The water temperature in your home has a very delicate balance-if it's too high, you risk scalding your skin. If it's too low, you'll be shivering under the lukewarm shower. Fortunately, adjusting the temperature on a water heater is easy, as long as you're careful. For safety's sake, turn off the power of the water heater at the home's main circuit breaker. After that, open the access panel on the side of the water heater with a flat screwdriver to increase or decrease the temperature according to the range on the dial. When finished, make sure you test the temperature of the water before using it for bathing.
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Method 1 of 3: Adjusting the Temperature on the Gas Water Heater
Step 1. Consider whether the water temperature needs to be adjusted
For safety reasons, most manufacturers recommend that water used in homes should be in the 50 °C range. Most water heaters are set to this temperature when installed. To reduce the risk of injury, in most cases this setting should be left as is.
If the water feels colder than usual, the problem may be with a faulty heating element or poor insulation, not the temperature of the water heater. A professional repairman can help identify and repair a faulty water heater
Step 2. Turn the dial on the bottom of the water heater to change the temperature
The gas-fired water heater is easy to adjust as it is equipped with a single dial to control the heat supplied to the engine. By turning this knob to the left (counterclockwise), you can increase the temperature and make the water hotter. Conversely, turning the knob to the right (clockwise) will make the water temperature cooler.
- In most gas water heaters, the low temperature is in the range of 30-40 °C, while the high temperature is in the range of 60-65°C.
- The dial on a gas water heater may not have a number, making it difficult to find the right temperature. A simple trick is to measure the temperature of the water several times after you change the setting, then mark the exact degree or mark it directly on the dial.
Step 3. Raise the temperature to enjoy warmer water for washing or bathing
There are several advantages if the water temperature is hotter at home. One of them, bathing in the shower or soaking in the soaking tub will feel more luxurious because the water will not cool down quickly. A water heater is also useful for helping to supply hot water to appliances that don't use ready-to-use hot water (such as dishwashers and washing machines), which will help with cleaner cleaning.
- Hotter temperatures are more effective at eliminating the most common bacteria, including health-threatening bacteria such as Legionella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus.
- Do not set the water heater to a temperature over 50 °C. Temperatures that are too hot can pose a risk of burns, especially in children and the elderly.
Step 4. Lower the temperature to save costs
Heating large volumes of water will cost a lot of money. If you want to save money on your next gas costs, lower the water heater's temperature setting to 35-40 °C. Even small changes can save a lot of money in the span of a few months.
Just remember, the water temperature will not be as hot as before, which in turn may affect your comfort or level of sanitation for cleaning
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting the Temperature on the Electric Water Heater
Step 1. Turn off the electric power connected to the water heater
Check the main circuit breaker in the house and look for the switch connected to the water heater. Turn the switch to the “Off” position. This will cut off electricity to the machine so you can open it without worrying about being electrocuted.
- Do not try to change anything on the water heater before double checking that the power is off and safe.
- If the circuit breaker for the water heater is not labeled, you may need to use a multimeter to test the amperage. The reading should be 0 volts. Don't forget to label the correct circuit breaker after you've checked it.
Step 2. Open the access panel on the side of the machine
Locate the two screws at the top and bottom of the panel and use a flat screwdriver to loosen them. Pull the panel off the machine body and set it aside. Be careful not to lose the screw.
On some models, there may be a separate plastic cover under the metal access panel. This panel is easy to open with just a gentle tug
Step 3. Pull or push the insulation covering the thermostat sideways
Inside the water heater, you will find a thicker layer of insulation. If the insulation is made of a whole piece of styrofoam or similar material, just remove it. If the insulation is exposed from fiberglass, open it by hand to clear a path towards the thermostat control.
Insulation inside the water heater is used to reduce heat loss and ensure more accurate readings
Step 4. Use a flat screwdriver to increase or decrease the temperature setting
The high and low temperature range will be displayed at the bottom of the thermostat. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the colored adjusting screw to change the temperature. Turning it left (counterclockwise) will lower the temperature, while turning it right (clockwise) will increase it.
- The adjusting screw on newer electric water heaters has a pointer that shows an estimate of how hot the current setting is. Pay attention to the position of the needle to adjust the water temperature more precisely.
- If the water heater uses a dual heating element, make sure both thermostats are set to the same temperature so that one thermostat is not forced to work harder than the other.
Step 5. Reinstall the insulation and access panel
Once you are satisfied with the new temperature setting, put all the parts back in their original place. Make sure the insulation completely covers the internal thermostat, then snap the two protective caps back into place and turn the screws to secure them.
Step 6. Turn on the mains power for the water heater
Return to the main circuit breaker and slide the switch for the water heater to the “On” position. Now, the electricity will be back on. So don't change anything else after this.
It may take about an hour for the running water to reach its maximum temperature after the engine has been turned off for some time
Method 3 of 3: Testing the Water Temperature
Step 1. Fill the glass with hot water
Open the faucet closest to the water heater and run it for 1 full minute. Once it reaches the hottest temperature, hold a drinking glass or similar container under a stream of water until it is a few inches high.
For the most accurate reading, it is better to use a container that has been stored at room temperature
Step 2. Dip a cooking thermometer in hot water
Prepare a thermometer in advance so you can dip it in as soon as the glass fills with water. Make sure the gauge is completely submerged, then wait 30-60 seconds to measure the water temperature.
- Write down the numbers so you can get a reference. This number can help you figure out the ideal temperature range for home use or indicate potential heating problems outside the engine itself.
- If you don't insert the thermometer right away, the water may cool and the temperature reading won't be accurate.
Step 3. Determine if the temperature is hot enough
Assuming the temperature is at or around 50 °C, you can rest easy as this means that the water heater is performing well. If it's less than that, the temperature should be raised a few degrees. Remember, temperatures over 50 °C are too hot for most people.
Raise the water temperature in increments of every 10° to reduce the risk of the water getting too hot
Step 4. Wait for 3 hours before retesting the water temperature
It will take some time for the water heater to reach a new, stable temperature. So, be patient while waiting for it to heat up to your liking. In the meantime, do not turn on the bath or operate any appliances, lest the running water is too hot than desired.
Complete all necessary adjustments before the people in your household begin their daily routines
Tips
- Consider lowering the temperature of the water heater during the hot months when you tend to use less hot water.
- Non-household establishments, such as restaurants, may be able to use temperature settings as high as 60 °C.
- If in doubt about your ability to adjust the temperature of your water heater safely and correctly, don't hesitate to seek the help of a professional repairman.
