You don't need special skills or tools to change the temperature on your electric water heater/geyser. It's a simple job that only takes a few minutes, and you likely have everything you need at home. Most electric geyser follow similar steps, with just a few differences based on the brand. The size of your water heater doesn't affect the process either.
Here's an easy guide to help you adjust the temperature for warm baths or relaxing showers as spring approaches.
What Temperature Should a Water Heater/Geyser Be Set At?
Most water heaters/geyser work best when set between 120 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Some heaters have a low-temperature option that only heats water to around 90 to 100 degrees. While this can save energy, you shouldn't use this setting when you're home and need hot water.
If the water isn't heated to at least 120 degrees, harmful bacteria can grow. The most dangerous is Legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s disease and thrives in warm water. Keeping your water heater at 120 degrees or higher helps kill bacteria and keeps you safe.
Although most geysers can reach 160 degrees, it's safer not to go above 140 degrees to avoid burns. The EPA recommends setting your water heater to 120 degrees to save energy and prevent burns. However, OSHA advises setting it at 140 degrees for better cleaning and sanitation.
Anywhere between 120 and 140 degrees is safe, so it’s up to you. If you have young children, it's better to set the heater at 120 degrees to prevent burns. If your kids are older, you might prefer setting it to 130 or 140 degrees.
During winter, it's a good idea to increase the temperature on your water heater. Cold weather can cause the water to cool down as it travels through the pipes to your sink or shower. Without adjusting the temperature, the water might not feel hot enough.
How to Adjust the Temperature on Your Electric Water Heater/geyser?
Adjusting your hot water heater/geyser is easy and can help keep your family safe and comfortable while saving you money on energy bills. How you change the temperature might be a bit different if you have a gas or electric heater. Here are some simple steps to set your hot water heater to the right temperature.
Remove Cover Plates: Start by taking off the two cover panels on the front of your water heater. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver or a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws. Remember: turn right to tighten and left to loosen.
Remove Extra Insulation: Many electric water heaters, especially newer ones, have extra insulation that you should temporarily take off. Set this insulation aside. You’ll also find a plastic safety plate that you can either remove or bend up to reach the temperature controls for the thermostats.
Locate Temperature Dials: Great job so far! Now you should see the dials that control the temperature settings. Depending on your model, these dials may have letters, numbers, or labels like "hot" and "very hot."
Adjust Your Dials: Now it’s time to adjust your water heater. Set both thermostats to the same temperature you want. Use a flathead screwdriver for this. Keep in mind that small changes can make a big difference, so test the water temperature to make sure it’s safe before putting everything back together and replacing the cover panels. It may take a little time for the water heater to adjust to the new settings, so be patient. Now you know how to adjust your electric water heater!
Bonus Step: Get Extra Hot Water: Here’s a helpful tip to possibly get more hot water: set the temperature dial on the bottom thermostat a little higher than the one on top. Here’s why:
Water enters your electric water heater/geyser through a dip tube at the bottom, while hot water comes out from the top. The heater doesn’t use both heating elements at the same time due to power limits. Since hot water comes out from the top, the top element heats that water first. Once the top is hot, the power switches to the bottom element to heat the cold water coming in.
How to Measure Your Geyser Temperature?
Run Hot Water: Turn on the hot water tap closest to your geyser and let it run for a few minutes until it reaches its highest temperature.
Measure with a Thermometer: Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water coming out. This will help you see if the temperature setting is correct.
Adjust If Necessary: If the water temperature isn’t what you expected, you might need to adjust the thermostats again using the steps mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
In short, adjusting your electric geyser's temperature is simple and can make your home more comfortable and safe. Just follow the steps in this guide to set your water heater to a safe range, usually between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps prevent harmful bacteria and can save you money on energy bills. Make sure to check the water temperature regularly and adjust it if needed, especially in colder weather, so you always have hot water when you need it.
FAQs
Do I need special tools to adjust my electric geyser?No, you don’t need any special tools. You can use a regular screwdriver you probably have at home.
What temperature should I set my water heater to?
It’s best to set your water heater between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and efficiency.
Why is it important to keep my water heater above 120 degrees?
Keeping the temperature at 120 degrees or higher stops harmful bacteria, like Legionella, from growing in the water.
How do I adjust the temperature on my electric geyser?
You can change the temperature by taking off the cover plates, finding the dials, and using a flathead screwdriver to set them to your preferred temperature.
How can I check if my geyser is set to the right temperature?
Turn on the hot water tap nearest to your geyser for a few minutes, then use a thermometer to check the water temperature. If it’s not right, you can adjust the settings again.
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