How to Adjust the Temperature on Your Water Heater

Written on: July 14, 2025

Set Your Water Heater for Savings and Comfort

When you turn on the taps to start your shower or do the dishes, do you automatically add some cold water? That’s likely because your water heater temperature is set too high. Why spend money to heat water (and keep it hot, if you have a tank style unit) and then add cold water to reduce the temp? Especially when water heating can represent as much as 30% of your energy bills.

The typical default setting for water heaters is 140°F, which increases energy consumption and the risk of burns—especially for children or older adults. But adjusting your water heater’s temperature is an easy DIY way to improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and help prevent burns and bacterial growth.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your water heater to 120°F. That’s warm enough to meet most household needs while helping prevent scalding injuries and reducing mineral buildup and energy use.

The process to adjust the temperature on your water heater is slightly different depending on whether you have a tank-type or tankless water heater, and whether it’s powered by gas or electricity. Always consult the owner’s manual for the specific instructions for your model.

Tank-Style Water Heaters

Here’s how to adjust the temperature of your gas-fueled tank-type water heater:

1. Locate the temperature dial. It’s usually on the gas control valve near the bottom of the tank.
2. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the dial to your desired setting—often labeled as “Low,” “Hot,” or “Very Hot.”
3. Wait a few hours and test the water temperature at a faucet.

Here’s how to adjust the temperature of your electric tank-type water heater:

1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before starting.
2. Remove the upper and lower access panels using a screwdriver.
3. Inside, you’ll find thermostat dials. Adjust both to the same temperature using a flathead screwdriver.
4. Replace the panels and restore power.
5. Wait a few hours and test the water.

Pro tip: Use a thermometer to check water temp at the tap—it should read around 120°F for ideal efficiency and safety.

Tankless Water Heaters

Most tankless models have a digital control panel, making temperature adjustments even easier, regardless of whether they are fueled by gas or electricity.

1. Locate the digital display—often found on the unit or via a remote-control panel.
2. Press the up or down arrows to set the temperature, usually in 1-degree increments.
3. For everyday use, set it to 120°F. If you need hotter water for certain tasks, like sanitizing, you can temporarily increase it.

Tankless systems are known for their precision, so once you set the temperature, you’ll get consistent hot water at that level—no mixing needed.

Water Heater Efficiency

Adjusting your water heater’s temperature is a small step that can lead to big savings, greater comfort, and improved safety in your home.

Ready to take that comfort-meets-efficiency equation a notch higher? Talk to the experts at Marandola. We’ll show you how a tankless water heater can cost less to run than a traditional tank-style unit—while providing virtually unlimited hot water. Our team will help you choose the best option for your needs, install it correctly, and provide maintenance and repairs. Enjoy energy efficiency and all the hot water you need with a new tankless water heater!

Contact us today to get started.