How to Set the Ideal Temperature in Your Water Heater?

Until it stops working or is suddenly facing a serious issue, we all tend to ignore our water heaters. But, what can be worse than too cold or scalding hot water from your water heater? No other defect, I am sure! Even after proper hot water tank installation, after a few years, your water heater can stop giving hot water. Too cold water can result in bacteria growth in water while hot water is harmful in several ways. So what is the ideal water heater temperature? You must set your water heater at 120°-140° for comfortable water use. This ideal water heater temperature helps in controlling the overall utility bills of your house and also increases the efficiency of the heater. Let’s look at how you can set the ideal water heater temperature on your own.

1. Don’t use your water heater for an hour or so before measuring the beginning temperature. 
   
2. Using a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater, check the temperature of water. If it is anything but between 120°-140°, proceed to set the ideal water heater temperature.
   
3. If you have a gas water heater, simply turn the temperature dial located on the front of the gas control valve to 120°.
   
4. If you have an electric water heater, follow these steps.
   
5. Turn off the water heater breaker and remove access panel/s of heating element/s.
   
6. Pull and remove the insulation and plastic cover to expose the heating thermostat.
   
7. Using an appropriate screwdriver, turn the thermostat adjusting screw and set it to 120°.
   
8. Put back the plastic cover, insulation, and access panels.
   
9. Turn on the power supply.
   
10. Now, for both the types of water heaters, wait for a couple of hours and measure the temperature of water from the farthest faucet again.
    
11. Make sure you have achieved the ideal water heater temperature. If you haven’t, repeat the process or call our professional water heater installers.
    

The most common reason is a defective thermostat. A faulty thermostat can result in too hot, too cold, or not enough hot water. Other reasons can be loose wiring, aging water heater, or faulty heating elements. Call our Edmonton water heater installers and they will help you find the actual cause of unwanted water heater temperature. Our professionals know how to fix common water heater problems. So, you can seek help from us anytime. We are here to help and guide you.