About 18% of your home’s energy cost is spent on your water heater. You’ll be paying unnecessarily high in your monthly energy bill if the tankless water heater is kept running very high. On the other hand, if the water heater is kept low, the water may not become hot enough (resulting in brief showers) or, worse, germs may develop. Set the water heater to no lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit since illnesses, especially Legionella, may grow in the standing water within the water heater.
So, what temperature range should your water heater operate in? The EPA guidelines have found that the perfect temperature is 120 degrees since it keeps illnesses away, isn’t too hot to cause scorching, provides adequate hot water for small families, and is reasonably energy-efficient. However, depending on a few variables, the optimal setting for you may differ.
What Affects the Temperature Setting of Hot Water?
The kind of piping you have (copper, PVC, or PEX), the fuel source for the heart, or if you have the tankless water heater have no bearing on the setting of your water temperature. You should base it on your personal needs of hot water.
If your dishwasher doesn’t really pre-heat the water, you should set your heater to 140 ° f. The temperature should be kept at 120 degrees for elderly people or families with young children. Hot water should be kept at 140 degrees in homes with inhabitants who have a respiratory illness or a weakened immune system.
Many people who live alone opt for a low temp within the permissible range since there is less need for hot water, and it saves a lot of money. Many people who live in big households strive for a high temp to meet increasing hot water consumption. To save money, reduce the water tank’s thermometer by 10 degrees and save 3 to 5% on your energy bill.
Are you still undecided? Set it to 120 degrees and gradually raise the temperature until you get the ideal shower temperature.
What Is the Current Temperature in Your Home?
Look at the thermostat on the water heater (if one is available) or get a reading for the temperature from the tap to determine the current temperature setting. Before taking the temperature, turn on the hot water faucet and let it run for a few minutes.
Common Tankless Water Heater Issues and Solutions
Consider a water heater booster if you’re concerned about germs in hot water and scalding water. This maintains the water at 140 ° F in the tank but combines this with cold water before it hits the tap, lowering the temperature to 120 degrees.
A hot water circulation system may help if you live in a big house where hot water takes a long time to reach the faucet. This system circulates hot water slowly through the pipes to keep it from chilling before it hits the faucet.
Water Heater Services by Professionals
It’s possible that no matter what the setting your tankless water heater is on, your hot water isn’t hot enough. Call experts of tankless water heater maintenance in Gilbert, Arizona, for assistance with regulating the water heater or resolving any issues.
The temperature of the hot water is not the only factor that must be “just perfect.” Gilbert Plumbing can assist you in maintaining, repairing, and installing your water heater.