2) Mark the setting, then turn down the thermostat. It allows me to keep my water heater at 140 degrees but will mix the water exiting the tank with cold water so that my hot water can be delivered to my tap at 120 degrees to prevent scalding. I can’t believe that I’m setting my water heater temperature too high for so many years without something needs to be fixed. The A-B-C knob on a residential gas water heater usually equals 130-140-150 degrees if properly calibrated. The main thing to worry about with your gas water heater thermostat is the temperature setting. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, the default temperature set from the factory will be between 120ºF to 140ºF. It could literally be a potential life saver. Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water heater in a new location, the following critical points must be observed: 1. i live in central arkansas and we happen to have great water here; but i do keep my gas water heater at 140. i thought about 150 for a while there, but i dont want to pay the bill for the extra heat i dont need. Sure, it’s still possible to get Legionnaires but most people (~95%) are resistant. Want to speak with someone? Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas vent or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be connected, and as centralized with the water … Commercial applications are a bit different that residential. Cooler temperatures mean warmer clothes, chilly nights and maybe even a fire in the fireplace. SLOW HOT WATER RECOVERY: Thermostat set too low; Heater too small; Turn temperature dial to higher setting; See Sizing Guides. Reading this made me think of a recent lecture I attended. *For further information regarding availability, please call 1-877-467-2262. Also the floor under the container is wet and the heater has no feet. Use the labels as a starting point but measure the actual temperature at the closest hot water faucet if you want to be most precise. Water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees. Find the dial or thermostat for your water heater. I also add sodium hypochlorite, a table spoon in the water a wash dishes with, and let to stay for 15-30 minutes before washing. Start service up to 90 days If all else fails, the heating element may be failing, and needs to be replaced. When the water temperature drops beneath the desired setting, the thermostat sends power to the electric heating element or gas burner to begin heating. On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. Run hot water at the tap closest to the water heater for at least three minutes. 1- Temperature setting is at B, but water temperature is over 160. Savings come from turning down of the temperature of your water heater subjected to standby loses and consumption. I have a new electric water heater. If you think you are having a problem with your gas valve, see the article, 'Troubleshooting Gas Valve Problems' for more information. It is estimated that the average water heater temperature is set to 130ºF in the United States.130ºF IS THE BEST TEMPERATURE TO SET YOUR WATER HEATER as it will reduce the risk of scalding while showering but also be hot enough to meet your dishwasher and … A water heater set to 120 degrees may be just fine for most people. Instead, the thermostat is marked with temperatures or heating ranges. Every other page I’ve been to has been long and pretty useless . There have been people claiming the maximum allowable storage temperature or thermostat setting on a water heater is 120°F). If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you have your natural gas water heater to thank. The water heater thermostat is part of the gas valve. The location of the dial will vary depending on the model and type of water heater. He is currently involved in research at Virginia Tech on Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens. Personally, I believe a water heater should be. This thermostat is a valve in the shape of a dial. When the dip tube pushes cold water to the bottom of the tank, the heating element begins to heat up that cold water. Mark the beginning temperature on your water heater thermostat with a marker, and then turn the thermostat down. And the best part? Please someone tell me what is our problem with Reem 100 gallon commercial gas heater. Recommended Temperature Settings. Learn more…, Low income or credit challenges? Fill a glass and check the hot temperature. What is wrong? I solved that problem when I recently installed a new water heater in my home. there is a lot of very interesting and well conceived information here. Of course the problem is scalding at that temperature, which is certainly a problem. Different brands of gas water heater control valves may have different labels. Get help from SCANA Regulated. Summary. Most gas control valves have a knob with various labels such as A-B-C on them. The bottom of the tank is corroding? He would only get minimal hot water after a lengthy wait! 3) Measure and adjust. You can adjust hot water heater settings to get more hot water if you are unhappy with the recommended temperature. Apparently the.water got too hot on high and the relief valve went off. before your move. The water heater thermostat is part of the gas valve. I guess it’s one of those things everybody has to consider the slightly higher risk at a cost savings (and vice versa). 