It’s important that you get the water temperature of your shower correct, after all nobody wants to get into a freezing shower. On the other hand, you don’t want to scald yourself if the water is too hot, so getting it right is important for your health and safety. What’s more, it could also save you money on your electricity bill.

What is the correct temperature?

According to Energy.gov the best temperature to set your water heater to is 49 degrees Celsius. At this temperature you’ll decrease the risk of scalding and reduce the chance of mineral build-up and corrosion in the water heater and pipes. This temperature is also high enough to reduce the chances of legionellae bacteria from breeding, which can cause Legionnaire’s disease.

Each house is different, of course, which means that you may well have to increase the temperature if the taps are further away from the water heater. Heat is lost the further the water travels.

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How to adjust the water temperature?

Whilst the interface on most water heaters will differ they can be adjusted in similar ways. Most new electric and gas heaters have a thermostat located behind an access panel. Most tankless heaters will feature a reading on a display panel where you can adjust the temperature with controls.

Before adjusting the temperature of the water it is important to test the temperature of the water. This can be done by running the water in the bathroom or kitchen and letting it run until it is at maximum temperature. Hold a thermometer underneath and you’ll get the most accurate reading of the temperature when it exits the tap. If you are still having issues after going through the instructions below it’s best to call out Gloucester boiler repair professionals such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-repair-gloucester/ to help you.

Whilst some water heaters will simply feature a dial on a panel which you can manually adjust without tools, others are more involved.

Turn the power to the water heater off

Gain access to the thermostat by removing the panel with a screwdriver

Remove the insulation

Take a flathead screwdriver and adjust the thermostat up or down

Replace the panel and insulation

Turn the power back on

For gas water heaters you might have to light the pilot light