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. Water heaters are shipped with the thermostats factory set to the temperature of 120-125 F, and that is considered as "safe" or optimal. In the case of the video’s water heater, A, B and C each have an increase of about 10 degrees. ****, Step 2: Test the temperature and pressure relief valve, The temperature and pressure relief valve is  critical to safety and proper operation of the tank.Â. Installed just over year ago in apartment complex, new one given me nothing but problems. I have a friend who replaced his own hot water heater but installed it backwards! 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. Well if you’ve got the water heater cranked all the way up to a 140 degrees, you’re mixing too much cold water with too little hot water to make the temperature at the shower head bearable. But in any case they do not necessarily relate to any specific temperature, just that B is hotter than A, and C is hotter than either A or B. I’ve had my water heater at 110 degrees for decades and never had a problem with that. 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? The culprit of the smell you’re experiencing is likely the anode rod but in some cases it may be incorrect venting in the sewer lines. If you are running out of hot water too quickly (with a 40 gallon W.H. Advice? 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. Turning down the temperature 10 degrees Fahrenheit on your hot water heater saves 3 to 5 percent on energy costs, so a drop from 140 F to 120 F saves you 6 to 10 percent. If adjusting the thermostat still doesn’t give you the right temperature, it may be time to replace the water heater element. Most water heaters do not have a temperature gauge with a readout. Guidelines from the department explain that most hot water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s usually unnecessary. That will kill off most of the bacteria. See Figure 2 (page 7). On a state/a.o. Of course the problem is scalding at that temperature, which is certainly a problem. 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. The recommended temperature setting is between 115 degrees and 120 degrees. Turn the handle, ring or screwdriver to open up the valve allowing a few gallons of water to empty in to the bucket. Perhaps your hot water isn’t hot enough no matter what setting your water heater is on. 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. 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. What could be the cause of this? To return hot water system to service, open a hot water faucet in kitchen for several minutes before using electrical appliances. Cooler temperatures mean warmer clothes, chilly nights and maybe even a fire in the fireplace. This will help save energy/gas while it is not being used. You drink cold water anyway. 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. I think. Removing the sediment from the bottom of the tank is important. You can adjust hot water heater settings to get more hot water if you are unhappy with the recommended temperature. Most water heaters in the U.S. are the conventional tank water heaters — tall cylinders that heat water slowly at the bottom of the tank and need to run quite often to make sure there is hot water when you want it. For that reason, since the 1980s new water heaters installed in houses have had the hot water temperature set at 125 degrees or less. WARNING A B C PI L O LI G T H TI N G L O W H O T V E R Y RISK OF SCALDING when the water heater is in use.c.To ensure complete filling of the tank, let air exit by … Fetch Here When the size of a household increases this may put strain on a hot water heater. Bacteria loves warm-hot conditions and can quickly multiple. With an old water heater, a broken dip tube is often the issue. Please help, Thank you. 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. Is it the relief valve or themostat or both? 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. 140 seems perfect for our needs. The A-B-C knob on a residential gas water heater usually equals 130-140-150 degrees if properly calibrated. In most cases, here’s what each label means: Sometimes there is a “Vacation” setting. 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.) Using a straight screwdriver, adjust the thermostat control towards the desired temperature. 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. The problem is when I turned it slightly below the “A” mark, we quickly run out of hot water and even then it’s not hot long enough to my liking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is currently on A and hot water from the tap reads 150*, which most professionals recommend 120 since it only takes about 2 secs for 150* to cause burns. 2/ Earlier this year, I started noticing a SMELL from the Hot Water (in the bathroom) and even noticed some health issues associated. © 2017 Reliable Solutions Home Inspections, 970-278-9742 — inspectors@rshinspections.com, Sellers Guide to Preparing For a Home Inspection, Home Buyers, Preparing To Attend Your Home Inspection. This does not heat water, but keeps the pilot light ignited. At 130 degrees, any Legionellae would die within a few hours so if that’s the regular temp, there shouldn’t be a need to go any higher since as the risk is super low. Water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees. Gas water heaters have a setting knob that can be turned to adjust the temperature. 3- Setting temperature at A, water temperature is below 100. This helps to remove whatever sediment is at the bottom of the tank. Conventional Tank, Hot Water Heaters: Pros and Cons of Tankless vs. Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and can ignite. What Is The Best Water Heater Temperature Setting? You should hear a gurgling sound as the valve is allowing some water to be released into the drain tub. Check make sure the 2 elements are set to same temp. Most gas control valves have a knob with various labels such as A-B-C on them. Remember Dr. Marc Edwards of Virginia Tech who helped prove that Flint Michigan had a lead problem in their water supply? 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. 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