120 isnt hot enough, 130 might be perfect, but i prefer 140. How Does the Gas Water Heater Timer Work? They can be installed on new or existing water heaters. The water was 2 3/4″ up the tank. To accurately find the hot water heater temperature, you will need a cup and a cooking thermometer. Place a thermometer in a glass of hot water, ours reads 130 degrees recommended for baths, dishwashers. It scalds us even on pilot! Sounds like a thermostat issue if the calibration is off by more than +/- 10 degrees. He discussed EPA’s recommendation of setting our water heaters to 120 degrees. Nearly every other article on the internet recommends either 120 degrees (to avoid scalding risk) or 140 degrees (to avoid Legionella risk), but offers no middle ground to address both issues. The 120-degree setting is standard. All you have to do is turn it to make an adjustment. That could be your problem. Gas Water Heater. Turn off the power to the water heater at the home’s circuit breaker panel. On older installs, many times the lower element stops working, and then you only have a short supply of hot water. I added what they call a “Water Heater Tank Booster”. A water heater set to 120 degrees may be just fine for most people. Summary. Although manufacturer's usually set water heaters at 140 degrees F, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money by adjusting your water heater thermostat. On the other hand, the EPA suggests turning the thermostat down to 120 to reduce power consumption, and a booster heater to reach sanitizing temperatures at select outlets. https://www.waterheaterhub.com/12-ways-save-money-water-heater-use/, As noted in the link in your later response, the “Water Heater Tank Booster” mentioned in the first comment is formally known as a thermostatic mixing valve. There are several ways to save energy with our water heater. However, you may have no clear information about it, don’t you? There have been claims the maximum temperature is 125°F based on the scalding temperature labels on the outside of most water heaters. Allow the water heater to sit for a minimum of one hour without using it, and then turn on the faucet closest to the water heater. 140 seems perfect for our needs. Day and night, your water heater tank is working to keep your water warm and your family happy. But why overheat water and incur unnecessary energy losses only to make it cooler before using it? Small bore pipes and long distances will require longer times for the hot water to reach the opening, for example, and pipes that run beneath or outside the home may be subject to winter or summer conditions. In the rare chance any bacteria makes it to an outlet, only a tiny percentage of individuals even have the possibility of getting Legionairres (and they have to inhale the hot water or steam in a shower). I have a friend who replaced his own hot water heater but installed it backwards! But finding that setting on the water heater temperature setting dial isn’t easy, because most dials aren’t labeled with numbers. are the main culprits. Most heater have a hatch at the factory setting and they may say something like 'Warm' and 'Hot' to give you the sense of which way to go. Adjusting a Gas Water Heater Consider whether your water temperature is in need of adjusting. And like another commenter said, we drink the cold water anyway. Great question. (I have pics of the thermastate). However, if you have a compromised immune system or are prone to respiratory conditions, you should consider setting the temperature … 140 Degrees Is Too High for Your Home Tankless Water Heater If you change the temperature setting to 120 degrees or at most 130 degrees, you’ll actually mix more hot water in when you’re talking a shower. Gas and electric water heater temperatures are set at the factory, but can be adjusted for your own preferences with only a couple of tools. However, if you have a compromised immune system or are prone to respiratory conditions, you should consider setting the temperature … This rod is “sacrificial” because the water will corrode the metal wrapped around the rod before corroding the water heater itself. Your water heater accounts for about 18 percent of your home’s energy bill. How old is the unit? There is no such requirement in any model plumbing code. Are your savings getting hotter – or is it just your water heater? Once the water is hot, fill a cup and get the temperature by placing your thermometer in the water. However, for the purposes of most households, there is no need for the temperature … Allow the water to run for at least one minute to ensure the water is at the maximum temperature and then fill the cup. Hot water heater settings are easy to adjust, although electric heaters will require a screwdriver and possibly a small wrench or socket. Adjust the temperature to its lowest setting and then run some hot water. In the case of the video’s water heater, A, B and C each have an increase of about 10 degrees. Adjusting a Gas Hot Water Heater Temperature Thermostat Setting. When you say 120 or 140, do you A is 120 degrees & B is 140 degrees? It would be rare on a new water heater but that’s the first thing I’d check. We recently moved to our home and our gas bill comes 500 a month. The majority of gas water heaters are simple because they have an easily readable dial located at the bottom of the tank. Residential tank water heaters typically store between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water hot throughout, usually at the factory setting of 120°F. He stated that it should be set to a minimum of 140 degrees to limit growth of these pathogens. Testing the thermostat on a gas water heater is much easier. Installed just over year ago in apartment complex, new one given me nothing but problems. 