Right now the Australian weather is warming up, with summer just around the corner. The days are hot, and the nights are soon to follow. Against this backdrop, what better time to save money and the environment by spending five minutes tinkering with your hot water system?
Most houses that I have visited have their hot water system set far too hot. They are set to temperatures that require an amount of cold water to be mixed with the hot for all daily activities. In other words, the hot water system is holding water at a temperature far higher than is ever used by members of the household. This wastes both electricity and money.
In my opinion, electric and gas hot water systems should be set to the temperature of the household activity that needs the warmest temperature. This activity is normally showering. Ideally, the house member who likes the warmest shower should be able to step into the shower and simply turn on the ‘hot’ tap without using any amount of cold.
Here’s how to adjust down the thermostat on your hot water system:
Step 1: Go to your hot water system.
- The Rheem electric hot water system under Frottage Cottage (my sharehouse)
Step 2: Open the thermostat cover.
- Open the cover that protects the thermostat from damage. This may need a screwdriver.
- You now have access to the thermostat controls.
Step 3: Find the thermostat.
Find the thermostat dial and adjust down to a temperature that is just hot enough for your purposes. This may need a few days of experimentation.
Step 4: Adjust down to a comfortable temperature.
Step 5: Replace the cover and enjoy!
Go on…do it! With this small amount of effort you’ll feel like a DIY expert (anything that requires me to carry a screwdriver around the house generally makes me feel like a handyman), and you will automatically save money on future energy bills. You can always adjust up the temperature for the times when extra guests stay at your house.
It may also be a good idea to let the others in your house know what you are doing, so they don’t think the hot water system is broken and call a plumber. Consultation and experimentation are key here.
Note that due to an Australian standard for plumbing and drainage (AS/NZS 3500) hot water systems cannot be adjusted below 60°C. This is to stop the growth of Legionella bacteria in water storage units.
Tags: electric, energy, home, hot water system, themostat
Why do you recommend that we turn down hot water temperature when you have a note at the bottom also warning you not to take your advice or I could get very ill ? Try advice like a wrap or pipe insulation.
Многие следят за выходом в свет новых порно фильмов с участием их любимых актеров, так как порно звезды снимаются только в очень качественных порно фильмах, которые намного интересней смотреть
Hi Stuart, thanks for this. I have the opposite problem, far too cold. My unit is the exact same one you have pictured. Do I need to press the red reset button after adjusting the thermostat? Thanks!
Sorry, but I’m not sure about that Deby. Maybe ask a plumber or electrician?
Hi Stuart, great info! i have a hot rheem hot water system – 315lt single element that is getting way too hot i have followed you pics but my system is so old that it looks entirely different. i have had a nylon tap washer melt due to the heat and would really like to turn the thermostat down. model is 4010131507B made july ’87!can you help me with locating the thermo control. it’s not visible, maybe there isn’t an option, do you know?
Cheers Deb