A Guide To Lowering Your Water Heater Temperature

Many homes need to raise their water heater temperature in the winter. The cold water input mixed with the cold pipes and cold environment can significantly impact your unit’s functioning. This cold water issue is solved by simply turning your water heater temperature up a notch. However, as the outdoor temperatures start lowering for the spring, you will need to adjust your water heater accordingly. Here is a guide to lowering your water heater temperature, brought to you by the plumbing experts at Bonney.

Should I Lower My Water Heater Temperature?

So should you lower your water heater temperature? If you feel like it is too hot or you raised your water heater temperature this winter—yes, you will likely need to lower your water heater settings. Otherwise, you might find yourself with scalding hot water. 

When you raise your water temperature to fight off the cold winter environment, then the cold environment becomes warm, you can find yourself with water between 130℉-150℉. Even just two seconds of exposure to 150℉ water can cause third-degree burns in most adults. This impact can worsen among more vulnerable demographics. 

According to the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission), your water temperature should be set to 120°F. Even just 5-minutes of exposure to 120℉ water can cause third-degree burns in most adults. However, your hot water input will mix with cooler water before exiting your pipe. 

Overheated Water: Considerations for Your Water Heater

In addition to scalding concerns, higher water heater temperatures cause your unit to work harder. While this may be necessary during the winter season, it will put unnecessary stress on your unit in the summer. This stress can shorten the lifespan of your water heater, cause more frequently needed repairs, and create higher utility bills. 

How to Lower Your Water Heater Temperature

In the winter, most homeowners raise their water heater temperature by just one notch. This process is easy and can often be done without an expert’s help. In the spring and summer, you will often need to simply reverse this process and lower your water by one notch. 

To assure your safety, you may consider testing the water temperature your shower and sinks produce after adjusting your water heater. If it is still too warm, consider lowering the temperature by an additional notch.

Warm Weather Water Heater Considerations

Water heaters are vulnerable in the winter because of the metal contracting that the cool air causes. However, many homeowners overlook the water heater dangers of the summer season. For homes with water heaters in the attic or garage, you might find the environment surrounding your unit become especially hot. Mixed with poor ventilation, this can cause issues with your pilot light and combustion process. 

Furthermore, you should pay special attention to water heaters placed in the attic. Not only can this hot environment cause troubles, but if your unit breaks, the water can then put your entire home at risk for damage. 

Why Water Heater Maintenance Matters in the Summer

The threat of a warm water heater environment can be compounded by your depleted sacrificial anode rod, metal corrosion, sediment buildup, and other year-round hazards. As such, you should consider keeping up with your manufacturer-recommended water heater maintenance. 

Bonney: Water Heater Service Near Me

Are you due for water heater maintenance? Do you feel like your water is too hot or not getting hot enough? Perhaps you are considering a water heater replacement or new installation? No matter what your water heater concerns are, the professionals at Bonney are here to help. Our Sacramento-area plumbers provide skilled water heater repair, maintenance, and installation services. You can make your appointment with our plumbers here online to get started today!