Health

Be Safe: Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature

There’s nothing worse than having water temperatures that are either too hot, or too cold for daily use. Whether it’s filling up a sink full of dishes from your evening meal to taking a routine shower in the morning, it’s important to have the right temperature. If you’re adjusting your water heater temperature correctly, then you’ll have a more enjoyable experience when it comes to your water supply. 

Types of Water Heaters

There are different types of water heaters found in the home, and it’s important to know which one you have and how that might influence the adjustment of the water’s temperature. A tankless water heater, for example, is likely to be as simple as adjusting the temperature up and down on a digital control panel. 

Those that are either gas or electric will differ in how you adjust the temperature. Gas water heaters typically have a dial at the bottom of the unit that you adjust. However, for newer models, you may find that you need to do more to adjust the heating, since tools are required in order to adjust the thermostat.

Regardless of the type of water heater you have, if the changes you make don’t make a difference to the heating, then there could be an issue. As a result, you might need to get it serviced or replaced, and a water heater company in Culver City can certainly be helpful.

Adjusting The Water Heater Temperature

When it comes to adjusting a water heater, there are specific ranges you should be aiming for to ensure a comfortable temperature. Too low and it could end up causing bacterial growth, which is not what you want coming out of your taps or showerheads. 

It’s worth checking in with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) as they suggest all water heaters should be set to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). 

Tangential to avoiding a water temperature that’s too low, at the same time, you don’t want it to be too hot. If you’ve got scolding water coming out of your taps, that could be dangerous for any members of your household, especially children. 

It’s worth not going over 150 degrees Fahrenheit (66 C), as this could result in third-degree burns. Getting the balance right is important when it comes to your water heaters, and care should be taken to adjusting the temperature correctly.

Not only does the water temperature in the home affect how often you could potentially get scalded, but it also impacts your utility bills. If the temperature is set too high, you could be wasting a lot of money on high electricity, or gas bills. Maintaining a good water temperature affects more than you realize, so be sure to follow these tips to keep your household safe and warm.