A broken water heater which is not functioning at its greatest potential could be stealing energy away from your home and your very own piggy bank. However working to make easy changes, such as modifying your water heater’s temperature can fix this issue. Lowering your water temperature might also decrease your water heating bill by upwards of 5%. But before jumping on that, it’ll be to your advantage to have some tips. Here’s a short outline to checking your water heater temperature.

Water heater temperature control dial

Modifying Electric Water Heater Temperature

Altering the water temperature on an electric heater is stress-free. These types of water heaters include temperature instruments on the unit. Change the thermostat by hand to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid being shocked – if your thermostat is covered, ensure that you turn off the electricity first before creating the thermostat adjustment.

Plus several electric water heaters consist of 2 thermostats: one at the bottom and another at the top. Please make sure to change both thermostats.

 

Evaluating your Water Temperature

Evaluating your water heater temperature doesn’t involve expensive tools; a common kitchen thermometer will pull off the task. Cut on your water, and then allow the water to flow at the hottest configuration for a few minutes. Now carefully gather the hot water in a bucket to prepare it for testing. Utilize the cooking thermometer to evaluate the water directly after gathering it.

The best water temperature should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any reading above 130 degrees Fahrenheit can really be dangerous, heading towards bacteria development, which can be hazardous to your health.

 

Modifying Oil Water Heater Temperature

If you are having problems with your oil water heater, the right thing to do is to contact a professional. Changing the temperature on these types of water heaters can be quite tricky, and inaccurate adjustments can result in burning yourself. A plumber can usually set up a mixing valve, which is a thermostat device that makes it simpler for someone to modify the temperature.

 

Modifying Gas Water Heater Temperature

Regarding gas water heaters, there is just one thermostat control, which resides at the bottom. The thermostat is usually a dial that is controlled by turning. Again, if the adjuster is under a cover, shut off the electricity before changing it.

 

Advantages of Contacting a Professional

If modifying your water heater temperature isn’t working, think about contacting a plumber. Plumbers can assist in determining if there’s a problem with your water heater that can be fixed, or if you’ll need to replace the unit.