How to Turn Up Your Water Heater

Is your water heater not producing enough hot water? Adjusting the temperature on your water heater is a simple task that can make a big difference in your daily comfort. To turn up your water heater, you’ll need to locate the thermostat behind the access panel and adjust it using a flat-head screwdriver, typically to a temperature between 120-140°F.

Most electric water heaters have thermostats hidden behind access panels, while gas models have a temperature dial near the bottom. Before making any adjustments, it’s important to consider safety – temperatures above 120°F can cause scalding, but below 140°F may allow bacteria to grow in the tank.

The process varies slightly between electric and gas models, but both require basic tools and safety precautions. Remember to turn off power to electric models at the circuit breaker before removing any access panels to avoid electrical shock.

Key Takeaways

• Water heater temperature can be adjusted by accessing the thermostat behind access panels on electric models or using the dial on gas heaters.
• The recommended temperature setting is between 120-140°F to balance safety and efficiency.
• Always turn off power before working on electric water heaters to prevent injury.

Need professional help with your water heater? Contact TSS Home Comfort at 208-908-4330 or [email protected] for expert assistance from our licensed technicians.

Understanding Water Heater Temperature Settings

Setting your water heater to the right temperature balances safety, efficiency, and comfort. The proper setting ensures your water is hot enough for daily needs without wasting energy or creating safety hazards.

Recommended Temperature Range

Most manufacturers set water heaters to 140°F by default, but this temperature is often higher than necessary for household use. The Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120°F for most households. This temperature provides hot water that’s comfortable for most uses while reducing energy consumption.

For homes with elderly people, young children, or individuals with sensitive skin, a temperature between 115°F and 120°F is ideal. If someone in your home has a suppressed immune system, a higher setting of 130-140°F might be necessary to kill harmful bacteria.

TSS Home Comfort technicians often recommend 125°F as a good compromise for most families, providing adequate hot water without excessive energy use.

Safety Considerations When Adjusting Temperature

Scalding Risk: Water temperatures above 120°F can cause serious burns. At 140°F, scalding can occur in just 5 seconds of exposure. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable.

Bacterial Growth: Water below 115°F can become a breeding ground for bacteria, including Legionella. This bacterium thrives in temperatures between 95°F and 115°F.

When adjusting your water heater:

• Turn off power to electric heaters or set gas heaters to “pilot” before making adjustments
• Allow the water to cool for an hour after adjustments before testing
• Use a thermometer at the farthest faucet to verify the actual water temperature

Always wear protective gloves when working with water heater components, as internal parts may be hot.

Effects on Energy Efficiency and Bills

Every 10°F reduction in water temperature can save 3-5% on water heating costs. For a typical household, lowering from 140°F to 120°F might save $30-60 annually.

Beyond temperature settings, other factors affect efficiency:

• Insulation: Adding an insulating blanket to older water heaters can reduce heat loss by 25-45%
• Pipe insulation: Insulating the first 6 feet of hot water pipes reduces heat loss and water waste
• Maintenance: Regular flushing removes sediment that forces heaters to work harder

Smart water heaters can adjust temperatures automatically based on usage patterns. They can lower temperatures during periods of low use and increase them before peak demand times.

Water heating accounts for about 18% of the average home’s energy use, making it an important area for conservation efforts.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Turn Up Your Water Heater

Adjusting your water heater temperature is a simple task that can improve your comfort and potentially save energy. The process varies slightly depending on whether you have a gas, electric, or tankless model.

Identifying Your Water Heater Type

First, determine what type of water heater you have. Gas water heaters typically have a gas line connection and a burner at the bottom with a visible pilot light access panel. They usually have temperature controls near the bottom of the tank.

Electric water heaters have no pilot light and typically feature one or two access panels on the side with thermostats behind them. Look for electrical connections rather than gas lines.

Tankless water heaters are much smaller and mounted on walls. They don’t store water and typically have digital displays or control panels for temperature adjustment.

TSS Home Comfort recommends checking your user manual if you’re unsure about your model, as manufacturers design control systems differently.

Locating the Thermostat and Temperature Control

For gas water heaters, look for a temperature dial on the gas valve near the bottom of the tank. This dial often has settings like “warm,” “hot,” and “very hot” rather than specific temperatures.

On electric water heaters, you’ll need to:

1. Turn off power at the circuit breaker
2. Remove the access panel(s)
3. Push aside any insulation
4. Locate the thermostat(s) – most units have two thermostats

Tankless water heaters typically have digital controls on their front panel or a remote control unit mounted nearby.

Safety note: Always shut off power to electric models before removing access panels to avoid electrical shock.

Adjusting Temperature on Gas, Electric, and Tankless Water Heaters

For gas water heaters:

1. Look for the temperature dial on the gas valve
2. Use a flat-head screwdriver to rotate the dial
3. Turn clockwise for hotter water or counterclockwise for cooler water
4. Make small adjustments (about 10 degrees) at a time

For electric water heaters:

1. Ensure power is off at the circuit breaker
2. Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature using a flat-head screwdriver
3. Replace insulation and access panels securely
4. Restore power at the circuit breaker

For tankless water heaters:

1. Use the digital control panel to increase temperature
2. Follow manufacturer instructions for your specific model
3. Some units require a special sequence of button presses to prevent accidental changes

Most experts, including TSS Home Comfort technicians, recommend setting water heaters to 120°F for safety and efficiency.

Testing Hot Water Temperature Safely

After adjusting your water heater, wait 3-4 hours for the temperature to stabilize. Then test the water temperature using one of these methods:

Using a cooking thermometer:

1. Run hot water from a faucet for 2 minutes
2. Fill a glass with hot water
3. Insert thermometer and check temperature

Without a thermometer:

1. Run hot water over your hand briefly
2. It should feel hot but not scalding

If the water is too hot or not hot enough, repeat the adjustment process with smaller increments. Be careful when testing to avoid burns.

Remember that mixing valves at faucets may affect the actual temperature at different outlets. If you need consistent hot water throughout your home, TSS Home Comfort can help with assessing, repairing, and replacing your water heater system for optimal performance.