Water

How to Turn Up Hot Water Heater

water heater

"water heater"
You can adjust the temperature of your water heater to save energy, and to prevent scalding from super hot water. SolStock/Getty Images

Let's take a close-up look at what's going on inside a water heater's tank to see how it does its job.

A water heater's thermostat controls the temperature of the water inside the tank. Normally, you can set the temperature anywhere between 120 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 82 degrees Celsius).

The water temperature setting recommended by most manufacturers is between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (49 to 60 degrees Celsius). This is hot enough to be sufficient for household use, but not hot enough that it can pose a scalding risk.

Benefits of Lower Temperature Limits

If there are children living in your home, it's wise to stay closer to the lower end of the range.

Setting your water heater to a lower temperature saves energy, too, and if you remember to dial back the heat when you go on vacation, you'll experience even more energy savings.

Usually, the thermostat is located underneath a protective cover plate and has a knob or dial you can turn to set the desired temperature.

How a Water Heater Heats Water

The dip tube feeds cold water from your home's water lines to the bottom of the tank's interior, where the water starts to warm up. The heating mechanism — either a burner or an element — stays on until the water reaches temperature.

As the water heats, it rises to the top of the tank. The heat-out pipe is located near the top of the tank. Water exiting the water heater at the top is always the hottest in the tank at any given moment because it's the nature of hot water to rise above denser, cold water.

The secret to a water heater's design for separating cold, incoming water from hot, outgoing water is that it relies on the principle that heat rises to do the hard part. The position of the heat-out pipe at the top of the tank does the rest.

Hot Water Heater Maintenance

Home improvement experts recommend performing preventative maintenance annually on tank-style water heaters, which a professional technician can help you with. Components such as the pressure release valve and anode rod should be inspected to ensure effective operation.

Over time, the tank can also fill up with natural sediment and minerals from your water source. These contaminants clump together at the bottom of the heater, reducing its efficiency and potentially shortening the service life of the system.

To stop this from happening, the technician can drain the tank and flush out any collected sediment.

Water Activities Near Las Vegas to Make a Splash

Summers in Las Vegas are notoriously hot. One of the best ways to cool off? Getting in the water! Pools, kayaks, lakes, and more have all become popular activities on the hottest days in Las Vegas. Whether you want to stay in the city at Las Vegas pools or are looking to take a road trip to some lakes and waterfalls, read on for your guide to making a splash in Las Vegas so you can cool down on your summer vacation to the city.

 

Circa Stadium Swim®

 

If you’re staying in the city, Stadium Swim is the spot for a stylish summer cool down. This rooftop poolscape is a stunner, boasting six pools on three different levels, all sitting in front of a massive 40-foot-tall LED screen playing the sporting events of the day. You can chill in one of the 370 chairs lined up around the pools, but for those who want to party in style with some space, there are options like lily pads, daybeds, and cabanas for reservation.

What makes this pool stand out is its unique concept, unlike anything else you’ll find in Las Vegas. It’s like a sportsbook, complete with stadium-style seating, but with the bonus of swimming pools to jump into when the heat or the game gets too intense. Stadium Swim is open every day, all year round. Even better, guests at Golden Gate Las Vegas get free access to Stadium Swim to make your summer even cooler.

In a nutshell, this spot is perfect for sports fans who want to soak in some poolside action and have a blast. It’s a lively party scene, so don’t expect to be too focused on the game all the time – just enjoy the fun vibes, great company, and stunning views of the Fremont Street Experience!

 

Lake Las Vegas for Las Vegas Water Activities

 

Lake Las Vegas

 

Located in Henderson, just 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Las Vegas is a hot destination for Las Vegas water sports! Embark on an elegant cruise aboard your very own private yacht, complete with a crew and two fully-stocked bars for your enjoyment. Guests also have the option to rent paddle boards or kayaks on an hourly basis. For those looking to stay dry, a selection of electric boats is available for leisurely cruises on the sparkling water.

Thrill-seekers will love the on-lake Aqua Park and pulse-pounding water jetpack experiences, a surefire way for an invigorating adventure. For those seeking a comprehensive day of entertainment, Lake Las Vegas offers various adventure packages that feature yacht cruises, delectable dining, an exhilarating helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam, and more.

 

Lake Mead

 

For an escape packed with natural beauty, head to Lake Mead, where the views are expansive and the waters are refreshing. When it comes to lakes near Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the local favorite. It’s perfect for those who like to participate in watersports like boating, water skiing, and tubing. There are tons of options for scenic hikes and nature walks around Lake Mead that will help you break up the water fun and see the beautiful landscape from a different perspective.

If you want something a little more relaxed, a cruise might be the perfect way for you to enjoy the area. You won’t be getting in the water, but you’ll still be able to enjoy being on the lake. The Lake Mead cruise is a Mississippi-style paddlewheeler that offers a climate-controlled environment, and even offers fun champagne brunch and sunset dinner cruises to make for a truly unique way to see the lake.

 

Friends Kayaking the Black Canyon Water Trail Near Vegas

 

Black Canyon Water Trail

 

If you like adventure, look no further than the Black Canyon Water Trail! Located about 45-minutes outside of Las Vegas, this route flows along the Lower Colorado River through Lake Mead National Recreation Area between Hoover Dam and Eldorado Canyon. As you float along, keep your eyes peeled to spot tons of wildlife. You might even see bald eagles, coyotes, and bighorn sheep along the rocky walls and canyons. It’s a real wild wonderland!

Picture this: you’re on a kayak or canoe, floating along the Colorado River, with massive cliffs shooting up on both sides. The water is green and refreshing, and the skies are an endless blue. Can you believe this cool retreat is just a hop away from the glitzy Las Vegas Strip? You can paddle up to 30 miles of pure wilderness and solitude, with sandy beaches, cool caves in vibrant colors, and plenty of hidden coves and secret hot springs to explore. Plus, there are some excellent hiking trails like Gold Strike Canyon and Boy Scout Canyon if you’re up for some extra adventure.

 

Mount Charleston & Mary Jane Falls 

 

Looking to escape that scorching heat? Try Mount Charleston, a laid-back community just a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas. It’s like a breath of fresh air up there, literally! You’ll feel the temperature drop around 20 degrees, making it the perfect getaway from the skyrocketing temperatures on the strip. Hike your way up to some stunning scenic overlooks, ancient pine trees, and the famous Mary Jane Falls. It might not be the biggest waterfall in the summer, but you can still enjoy the peaceful babbling brook during the low season. 

 

From Las Vegas lakes to Las Vegas pools, there are tons of ways to stay cool in the desert heat. Whether you’re a sports fan looking for a party atmosphere, an adventurer seeking nature’s best, or simply someone wanting to beat the heat, the Las Vegas area offers a range of incredible experiences for every taste. Don’t let the heat stop you, get out there and make the most of your Las Vegas getaway! Book your room at Golden Gate Las Vegas to enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest.