How to adjust water heater temperature

Lower thermostat on hot water heater ... save 3-5% operating cost for each 10° lower ... illustrated steps for gas and electric

Tip: Let water in bathroom run for 2-3 minutes <> use reliable thermometer <> check temperature of water <> repeat test in kitchen & other bathrooms
Compare thermometer reading with thermostat setting on water heater to roughly estimate efficiency of your water heater

Gas

Electric

Step 1. Gas

Find a Flashlight

With gas heater,
No candles,
open flame or smoking

Step 1: Electric

Find Flat & phillips screwdrivers
+ Flashlight

For safety, turn off 30 Amp circuit breaker

	See old and new gas valves
	Adjust temp for electronic gas valve

Step 2
Locate gas valve

Do not turn off gas

Large dial is only thing that will be changed

Step 2: Electric

Remove covers (save screws)
Pull out insulation

<>Top thermostat is larger

<>Bottom thermostat is smaller

Don't touch or move wires

Insulation & cover must be put back when finished or thermostat will not read correct temp

Step 3: gas

Rotate large dial to change thermostat

Line up dial with notch at top

Newer gas valves rotate opposite direction see

Step 3: Electric

Use flat tip screwdriver to set top and bottom thermostats to 120° <> this temperature is good for most homes

For homes that use more hot water, set top thermostat 5-10° higher.

All water heater thermostat settings are approximate

Wire thermostat
Troubleshoot thermostat
Replace thermostat

Gas

Dial is about 150°

Dial is about 135°

Use screwdriver to change electric water heater thermostat

Close-up view of top thermostat <> yours will look different

If 120° leaves you short of hot water, the tank could have sediment build-up <> How to clean sediment

Dial is about 120°

Dial is about 95°

120° is good for most homes

Step 4: Finish electric

Put covers on <> make sure insulation is put back or cool air will cause thermostat to misread temp <> pick up tools <> turn on circuit breaker

Inspect for water on floor or leaking pipes

Hot water can scald and burn a child
Safety chart

pect for water on floor

Gas dial is set on vacation <> this means pilot light is ON and tank is heated to about 50° to prevent freezing

Use this setting to save money when hot water is not needed

Tip for both Gas and Electric

Run hot water at sink and check temp with thermometer

Save energy: wrap water pipes with insulation

Inspect tank, TP valve and shut-off valve for water leaks

Water leak around bottom of tank <> even minor leak <> means water heater needs service

Hot water can scald and burn a child
safety chart

If you smell gas, call the gas company

Avoid CO hazard with gas water heater
Read about CO hazard 1 2

Compare 16 electric & 2 gas water heater timers

Clean sediment out of tank & change element

Water heater innovations and manufacturers

visit GOVERNMENT energy site
visit Government energy code site

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