If you want to keep the energy efficiency of your water heater and prevent scalding or prevent cold shower you should drain your water heater at least every year. The continual work of water heaters gives you hot water even when youre not using them. If your pipes arent insulated, youll lose even more heat along the way. Every hot water heater has different panels that control your hot water temperature. 
At that temperature, your water is not hot enough to cause scalding, most small families will get all the hot water they need, and reheating wont require excessive amounts of energy, so youll actually save money for it. Whether you are a fan of extra hot baths or cold showers, you cant underestimate the importance of getting your water heater to that perfect temperature. For the electric heaters that have a thermostat behind an access panel: Water heaters dont always have thermostats with actual numbers. 
However, when the temperature is too low,legionnaires diseasecan develop. Various recommendations for safe water temperature is not only varies from safety agency to health agency. Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the temperature, setting the top thermostat slightly higher than the bottom. Set it too high, and you could be setting yourself up for a scalding accident. 1-800-475-1504 Fax: 954-345-3899, Plumbing CFC037085 Air Cond. Turn on the water and wait for it to get hot. 3 Industrial Hwy
Your water heater accounts for about 18 percent of your homes energy bill. Why Bathroom Fan Making Noise When Windy? CGC045296 Electrical Cont. The average water heater lasts 8 to 12 years, and thats if its properly maintained. apartmenttherapy water heater temperature adjust Water heated at 140F also poses a safety hazardscalding. Set it at 120 degrees and increase the temperature in small increments until you find the perfect shower temperature. For example, your water heater consumes around 18% of your homes energy, and adjusting it by just 10 degrees can cause a three to five percent change in your monthly energy bill. In order to kill the bacteria in your hot water, you need to raise the temperature of the water heater to over 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degree Celsius) or more. And while there is a very slight risk of promoting legionellae bacteria when hot water tanks are maintained at 120F, this level is still considered safe for the majority of the population. 
So, what is the best temperature range for your water heater? ); Plumbing. Insert your cooking thermometer, and then adjust the settings as desired. These factors are not affected by the kind of plumbing you have (PEX, PVC or copper), how the water is heated (gas or electric) or even if you a tankless hot water heater. Toll-Free: If were not on time, we pay you $5.00 for each minute were late, up to 60 minutes (or $300). Home Maintenance What Is The Best Water Heater Temperature Setting? Keep in mind that an electric water heater may have two thermostatsone each for the upper and lower heating elements. water temperature heater heaters settings heating element read installation Schedule a water heater maintenance service or replacement quote with the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Conditioningtoday. This will prevent any bacteria from forming in the cold water and prevent scalding you with a hotter-than-expected shower. water heater thermostat utilitech parts lower lowes plumbing heaters specifications enlarged thermostat heater water setting networx tank heater water thermostat adjust cost temperature lower operating resources The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission encourages all users to keep the temperature setting on their water heaters at 120 F. Such temperature doesnt cause scalding and helps conserve energy and save money. Then remove the thermostat cover and insulation. If the water is above 120 degrees, adjust the dial, wait about three hours and check again. By installing these at each point of contact with hot water, you can keep your water heater set to 140 degrees while making sure it never gets hotter than 120 degrees at the tap. } water heater thermostat adjust temperature settings thermostats range larger waterheatertimer If adjusting the thermostat still doesnt give you the right temperature, it may be time to replace the water heaterelement. If all else fails, the heating element may be failing, and needs to be replaced. Installing an anti-scald valve may be a DIY project for an experienced amateur plumber, but the complexity of the job varies by the layout of the plumbing. Contact us today at (800) 259-7705! Some homes will need it quite a bit hotter for reasons we will discuss momentarily, but be careful when going beyond this benchmark. thermostats waterheatertimer applies calibrated To minimize this risk, you can install mixing valves or other temperature-regulating devices on any taps used for washing or bathing. Insulate your hot water heater and pipes. Allow the water heater to sit for a minimum of one hour without using it, and then turn on the faucet closest to the water heater. Theyre factors that affect how your water is heated and how long it takes to keep your water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. (function() { overflow leaking wechseln askmehelpdesk These may amount to more than $400. } Think finding the right setting for your hot water heater is a cut-and-dry decision, centered mainly on a compromise between efficiency and water temperature comfort levels? Dont set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is quite dangerous. In the tug-of-war between pathogenic safety and scalding safety, there is a solution: anti-scald valves. However, even this temperature can cause third-degree burns, if the skin is exposed to it for over 5 minutes. Some units have an A B C knob. Art Plumbing, AC & Electric proudly offers Ygrene financing a smart way to pay. If yourhot water temperatureis set to140 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes three seconds toburn your skinserious enough to require surgery. Water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees. You may want to consider doing this maintenance with a professional in order to keep your water heater working properly. When turning off the breaker to your Rheem unit, make sure to turn off all the 30-amp double-pole breakers, if they have not been labeled. Whats more, The American Burn Association found that 41% of the homes they inspected were at unsafe levels capable of causing these types of significant burns to your skin. Tip: water tank boosters can keep your tank at 140 F to kill bacteria, but then get the hot water mixed with cold H2O, so that the water delivered at the tap is not dangerously hot. As a safety precaution, shut off the electricity to the water heater before removing/opening the panels. Measure the beginning temperature of your hot water using a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. Those who like showers cooler use a lower ratio.
This will prevent sediment accumulation that will reduce the energy efficency of your tank resulting in more money to heat the same amount of water. Gutter Guards: Are They Bad in Winter? Homeowners with a dishwasher that does not pre-heat the water may want to set their water heater to 140 degrees. The main problem with the temperature being set too low is the fact that various bacteria will be able to survive. listeners: [], If you need help adjusting your water heater or troubleshooting any problems, call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing at (855) 982-2028, or request an estimate online. If you have a large home with several people living there, you should set your water temperature higher to make your hot water supply last longer. Keep in mind that the thermostat is factory preset to a recommended temperature and changing the setting may increase the potential for serious burns. Homes with occupants that have a suppressed immune system or respiratory disease should keep the hot water set to 140 degrees. Well, the EPA recommends a hot temperature setting of 120-degrees F for both safety and energy-saving purposes. However, the temperature of the water that comes out of your water heater will also influence this. This video provides step-by-step instruction on how to successfully lower the temperature of your water heater, saving you energy and money. Are you unable to get a comfortable water temperature, no matter how high you turn up the tap? If you are satisfied with the temperature, mark the new temperature on the water heater thermostat with a marker, so that you can make adjustments in the future if necessary. reduce the lifespan of your water heater. Each location individually owned and operated.
To change the temperature, follow the instructions that we have given above for electric water heaters. What Is The Best Water Heater Temperature Setting? water temperature heater thermostat adjusting electric adjust heaters ART Plumbing AC & Electric December 30, 2015 Whats more theyll do it every time with every job because want to improve industry regulations. Locate the thermostat adjustment beneath the insulation. If you live in a large home where it takes a long time for hot water to reach the tap, a hot water circulating system can solve this. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous. 2022 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchising SPE LLC. Get Pre-Approved Financing From Service Finance Company For Any Of Art Plumbing, AC & Electrics Services! When the temperature of the hot water tank is too high, it may affect its service life. On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. heater water today callback: cb Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on reducing standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding area). { temperature heater water setting recommended settings heaters heating Consult your water heater owner's manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat. Heres what you can do, in such a case: A water heater is the 2nd highest source of energy usage in your house. As the temperature gets higher, pathogens die off quicker. What Is the Optimal Temperature for a Greenhouse? Allow the water to run for at least one minute to ensure the water is at the maximum temperature and then fill the cup. When shopping for a replacement, look for one that meets the voluntary efficiency standards of the. Like with any appliance, a little upkeep and maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of your water heater and keeping it in good working order. A lot of water heaters have a default setting of 140 F, but do bear in mind that only a 6-second exposure to such hot water can lead to severe burns. 4151 NW 124th Ave, })(); Anthony Barnes is the founder of Water Heater Hub and a second-generation plumber by profession. For young babies, it takes just two seconds of exposure to water at 150 degrees Fahrenheit to cause third-degree burns, and just five seconds at 140 degrees. on: function(evt, cb) { If you maintain your water temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit constantly, you eliminate most of the risk of severe burns and injuries. Looking for more ways to maximize the performance, efficiency, and safety of your water heater? Children can be more susceptible to water burns because their skin is thinner than that of adults, and the elderly may also be at increased risk due to reduced sensitivity, mobility and reaction time. Energy is defined as gas or electric. A poorly functioning water heater could result in bigger electricity bills as well as water that is either piping hot or ice cold. Some services are subject to provincial and local licensing and may not be available at all locations. Many who live in large household aim for a higher temperature to accommodate increased demand for hot water. You may not often think about your water heater, but it actually plays a very important part in the plumbing of your home. inspectapedia aquastat If you have an infant or any child under the age of three, we recommend a water heater set at no higher than 130 degrees. Water heaters come with a thermostat and some of those allow you to set the temperature to up to 180 F. But that does not mean that you should do that. If you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, it may require a water temperature within a range of 130F to 140F for optimum cleaning. A burn will occur if you get exposed to 130-degree water for over 30 seconds. Need help with your water heater in the Los Angeles area? Turn on the hot water tap and allow it to run for a few minutes before taking the temperature. Whether your system has a tank or is tankless, gets heated up by gas or electricity that doesnt really matter. Do You Have Any At-Risk People Living With You? The water heater is one of the biggest energy consuming appliances in most homes, so if youre looking for a place to cut back on energy costs, its a good place to start. Your water heater isn't the only thing that needs to be "just right." How To Clean Water Softener 4 Professional Tips. heater water thermostat adjust temperature electric thermostats adjustment element overheating heaters bottom adjusting doityourself The ideal temperature of the water heater does not depend on the type of unit that you have. However, this high temperature significantly increases the risk of scalding. Water thats too hot can severely impact those who are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. Run hot water at the tap closest to the water heater for at least three minutes. All Rights Reserved. Some models have two: An upper and lower thermostat. This illness is a type of pneumonia and the bacteria that causes the illness can thrive in a water tank between the temperatures of 77 degrees and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. All Rights Reserved. There is no set or straightforward answer, and some of it does indeed come down to personal preference. Different brands of gas water heater control valves may have different labels. OSHA has a different hot water temperature recommendation. For Immediate Emergency Assistance Call 1-800-475-1504. honeywell waterheatertimer thermostats To change the temperature, simply turn the knob to the preferred setting. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { As a second-generation plumber, it was easy for Anthony to get used to the technicalities of all from a tender age, Personally, I believe a water heater should be. Additional savings will be realized by the lower temperature for consumption (from water demand or use in your home, such as clothes washing, showers, and dishwashing).
