The problem of “how to adjust the temperature on a gas water heater” is a common one that many people face. The article will teach you how to quickly and safely adjust your water heater temperature.
Test The Water Heater Temperature
Before you begin, you will need to make sure the water heater temperature is not set right. The water heater temperature should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
If the water heater is not set at the right temperature, it could put you and your family at risk for this potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
If the water heater in your home is set too high, it could be a fire hazard. To test the water heater’s temperature, use a food thermometer to measure the water at the faucet nearest the water heater. The water should be no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is, you must turn down the heater’s temperature.
The best way to adjust the temperature of your water heater is by opening and closing the valve in front of it. The thermostat that comes with most new water heaters will not work; you need a voltage-free thermometer to read its settings accurately.
Making Modifications To Your Water Heater
Adjusting a water heater, unlike fixing one, is a straightforward procedure that seldom needs the assistance of a professional.
Let’s start with some background knowledge. The temperature of your hot water heater is controlled by the thermostat. Water turns chilly before it reaches the faucet if the temperature is too low (Brrr…). If it’s set too hot, it won’t cool down, and you’ll risk burning and boiling your skin (ugh!).
Most thermostats offer a setting that enables you to alter the temperature to your particular desire to prevent either situation. You should check your temperature on a regular basis to ensure that it is appropriately managed. It’s a do-it-yourself project that will save you money.
To make changes, look for the temperature control knob attached to the water heater’s heat source, which is usually towards the bottom of the water heater’s front panel. Most temperature controls are red and plainly visible, with numbers and lines that resemble those on an oven knob.
A little black arrow is located just above the control knob and matches up with the marking on the control knob. This shows what the current temperature is (depending on the make and model of the water heater, it may also be labeled cold, warm, hot, or similar). Specific settings may also be shown by various colored lines (generally white at 110 degrees and black at 120 degrees).
Don’t Get Burned By Your Water Heater!
Turn the control knob counterclockwise to reduce the temperature or clockwise to raise the temperature to the desired level. And never, ever, ever, touch hot water flow or heated components.
High temperatures have been shown to increase the risk of scalding after just one second of exposure; in fact, the American Burn Association claims that scalding accounts for more than 300,000 admissions to burn centers and emergency rooms each year.
A word of caution: most manufacturers set the thermostat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Most households, on the other hand, simply need a temperature of 120-130 degrees. Scalding can happen in five seconds at 140 degrees; however, scalding won’t happen until just under one minute at 130 degrees—long after you or your loved ones have decided “it’s getting hot in here” and exited the shower.
However, the proper water heater temperature can help stave off bacteria and microorganisms.
A Certain Level of Savings
Water at 130 degrees is hot enough for thorough cleaning and germ removal in a dishwasher. We haven’t even touched on the possible savings! Eliminating those additional pre-set degrees might save you up to $200 per year on your water bill!
To learn more about solving costly water issues, see How Video Drain Inspections Save You Time and Money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 140 too hot for a water heater?
A: No, but not higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temperature should a water heater be set at?
A: The water heater should be set to around 120 -140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Related Tags
- how to turn up water heater temp
- water heater temperature settings
- how to adjust the temperature on electric hot water heater
- hot water boiler temperature settings
- hot water heater settings top and bottom