How to Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater

Did you know that you can control the temperature of your home’s hot water? That’s right — you can customize your water heater’s settings to your comfort level. The optimal temperature range for your water heater is between 120 and 140°F. This range inhibits bacterial growth while also helping your system operate efficiently.

Please note that caution should be used for temperatures above 120°F. These temperatures may cause accidental scalding or injury. Read on to learn how to correctly adjust your water heater temperature for a more efficient, safer home.

Benefits of Lowering Your Water Heater’s Temperature

Lowering the temperature of your water heater has several benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of scalding injuries: Lower temperatures decrease the danger of accidental burns from hot water, making your home safer for everyone.
• Increased energy efficiency: Lower settings require less power to maintain the temperature, resulting in energy bill savings.
• Ideal for smaller households: Smaller families may not require as much hot water, allowing them to benefit from lower settings without compromising daily needs.

Adjusting Your Water Heater’s Temperature

Adjusting the temperature of your water heater is a straightforward process that homeowners can often do on their own:

For Gas Water Heaters

1. Simply turn the temperature dial to the desired setting. Each marking on the dial is in 10-degree increments. Use caution when adjusting temperature; change the temperature in small amounts to help prevent scalding.

For Electric Water Heaters

1. Protect yourself by turning off the power to your water heater at the electric panel before you begin any adjustments.
2. On the water heater, open the access panel using a Philips head screwdriver.
3. Once opened, carefully remove or fold back any insulation to reveal the thermostat.
4. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat’s temperature dial to your desired temperature. Setting the dial between 120 and 130°F is perfect for most households.
5. Once adjusted, reinstall the insulation and access panel securely. Turn the power back on at the electric panel.

Call O’Bryan Plumbing for Help

If you need help adjusting the temperature or encounter any issues with your water heater, O’Bryan Plumbing Services is here to help. Our trained technicians can handle all your water heater needs, from simple adjustments to repairs and full replacements.

Reach out today to schedule a service or learn more about how we can help you maintain the ideal water temperature in your home.

Call our friendly team or reach out online to schedule water heater service in Allen or Plano, TX.