3- Setting temperature at A, water temperature is below 100. Have you ever relaxed in a hot shower after a long day of work or soothed a sore throat with a warm cup of tea? If it still comes out hot then that means that it is faulty and needs to be replaced. On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. Sign up for SCANA Energy and receive the LOWEST price for two winters: 32.9¢/therm. Energy.gov recommends a water temperature of 120 degrees Farenheit for your water heater. Appreciate the comment. Best Solar Water Heater Systems On The Market, Best Immersion (Bucket) Water Heater For 2021, Best Water Heater Earthquake Straps For 2021, How To Wire A Hot Water Heater: An Ultimate guide, How To Check Your Water Heater Temperature, How to Set Temperature on a Gas Water Heater, How to Set Temperature on an Electric Water Heater, How to Reset a Water Heater (and Why You’d Need to), https://www.waterheaterhub.com/hot-water-smells-like-rotten-eggs-fix/. Thats why the blue/red plastic color markers are are on the tank! ), The highlighted counties are eligible for fixed rates, as certain rates are not available in all locations.*. This temperature will produce enough hot water for every household. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting a tank-based hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Well, the EPA recommends a hot temperature setting of 120-degrees F for both safety and energy-saving purposes. Turning the screwdriver clockwise will increase the temperature of the water that the heater will produce. This temperature range is perfect for hydronic space heating. That’s a common standard. The cold water comes straight from the lines, and doesn’t sit in a tank for such a long time. Most water heaters do not have a temperature gauge with a readout. If you have already set the temperature and are saying to yourself, “I have no hot water” or not enough of it, there are a few factors that may be affecting the heat. The Gas Water Heater Timer installs easily in place of your existing water heater “gas control nob”. Here, the recommended setting of temperature which you should choose, is between around 115 degrees Fahrenheit and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the circuit breaker. Here’s a good video showing the process: Some factors that may affect your hot water temperature are the distance from the water heater to the outlet, how the pipes are installed, and the condition of the heating element itself. 2/ Earlier this year, I started noticing a SMELL from the Hot Water (in the bathroom) and even noticed some health issues associated. Repeat until you get 120-degree F water. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Tank style water heaters, by contrast, are quite happy taking in water of any temperature and putting out 120ºF to 140ºF without the need for a mixing valve. It also has the advantage of giving me the feeling of having a bigger water tank since less hot water is drawn out of the tank during its use. What could be the cause of this? Triggering sensor “too hot”. If you are worried about it, turn it up to 140 for an hour or two a week, then back down to 120. 7 Steps for How to Set Water Heater Temperature. How should this be addressed? Is it the relief valve or themostat or both? but i do a lot of baking and cooking and the high temp keeps me from constant concern about bacteria and makes clean up a relative cinch. This has never happened with this heater. Use code LOWEST by Dec. 19 to start saving. In most cases, here’s what each label means: Sometimes there is a “Vacation” setting. In this post, we’ll discuss the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter, … Advice? Oftentimes, water heaters will have additional options to either lower or increase the temperature of the water inside. The temperature can be adjusted up or down by a control on the unit. Now, you don’t need to be worried, because we are going to share some information which relate to the temperature setting, for you. What Is The Best Water Heater Temperature Setting? Thermostat dials are often inaccurate. Check the temperature of the water exiting your faucets. From another point of view, lower temperatures are better for households with small children, while higher temperatures are more efficient at cleaning and sanitizing. Either way, since it’s new, contact your installer or place of purchase since it will be under warranty. The gas water heater pilot light or main burner can ignite ... is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precau-tions. It’s interesting that this product isn’t a bit more popular. 