Adjusting a water heater’s temperature involves modifying the thermostat setting to increase the delivered hot water temperature. This process typically requires locating the access panel, removing insulation, and using a screwdriver to adjust the dial to a higher setting. Care should be taken to avoid excessively high temperatures that could scald or damage the system.
Elevated hot water temperatures can offer several advantages, including improved cleaning effectiveness and the ability to sanitize items more thoroughly. However, it is crucial to balance these benefits against the risks of scalding and increased energy consumption. Historically, hot water systems were often set at higher temperatures to compensate for less efficient appliances; modern systems may not require such high settings.