As a first-time homeowner, you probably have quite a few questions about household appliances. One subject that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads is the ideal temperature to set their water heaters, which is an appliance that is available in both gas and electric models. While your plumber can offer insight on maintenance and repair issues, keep the following in mind when setting your temperature.

Why the Right Temperature Is Important

There are risks involved when setting your water heater too low or too high. If it’s too low, you won’t have access to hot water. This can be an issue when washing dishes since you won’t have the same germ and bacteria fighting ability as you would with hotter water. Conversely, setting it too high can lead to burns and scalding. This is a major concern when you have small kids in the home.

Temperature Recommendations

If you talk to your plumber, he or she might tell you that the default water heating setting is 140 degrees. That means, when you have a hot water installation, this is the temperature you’ll receive if you don’t make any changes. However, some people claim that this setting is too high and only results in lost energy and increased utility bills. That’s why the Department of Energy recommends setting it to 120 degrees.

Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters

Changing the temperature varies depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater. Most gas water heater knobs are labeled with warm and hot settings. If there is a temperature listing, remember that hot ranges between 140 and 150 degrees, while warm is usually 90 to 120 degrees.

With electric water heaters, you’ll first need to disconnect the breaker attached to the appliance. Next, remove the access panels and move the insulation until the thermostat comes into view. Here you will see a screw, which can be adjusted to a specific temperature setting. If you’re not sure of the process, contact a plumber for help.

A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service has assisted homeowners in Cincinnati with making sense of their household appliances. If you need a new hot water heater, they can help you find the right model and install it with ease. These plumbers also offer repair and maintenance services for plumbing systems, sewers, drainage systems, and tankless heaters. If you have an after-hours plumbing emergency, they’re available 24 hours a day to ensure your problem will be rectified. Contact a plumber today by calling (513) 733-3311. You can also visit them online for a complete list of services.