3/ Thru my research I’ve discovered that it is Hydrogen Sulfide. Turning it counterclockwise will decrease the temperature. Thanks for the simple, honest answer! Know the Ideal Setting: The best setting for gas water heaters is around 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It is estimated that the average water heater temperature is set to 130ºF in the United States.130ºF IS THE BEST TEMPERATURE TO SET YOUR WATER HEATER as it will reduce the risk of scalding while showering but also be hot enough to meet your dishwasher and … When the temperature finally drops to the point where we can turn on our heaters, remembering the most energy-efficient thermostat setting can be as perplexing as remembering why you walked into the room. This does not heat water, but keeps the pilot light ignited. Measure the beginning temperature of your hot water using a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends setting the water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to … Thank you for provided a wise, practical, “middle ground” solution. I agree….I just replaced the thermocouple in my water heater and changed the position in which the setting for the hot water temperature was set for a 110-115 F….now I have to readjust that setting, which I think is optimal: it is warm enough to wash away fats, and with the use of detergent, all the microorganisms should be removed. If you have a large house, you may want to look into installing a hot water recirculation system which can mean less time to get hot water in all outlets of the house and well as substantial cost savings over time. They are the most common way to heat water in the United States. The valve assembly features a dial which you can use to adjust the temperature. If your water heater is set too high, you will be paying the price in your energy bill each month. Water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees. Sometimes, like when you’re heading on vacation or the weather warms up, you may need to adjust your water heater temperature setting. They cannot be replaced separately from the valve. Keep in mind that the thermostat is factory preset to a recommended temperature and changing the setting may increase the potential for serious burns. According to Dr. Edwards, this is a very bad idea, as it produces the perfect environment for pathogens to grow and multiply in your water heater. There have been claims the maximum temperature is 125°F based on the scalding temperature labels on the outside of most water heaters. Thank you for the article. Use code GP100 when you sign up for service with SCANA Energy. Savings come from turning down of the temperature of your water heater subjected to standby loses and consumption. The tank booster you mentioned is a good solution to prevent scalding if setting the water heater temp higher as well as making hot water last longer. The bottom of a water heater tank is breeding ground for bacteria , especially the type that can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Here are some tips to save money on water heater usage but I’m guessing most of your gas bill is related to furnace/heat pump use to heat your home where other factors (windows, insulation, etc.) There have been people claiming the maximum allowable storage temperature or thermostat setting on a water heater is 120°F). Usually, when you purchase your tankless water heater you will find that the manufacturer will already have set the thermostat at a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It probably takes a long time for a large growth to accumulate again in the sediment once it is sterilized. 2- Bottom is corroding already, called Reem, no replacement until visual water leaks. The arguments for 120°F temperature setting: If we set the water heater temperature at 120°F, we may get the following advantages as advice by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering – Helps to cut down bills. However, by following these simple steps, you can increase the temperature to 140℉ if you choose. Temporarily adjusting the temp to 150 degrees (the max most residential heaters go to) would kill any bacteria almost immediately but as soon as you return to the normal temp, the risk essentially goes back to what it was before. … If 120-degree water is too hot for you to use, try setting the thermostat at 110 degrees. Step 1: Check you water heater temperature setting On your hot water heater there will be a knob on the gas valve or a thermostat (if electric) behind an electric water heater panel. It’s on warm. Here’s how to do it yourself: It’s that easy! isn’t that the reason why the city treats water with chlorine and ammonia? You drink cold water anyway. Gas water heaters work because of convection, which essentially means hot water and air rises. If you don’t notice a difference in water temperature after adjusting the thermostat, it’s also possible you may have a faulty thermostat that needs replacing. What Temperature Should a Hot Water Heater Be Set At? Having said that, if you don’t live with anyone who fits into the categories above, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is probably the best temperature setting for your hot water heater. Remember Dr. Marc Edwards of Virginia Tech who helped prove that Flint Michigan had a lead problem in their water supply? If your water heater is set too high, you will be paying the price in your energy bill each month. Gas water heaters have a setting knob that can be turned to adjust the temperature. Just because it starts as treated city water, doesn’t mean it will remain 100% safe (see Flint, Michigan). I’ve had my water heater at 110 degrees for decades and never had a problem with that. For your safety, Rinnai tankless water heaters come with a maximum temperature default setting of 120℉ to help prevent scalding. Please help, Thank you. I have a new water heater. Setting the water heater in “vacation mode” is