Electric Hot Water Heater Temperature Settings Top And Bottom

A dual element water heater uses two heating elements controlled.

Electric hot water heater temperature settings top and bottom.

Step 1 before you make an adjustment to the water heater check the temperature of the hot water as it comes out of a faucet closest to the water heater. In the case in which the upper thermostat is 140 and the lower is 130 the upper element heats the entire tank to 140 degrees and the lower element. Daniel griscom mar 10 18 at 13 31. Electric water heaters often have two thermostats one at the top and another at the bottom of the tank.

Hot water heater settings are easy to adjust although electric heaters will require a screwdriver and possibly a small wrench or socket. Turn the power to the hot water heater off by tripping the relevant breaker switch on your home s electrical panel. How to set the upper and lower thermostats on dual element water heaters. With each 10ºf reduction in water temperature you can save between 3 5 in energy costs so now is a good time to check the temperature on your electric water heater.

Eventually the cold water mixes with the hot lowering the temperature to below the lower thermostat setting and the bottom element is energized. This delays the hot water recovery at the top of the tank and means the faucet temperature starts at 140 degrees but then drops to 130 degrees which can be annoying for adjustment at the faucet. Hot water rises and so the hot water output is from the top of the tank. Many modern homes come with dual element water heaters.

Electric storage tank type hot water heaters are often fitted with two thermostats one at the top and one at the bottom of the tank. Complete with a 10 year warranty this water heater is quiet and efficient. And most tankless water heaters feature a display with a temperature readout and controls. Keep in mind that the thermostat is factory preset to a recommended temperature and changing the setting may increase the potential for serious burns.

The dip tube takes cold water in at the top of the tank and brings it to the bottom preventing it from mixing with the hot water. As hot water is drawn from the top of the tank the dip tube delivers cold water to the bottom of the tank see figure 3.