Complete Guide to Setting the Thermostat on Your Water Heater

You may not think about your water heater often, yet it’s an essential component of your home’s plumbing. A broken water heater may lead to higher energy expenses and water that’s either scorching hot or ice cold.

It’s critical to plan annual maintenance to make sure your unit is clean (hard water buildup is harmful to your water heater) and that the temperature is adjusted correctly. This will save you money, extend the life of your water heater, and protect the health and happiness of you and your family.

What the Experts Say About Water Heater Temperatures

Manufacturers and the Department of Energy hold opposing views. The safest temperature to avoid scorching is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although the normal default setting is 140°.

Most experts believe that anything below 120 degrees Fahrenheit increases the chance of bacteria, such as legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s disease, growing in your water heater from stagnant water.

What Water Heater Temperature Is Best?

Whatever temperature setting you choose, keep in mind that the kind of pipe, how the water is heated (gas or electric), and whether your system is a tank or tankless have no bearing on the temperature.

There are several factors to consider when deciding on a temperature:

  • Stick to 120°F if your household includes small children and/or older folks, who are prone to third-degree burns in seconds, or if you have a single resident, meaning a lesser need for hot water.
  • Consider 140°F if your household includes an immunocompromised person, a dishwasher that doesn’t pre-heat, or several occupants, owing to an increased need for hot water.

But what about the cost of energy? We understand! Water heaters account for 14% to 18% of a home’s energy usage on average, so it may be tempting to lower the temperature to save money.

It’s worth noting that lowering the temperature by 10°F saves roughly 3% to 5% on energy costs. Legionella, on the other hand, can live at temperatures as high as 122°F. So, balance your risk tolerance with your energy consumption targets.

If you’re still hesitant, play around with it. A temperature dial is commonly found on water heaters. If yours doesn’t have one, run the water for a few minutes and use a thermometer to check the temperature. Start with 120°F and gradually increase to your liking.

All in all, your house may not be as simple as setting a temperature and forgetting about it. A water tank booster may be a solution in households that need to balance the need to maintain a higher water temperature for health and safety with the risk of scorching. It keeps your tank at 140°F to avoid bacteria while mixing with cold water to offer a lower temperature at the tap.

Alternatively, you may live in a house where hot water takes a long time to reach the faucet, regardless of the temperature you select (or a certain tap farthest from the water heater).

So you don’t have to wait, a hot water circulating system pumps hot water slowly through the pipes. Whatever you choose, we’re only a call away if you have hot water difficulties.

Check the Temperature of Your Water Heater

When you’re worried that your water heater is set at an incorrect temperature, call a plumber who can easily check the setting with a special thermometer and adjust accordingly.

If you’ve tried adjusting the temperature of your water tank but haven’t noticed any difference in the temperature, a professional plumber can check for sediment buildup and calcification in the water tank. Another sign that sediment may have built up in the tank is if you hear sizzling or hissing noises.

A professional can drain the tank and fix the problem by scraping off any built-up scale and soaking the elements.

Water Heater Life Expectancy

Most water heaters are predicted to last between eight and 12 years.

If your water heater is 10 years or older and looks to be leaking or not operating properly, you should consider replacing it rather than attempting a repair that will only cure the problem temporarily.

Water Heater Maintenance

A little care and maintenance, as with any equipment, may go a long way toward prolonging the life of your water heater and maintaining it in good condition. To keep your water heater running well, you should hire a professional to perform maintenance.

Always make sure your water heater is set to the appropriate temperature. This will prevent any bacteria from forming in the cold water and prevent scalding you with a hotter-than-expected shower.

Schedule Water Heater Services With Caccia Plumbing

Caccia Plumbing is ready to help with your water heater needs. Whether it’s adjusting the water heater temperature, scheduling plumbing maintenance, or installing a new water heater, you can trust us to do the job right.

Our experienced technicians will save you money by offering comprehensive plumbing services and replacing your old water heater with a new one when it reaches the end of its life.

Contact Caccia Plumbing today to schedule your service with one of our skilled technicians.