How To Adjust Temperature On Rheem Water Heater

No ane likes a cold shower. Even worse is getting scalded when you run the hot water. Properly setting the temperature on your water heater is important not just for your wellness and safety, but besides for saving money on your electricity nib.

Here is how to adjust the temperature on your water heater to salvage money and your skin.

The correct temperature range

There are a number of reasons your water heater should exist gear up within a specific range of temperatures. If it's set up too low, not but will your hot h2o feel lukewarm, at best, it can also pb to bacterial growth which can cause things like Legionnaires' disease.

This can be prevented past setting the water heater to a temperature where the bacteria Legionella cannot thrive. The Occupational Prophylactic & Health Assistants (OSHA) recommends h2o heaters be fix to at to the lowest degree 140 degrees Fahrenheit (sixty degrees Celsius) to minimize the growth of Legionella and other microorganisms.

While you lot might exist prone to simply crank upwardly the oestrus, water that is too hot is potentially more than dangerous, especially if you lot have kids effectually the business firm. At 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius), it only takes two seconds to endure third-degree burns. The Consumer Production Condom Committee (CPSC) recommends setting the h2o heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to prevent scalding. Not to mention, a h2o heater that is ready too loftier tin unnecessarily increment your electricity bill.

Of course, every house is dissimilar. The further a faucet is from the water heater, the more heat will be lost as the h2o travels, especially if the pipes aren't insulated. That means you might have to heighten the temperature beyond the recommended 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to compensate.

Apply your best judgement for your family unit and household when setting the temperature. It's smart to stay within the range of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 60 degrees Celsius). Brand an aligning, test it out and repeat until yous settle on the perfect temperature setting for y'all home and h2o heater.

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Adjusting water heater temperature

The interface for setting the temperature on a water heater will vary by type and model. Fortunately, most water heater types are adjusted similarly.

For instance, well-nigh newer gas and electrical water heaters have a thermostat behind an insulated access console. Electrical h2o heaters often have ii thermostats -- 1 at the summit and some other at the bottom of the tank. And most tankless water heaters feature a display with a temperature readout and controls for adjusting the temperature.

Regardless of the water heater type, you should exam the water before you make any adjustments. Turn on the water in the bathroom or kitchen sink and let information technology run until it'due south fully hot. Then agree a thermometer under the water to get an accurate reading.

Tankless

Adjusting a tankless water heater is a lot like adjusting the thermostat for your ac. Utilize the digital control console to adjust the temperature upward and down as needed.

Gas or electric water heaters

Some gas water heaters characteristic a dial most the bottom of the unit that you tin can simply suit by turning information technology -- no tools required. All the same, most newer tank water heaters (gas or electric) are a niggling more involved, but information technology's still easy and should only accept a couple of minutes.

Kickoff past turning off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
Notice the access console for the thermostat(s) and use a screwdriver to remove the panel.
Peel back the insulation.
Apply a flathead screwdriver to conform the thermostat up or downward.
- If your water heater has two thermostats, adjust both the same amount. The top thermostat should be a few degrees higher than the bottom.
Replace the insulation and reinstall the access console.
Restore power to the water heater.
For gas water heaters, you may demand to relight the pilot lite.

One time you've made an adjustment, wait at least three hours earlier testing the water temperature again. Yous may demand to brand additional adjustments to go the temperature simply right.

If you lot've raised the temperature and you're still experiencing cold showers, your hot water heater may need to be serviced or even replaced.

Is your home energy efficient? Here are 5 means to find out .

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