may require higher temperatures in industrial kitchens or houses without dishwasher heating components. On the other hand, scorching is more probable at this temperature. An anti-scald device, attached to the faucet or showerhead, can lessen the probability of burns if you must use a hotter water setting.
Testing the Water Heater Temperature
It is very important to accurately measure the water temperature to set the water heater to the correct temperature. You can do this by using a digital or dial thermometer to read the temperature of the water coming out of a faucet. However, make sure the water has been running for a minimum of one minute to achieve its maximum temperature before taking the reading.
Significantly differing water temperatures from the unit’s setting may indicate that your water heater needs servicing. Keeping a careful check on the water heater will ensure that it maintains a comfortable and safe temperature for your household. Another way to discover issues before they escalate is to have an expert check the heating element on a regular basis.
How to Change Temperature on Electric Water Heater
The controls for electric water heaters aren’t hard to turn, but you still need to be careful. To avoid electrical shock, make sure to turn off the electricity to the heater at the breaker box before making any changes. Once the electricity is off, you can remove the panel and locate the thermostat.
The lower and higher heating elements of an electric water heater often have their own thermostats. Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the temperature to your preference. After that, replace the access panel and switch the power back on. Wait a few hours for it to adapt to the new settings once you’ve made the required modifications, and then check the water temperature.
How to Change Temperature on Gas Water Heater
Compared to electric water heaters, gas ones typically have more easily accessible thermostats. They usually include a temperature dial on the front, toward the bottom, where you can set the desired temperature. The dial will probably prominently display the temperature as “Low,” “Hot,” or “Very Hot.” Using the “Low” setting will set the temperature somewhere between 110 and 130 degrees. The “Hot” setting results in a temperature range of 130 to 140 degrees. The “Very Hot” setting gives you a temperature of 140 to 160 degrees.
Just crank the dial to the desired temperature setting. It’s that easy. You should still wait at least an hour or two for gas water heaters to adapt to the new settings before monitoring the water temperature, even though they are typically quicker to react than electric ones.
Changing the Temperature on Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters often have electronic controls that allow for easy temperature regulation. A lot of models come with a panel where you can set the water temperature with a few buttons. With its accurate digital display, this water heater type eliminates the majority of guesswork found in earlier models.
One of the best things about tankless water heaters is that you can set the temperature to suit your specific needs; this makes them very convenient. You might find that a lower temperature is more efficient for normal use, while a higher one is better for cleaning.
How Does Changing the Temperature Affect Energy Costs?
Raising the water heater’s temperature will increase your monthly energy costs. According to the US Department of Energy, increasing your water heater’s temperature by 10 degrees will increase energy use by three to five percent. This is due to the fact that when the temperature within the water heater rises, standby heat loss—the velocity at which heat escapes and enters the surrounding air—also increases. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in older or poorly insulated water heaters. While a higher temperature may be necessary for some houses, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the expenses of using more energy.
Book an appointment with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to have a professional come help you set the temperature on your water heater to the best setting for your home.