What Temperature Should a Rheem Tankless Water Heater Be Set At?

Rheem is a well-known brand that offers a variety of tankless water heaters for different needs and preferences. These water heaters are designed to provide hot water on demand, saving energy and space. They also have features such as digital display, self-modulating technology, and recirculation pump.

However, one of the most important factors that affect the performance and safety of a rheem tankless water heater is the temperature setting. The temperature setting determines how hot the water will be when it comes out of the faucet or showerhead.

If the temperature is too low, it may not be comfortable or effective for your needs. If the temperature is too high, it may cause scalding injuries or damage to your pipes and fixtures.

So, what temperature should a rheem tankless water heater be set at? In this blog post, we will answer this question and show you how to adjust the temperature setting on your rheem tankless water heater.

The Recommended Temperature Setting for a Rheem Tankless Water Heater

The recommended temperature setting from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for a tank and tankless water heaters is 120°F. The 120°F setting is especially important for households with elderly occupants or small children to prevent burns.

According to the CPSC, a child can suffer a third-degree burn in just one second at 140°F, but it takes five minutes at 120°F.

The 120°F setting is also beneficial for saving energy and money. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), lowering the temperature setting by 10°F can save you 3% to 5% on your energy bill. The lower temperature also reduces the risk of corrosion and mineral buildup in your pipes and fixtures.

However, the 120°F setting may not be suitable for everyone or every situation. Some people may prefer a higher temperature for personal comfort or specific purposes.

For example, some people may like a hotter shower or bath, some may need a higher temperature for dishwashing or laundry, and some may have health conditions that require a higher temperature.

The maximum temperature setting for most rheem tankless water heaters is 140°F. However, some models can go up to 160°F or 180°F with special adjustments. To set the temperature higher than 120°F, you need to follow some steps that vary depending on your model.

How to Adjust the Temperature Setting on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater

The process of adjusting the temperature setting on a rheem tankless water heater depends on whether you have a remote control or not.

A remote control is a device that allows you to change the temperature setting from anywhere in your home. Some rheem tankless water heaters come with a remote control, while others require you to purchase one separately.

If you have a remote control, you can adjust the temperature setting by following these steps:

• Turn on the remote control and press the power button.
• Press the up or down arrow buttons to select your desired temperature setting. You can choose from 100°F to 140°F in increments of 5°F¹.
• Press the enter button to confirm your selection.
• Check the display to see if your selection has been accepted.

If you do not have a remote control, you can adjust the temperature setting by following these steps:

To safely change the settings of your hot water heater, you will need to follow a few steps. First, turn off all of the hot water faucets in your home. Then, open a hot water faucet and let the water run until you get hot water from the unit. After that, turn off the gas and water shut-off valves.

Next, you will need to remove the front cover of the unit by unscrewing the nut on the right side and pulling out the cover. Once the cover is removed, locate the dip switch #4 on the printed circuit board (PCB).

This switch is located at the top left-hand side of the board. Change the dip switch #4 setting to the “On” position. Be sure not to alter any other dip switch settings.

Once you have changed the dip switch #4 setting, the LED on the PCB will start flashing, and the display of the main remote control will start flashing as well. To continue, press the SW1 button on the left-hand side of the PCB for more than 1 second.

The LED on the PCB will start illuminating continuously, and the display of the main remote control will be on continuously as well.

After pressing the SW1 button, change the dip switch #4 setting back to the “Off” position. Be sure not to alter any other dip switch settings. The LED on the PCB will stop illuminating, and the display of the main remote control will turn off.

Finally, replace the front cover of the unit and tighten the nut securely. Turn on the gas and water shut-off valves, and check to ensure the safe operation and performance of the water heater. By following these steps, you can safely change the settings of your hot water heater.

How to Change the Temperature Setting Back to 120°F

If you want to change the temperature setting back to 120°F, you can follow these steps:

• Turn on the remote control and press the power button.
• Press the up or down arrow buttons to select 120°F as your temperature setting.
• Press the enter button to confirm your selection.
• Check the display to see if your selection has been accepted.

Conclusion

The temperature setting of a rheem tankless water heater is an important factor that affects its performance and safety. The recommended temperature setting is 120°F, but you can adjust it higher or lower according to your needs and preferences. To adjust the temperature setting, you need to use a remote control or a dip switch on the unit. To change the temperature setting back to 120°F, you need to follow the same steps in reverse.