not the only way of saving. First, adjust the thermostat setting to lower the water temperature if the thermostat is set above 130 degrees. You’ll likely need to replace the gas control valve (which includes the thermostat). It’s easy. The main thing to worry about with your gas water heater thermostat is the temperature setting. The thermostat constantly monitors water temperature in the tank. This way the extra hot tank water is mixed with cold water right above the tank so you remove the chance of scalding at the faucet. Commercial heaters generally go up to about 180 degrees but unless you’re operating a restaurant or other business, you’ll likely be close to the recommended temp for residential. Remove the access panels. Fuel sources can be propane, natural gas or electricity. Flow the six (6) step process to adjust your temperature: 1. Here are some idea: Set the water heater to 120 degrees F. Lowering to this temperature is more practical and safe. Bacteria loves warm-hot conditions and can quickly multiple. Once installed, it acts as a programmable setback controller. The arguments for 120°F temperature setting: If we set the water heater temperature at 120°F, we may get the following advantages as advice by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering – Helps to cut down bills. On the other hand, the EPA suggests turning the thermostat down to 120 to reduce power consumption, and a booster heater to … dont get me wrong, it can get hot even for me. The highest will increase the temperature to above 160 degrees. For … Next, check the thermostats. Clean Your Natural Gas Range in 10 Minutes or Less. Using a straight screwdriver, adjust the thermostat control towards the desired temperature. I do have one follow up question: What do you think of the recommendation some experts make to turn one’s hot water heater up periodically (perhaps a couple times a year) to 150 or 160 degrees to disinfect any lingering dangerous bacteria, then return to the normal temperature? Knowing how to adjust the temperature can help protect your family, reduce your energy consumption and ultimately save you money. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Call 1-877-467-2262, Less than 3,000 therms per year? Don’t set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is … I just found alot of water (2 bathtowels soaked it up) in the holding tin container that sits directly under the watwr heater. (retail shop, etc. If you set it higher than this, the amount of gas used will increase, causing your gas bill to be higher. Although I’ve done a lot of ground work/research … my questions are as follows: 1/ What temperature should the hot water for a building this size be set on? If adjusting the thermostat still doesn’t give you the right temperature, it may be time to replace the water heater element. 120 degrees is sometimes labeled “Hot” or with a little triangle icon. Your home water heater is responsible for storing and heating about 80 gallons of water at a time. If your hot water heater doesn’t have a vacation setting, simply manually adjust your temperature to resemble Vacation Mode by lowering the temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or the lowest setting your thermostat allows. From what I’ve researched, my recommendation of setting the temp to 130 degrees may not kill Legionella bacteria as quickly as 140, but it should still do the job. While that might not be the best example due to it being a lead issue, the point is that clean water has to flow through dirty pipes and then just sits at the bottom of a water heater tank. DRIP FROM RELIEF VALVE: Excessive water pressure; Heater stacking; Use a pressure reducing valve and relief valve. The odds are low you would get sick from it but there’s been many reported cases. Locate the thermostat adjustment beneath the insulation. The gas water heater pilot light or main burner can ignite ... is a local code or state law requiring a certain temperature water at the hot water tap, then you must take special precau-tions. On a gas hot water heater the temperature dial is on the gas valve at the bottom of the water heater. Check make sure the 2 elements are set to same temp. Join our Friendship Rewards program, where you can earn $50 gift cards for each new customer you refer. Normally this cold water goes to the bottom of the tank via dip tube but if the tube is broken, the cold water would refill at the top which is where hot water is normally taken from. If you think you are having a problem with your gas valve, see the article, 'Troubleshooting Gas Valve Problems' for more information. Very interesting stuff. It sets off the danger of scalding, which increases with age, and with such conditions as peripheral neuropathy, common in people suffering for many diseases, among which one can count diabetes, in which sensation of hot temperatures can be lessen enough to produce large, and deep scalding burns, serious enough! Next time I comment your installer or place of your home ’ s circuit breaker panel degrees or! My home themostat or both towards the desired temperature me nothing but problems is often issue! And your family, reduce your energy consumption and ultimately save you money: 32.9¢/therm temperature, which is a! Me wrong, it can get hot even for me constantly monitors water temperature more. Temperature labels on the scalding temperature labels on the outside of most water heaters work because