The person who buys a water heater must know how to adjust temperature on hot water heater. Water heaters have become our primary necessity for winters. We can’t even imagine having a shower without a water heater in cold weather. It is adjusted with the help of the thermostat resting on the top and bottom of the tank. Why do we need to adjust the temperature?
Because if we don’t manage the temperature, it will cause the wastage of electricity or gas, but it will also undermine our health and safety.
The next step is figuring out the best optimal range for the temperature. For instance, setting the temperature lower than 120 Fahrenheit will cause microorganisms to grow, and if hot is more than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, it can burn you and your children. So the recommended range for water heater temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Steps To Adjust Temperature On Hot Water Heater
The process for adjusting the temperature of the hot water heater depends on the type of water heater you are having. Every model has its features and tools by which we adjust its temperature. For instance, the electric water heater has double thermostats, one on the top and the other at the bottom. On the other hand, the tankless water heater controls and readouts. There is one thing that you must do regardless of your water heater type. It is taking an accurate reading of the water flowing from the taps. For this, open the faucet and let the water run until it gets hot. After that, take a thermometer and take an accurate reading.
Step #1. Turning the dial
Mostly, gas water heaters feature a dial which we use to adjust the temperature. These types of water heaters are the easiest to change the settings. The dial rests on the bottom of the unit. So there is no other tool required. You have to turn the dial to the limit you want. Here you don’t even have to turn off the power before turning.
Step #2. Turning off the power for tank water heaters
For some recent tank water heaters, no matter if they are gas or electric, the process is not that simple but also complicated. It just includes some more things but is pretty straightforward. So the first step that you must consider is turning off the power before starting your work. Otherwise, you will be risking your own life. Turn off the water heater’s power from the circuit board so that there is no power supply left.
Step #3. Removing the panel
If you are looking for a quick solution of how to adjust temperature on hot water heater? It is better to collect all the tools before starting the work. For removing the panel, you will need a screwdriver. Firstly, you will have to find the board for the thermostats resting on the top and bottom of the tank. Take out the screwdriver and remove the panel. The next step is peeling the insulation again for safety purposes.
Step #4. Adjusting thermostats
Note that the following tool that you will need is the flathead screwdriver. It is for the adjustment of the thermostat’s position. With the help of the flathead screwdriver, move the thermostat up and down. If your water heater has two thermostats, you will adjust both thermostats with the same technique, but the only difference will be some degrees. Adjust the upper thermostat a little bit higher than the lower one.
Step #5. Reinstalling the panel
You are done with the thermostats; the next step is reinstallations and replacements. You have to reinstall the panel you removed in the above steps. Insulation should be restored, and the install panel. Before the adjustments, you powered off all the power supply, but now it is time to turn it on again and check out how it works. But the next step is different for gas water heaters. In their case, you will have to ignite the pilot light again to start heating the water.
Step #6. Wait before testing
Testing is crucial after all the adjustments that you have made so far. You must know how to test a water heater thermostat and replace if needed. But before testing, wait for a few hours so that it may process correctly and you get accurate and appropriate results. So wait for about 3 to 4 hours, and then check out how it works. Check out all the parts and adjustments before testing and making any conclusion.
If, after the adjustments, you feel that the water is cold or not hot enough, run the water from all the taps again for some time. It’s because some water heaters take time to release hot water. If you still don’t find water hot and have rechecked all the adjustments, there is only one condition. The condition is that either you should replace your water heater or get serviced. You may also want to read about how to light hot water heater with igniter.
It’s A Wrap!
We have discussed the whole process for how to adjust temperature on hot water heater. Following this process or guidelines, users of water heaters can get rid of the adjustment of temperature and overall usage. Moreover, people must make sure that their water heater is of good quality and is up to date for a better working experience. You may want to read related articles; know how to install a gas hot water heater and how to clean hot water heater.