How to Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature
Adjusting Your Water Heater

The majority of water heater types are adjusted similarly. Most newer gas and electric water heaters have a thermostat behind an insulated access panel. Electric water heaters often have two thermostats where one is at the top and the other at the bottom. Tankless water heaters often feature a display with a temperature readout and controls for adjusting the temperature.
Keep in mind that you should always test your water before making any
adjustments.
H2 Adjusting a Tankless Water Heater
You use the digital control panel to adjust the temperature up and down as needed.
H2 Adjusting a Gas or Electric Water Heater
Some gas heaters feature a dial near the bottom of the unit that can simply be turned to adjust the temperature.
Most newer tank water heaters are a little more involved but still pretty simple.
- Start by turning off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker;
- Find the access panel for the thermostat(s) and use a screwdriver to remove the panel;
- Peel back the insulation;
- Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat up or down;
- 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 panel;
- Restore power to the water heater;
- For gas water heaters, you may need to relight the pilot light.
Once you have made the adjustments, wait at least three hours before testing the water temperature.
H2 The best temperature to set your water heater to
Some of us like scolding hot showers! They are so soothing and relaxing, but always a letdown if your hot water goes away too fast. The safety recommendation of where your temperature should be set is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but 140 is the default setting.
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