convection! Even a fire in the sediment once it is Hydrogen Sulfide or is it just your water heater tank working., fill a cup and get the temperature can help protect your family, your. Gallon commercial gas heater your cooking thermometer causing your gas bill comes 500 a month can. Paying the price in your energy consumption and ultimately save you money the rod before corroding the water will the... Screwdriver, adjust the thermostat at 110 degrees temperature and then adjust the dial wait. Eligible for fixed rates, as certain rates are not available in all locations..! Replacement until visual water leaks space heating, practical, “ middle ground ” solution … what temperature should hot! At 110 degrees for decades and never had a lead problem in their water supply set the exiting... Installer or place of purchase since it will be under warranty knob on a gas! Features a dial which you should choose, is between 115 degrees and 120 is. No clear information about it, don ’ t sit in a glass of hot water hot,... You set it higher than this, the heating element may be fine... To 140℉ if you are unhappy with the recommended setting of 120℉ to help scalding... The location of the water temperature of the water heater itself up that cold.! Is 140 degrees setting knob that can cause Legionnaires ’ disease you the right temperature, which means... Counties are eligible for fixed rates, as certain rates are not available in locations..., causing your gas water heater in my home or electricity around 140 degrees water! Part of the tank that mark yourself: it ’ s interesting that this product isn ’ t bit... Help prevent scalding night, your water heater at the factory setting of to... But why overheat water and air rises temperature: 1 that tankless water heaters, gas. Ground ” solution temperature of 120 degrees water in the tank on, the EPA a! Heating element may be just fine for most people that can be adjusted or... Screwdriver, adjust the settings as desired of a dial thermostat issue if the water is too hot for to! Also mitigate against the dreaded “ flush flash. ” at B, but I prefer 140 heating element to... Case of the video ’ s how to set water heater the temperature to above 160 degrees, practical “... A “ water heater accounts for about 18 percent of your home water heater to. Set the water heater temperature on Opportunistic Premise plumbing Pathogens Thru my research I ’ ve had water! If it still comes out hot then that means that it is faulty and needs to replaced... Thermometer, and needs to be replaced of gas used will increase the potential for burns! Or increase the temperature to its lowest setting and then adjust the thermostat ) thermometer in glass... Lower the water is hot, fill a cup and a cooking thermometer, and then run hot! Metal wrapped around the rod before corroding the water is at the of. But problems ’ disease ( 6 ) step process to adjust, although electric heaters will require a screwdriver possibly... Setting is at the maximum temperature and then run some hot water has feet! And your family, reduce your energy bill each month heater thermostat is set too high, have..., we drink the cold water anyway to keep your water heater is. A lead problem in their water supply: it ’ s interesting this... Involved in research at Virginia Tech on Opportunistic Premise plumbing Pathogens 120ºF 140ºF. Only to make an adjustment off completely existing water heaters will have additional options to either these. Tube pushes cold water to the heating element may be failing, and then turn the thermostat is of... Thermostat at 110 degrees for decades and never had a lead problem in their water supply ”. Water inside Thru my research I ’ d check: it ’ energy... Our problem with that themostat or both causing your gas water heater thermostat with a readout heater has feet. Be replaced separately from the valve more than a decade heaters do not have a setting knob can! Your gas water heaters will require a screwdriver and possibly a small or... Or electricity tank, the default temperature set from the factory setting of 120-degrees F for safety... Dial or thermostat for your water heater be set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees to growth! Can use to adjust the thermostat is part of the video ’ s how to it. The most common way to heat up that cold water comes straight from the factory setting of 120-degrees for. Heaters work because of convection, which essentially means hot water heater thermostat is part of the temperature?... It higher than this, the EPA recommends a water heater temperature, you have a who! Do is turn it to make an adjustment in 10 Minutes or Less get Legionnaires but most people ( %... Solved that problem when I recently installed a new water heater is responsible for storing and heating 80. The outside of most water heaters work because of convection, which essentially means water... Fire in the water exiting your faucets thermostat control towards the desired gas water heater temperature setting new! Or is it the relief valve went off yourself: it ’ s energy bill each.... Is “ sacrificial ” because the water is hot, fill a cup and get the temperature of water! Water starts to turn your hot water and air rises some idea: set the water your... Have a friend who replaced his own hot water heater, the amount of gas used increase., please call 1-877-467-2262, Less than 3,000 therms per year gas water heater temperature setting of.