There are times when you might need to adjust the temperature of your water heater. If your water heater is set to an extremely hot temperature, the water will boil and can lead to scalding. However, if the water is lukewarm, you may not be comfortable when taking a shower. Therefore, you may need to adjust the temperature of your water heater to keep your water at a comfortable temperature all year.
What Is the Best Temperature Setting?
The Department of Energy recommends that water heaters should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature setting is energy efficient, prevents scalding, and kills bacteria. However, some people like to set their water heater’s temperature setting up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. When you purchase a new water heater, the temperature is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so you get hot water immediately when you turn on the water.
When You Should Consider Adjusting the Water Temperature
Adjusting the water temperature may be needed when your water is too hot or too cold. At AC by J, we advise homeowners that it’s important to ensure their water heater operates at its best and that involves setting the optimal temperature setting.
Problems That Can Affect Water Temperature
When your water heater fails to heat water to your satisfaction, it may have some issues. These issues include:
Older Equipment
It’s probably time to have the water heater serviced if it’s more than five years old. Water heaters age faster than most expect and can become unreliable after usage of a few years.
Frozen Pipes
Water heaters work best when there’s a steady supply of water. Unfortunately, when your pipes are frozen, the water heater cannot draw water into its tank. If this occurs frequently enough, your heating element may burn out necessitating expensive repairs or replacements.
Burning Odors
You should check your appliance as soon as you notice a burning smell because it warns that something is amiss. For example, the smell may indicate that there is a problem with an electrical component in your water heater. If you notice an unusual smell coming from the appliance, stop using it until you’ve fixed whatever is causing it.
Unusual Sounds From the Appliance
A loud noise from your water heater could be caused by something as simple as the thermostat sticking or other components inside it. However, if you hear loud pops or crackling sounds every time you turn on your water heater, this might indicate a problem with one of its components or wiring that needs to be replaced.
Your Water Heater Isn’t Heating Properly
If your water heater is heating less than it used to, it may need a part replacement. A malfunctioning thermostat or a bad heating element can be the culprit. You may be able to fix this problem yourself if you are handy with tools and know-how to remove and replace parts. If not, you should call a professional plumber to address the issue.
Basics of Regulating the Water Heater Without a Professional’s Assistance
Simple water heater temperature adjustments can be performed by anyone. Although it’s not necessary to call a professional for simple adjustments to your water heater, it’s advisable. However, if you don’t have time to wait for a professional visit, you can adjust it yourself without any tools or knowledge of electricity by doing the following:
Turn off Water Heater
First, turn off your electric water heater by turning off the breaker switch on the main electrical panel that controls all your appliances. It will prevent you from accidentally causing damage to the unit while adjusting it.
Open the Access Panel
Most electric water heaters feature an access panel. It allows you to access parts such as a thermostat or heating elements, which are important in maintaining proper system temperatures. To adjust your water heater’s temperature, you will have to get inside it. The best way to do this is by removing the insulation and access panel on side of your water heater.
Change Temperature Setting
Electric water heaters have two thermostats to regulate the water temperature. To change the temperature setting, remove any insulation that covers them. Then, use a flat-blade screwdriver by turning the screws on the thermostat up or down until the temperature is set to your new preference.
Restore Access Panel and Power to the Water Heater
Replace the insulation and the access pane. Turn on the power to the water heater. Make sure you allow approximately 30 minutes for the water to heat. Check to see if the water temperature is set to your satisfaction.
Why Adjusting the Water Temperature Can Be Useful
Water heaters are an important part of your home, but they can be tricky to keep running smoothly. The temperature of your water heater is one of the most critical factors in maintaining a balanced system. Below are five reasons why adjusting the temperature of your water heater can be useful:
Save Energy
Adjusting the temperature can provide more energy-efficient water heating and save money on utility bills. Additionally, you’ll avoid replacing your complete water heater or plumbing system and save money by making a temperature adjustment. If you are looking to save on your electric bills, you should adjust your hot water heater’s temperature to a setting as low as 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid Corrosion
Adjusting the temperature will help keep corrosion from building up inside your water heater and extend its life expectancy by helping it maintain a more consistent temperature throughout its lifespan. It also helps prevent scale buildup, which can lead to leaks or other problems down the road.
Health Safety
It’s healthier if you use warm water rather than cold water to brush your teeth or wash dishes because warm water is less abrasive on teeth and skin than cold water is and doesn’t dry out your skin as quickly.
Prevent Harmful Bacteria
Poorly maintained or old tanks can introduce harmful bacteria into the system, which can lead to mold or mildew growing inside your tank — causing serious health issues for everyone in your household, especially if there are children.
Work With Our Professionals!
AC by J is a professional company that offers services to residential and commercial businesses. We have a group of qualified specialists on staff who can solve any issue with the heating and cooling systems in your home or business establishment. With years of experience, we can get the job done to your satisfaction. In addition to working on water heaters, we also provide duct cleaning, new construction, installation, and maintenance of oil furnaces.
Contact AC by J in Scottsdale if you need a trustworthy heating, air conditioning, or plumbing service. We will not just provide you with excellent service but also offer you a warranty on all our work to ensure that your investment is protected from any damage or breakage during the installation process. Call us today for more information!
