When adjusting the water temperature in the shower is it better to adjust the hot knob or cold knob?

Question

I didn't know if it was more efficient to adjust one more than the other to change and control water temparture.

Answer 1

If you're looking for energy efficiency, then you want to use less water, especially less hot water. If it's too hot--turn down the hot. If it's too cold--turn down the cold!

Unless you have a super low-flow shower head, there's usually more water coming out then you need. After you turn the flow down, you'll quickly get used to the change. Even rinsing long hair only takes a few seconds longer with less water flow. With less flow, you can actually have a hotter shower that uses *less* hot water that you used before. (The hot water is less diluted with cold water, so you can use less of it and still get a higher temp.)

Answer 2

It's very common. As you use hot water, your water heater adds cold water, from the main water pipe, to its tank, and starts heating it. It takes time to heat it. It can't keep up with your usage. The cold water added lowers the temperature of the water in the water heater tank. Most water heaters will catch up about a half hour or hour after you stop using the hot water. The things that make the water at the shower get cold faster are a smaller water heater tank, a lower power water heater, colder water coming from the main water pipe, and sediment in the water heater tank, which needs to be cleaned out once every couple of years. To clean it out, turn off the water heater gas or electricity, attach a hose to the outlet at the bottom and open the valve there, with the hose running outdoors and downhill or to a drain, and let it run till it runs clean. You might need an adaptor for the hose, which should be available at Home Depot or Lowes or some such place. Be careful that if the hose doesn't fit well, it's likely to leak, which might or might not be a problem depending on where the water heater is.

Answer 3

Before you get in the shower, assuming that you have a tub/ shower combination do this. Turn on the hot water and let it run for a minute or two and then turn on the cold. Then before you turn the center knob to make the water go through the shower nozzle make sure it is the correct temperature and pressure. If you have only a shower you can still make the adjustments BEFORE you get in. Remember that it will take the hot water some time to get from the hot water heater to your shower so let it run for a couple of minutes first. This way you will not burn yourself.

Answer 4

I say adjust it with the hot knob. The less hot water you use the less it costs. I'd turn the cold water on first. Then turn the hot on til it's the right temperature.

Answer 5

It is more efficient to turn on the cold tap first and then gradually turn the hot tap to the preferred temp. But the downside is that it can become too hot quickly so its really up to you. However if you get into a habit of doing this make sure and let it run a few minutes while you lay out your bath towel. I also let the water run a few minutes to be sure before I give my baby her bath and its just safer that way.

Answer 6

hello...Jmartinsg (:

The hot knob for sure and yes that would be more efficient and also turn your water heater down if you are concerned about the cost of you PG & E Bill. Always be safe especially if you have children. Have a grate day, and remember to
Love yourself and to Love God.
Sincerely, ...J (:

Answer 7

just adjust both. but first adjust the hot knob then turn the cold knob so that you can adjust the temperature of the water.

its... a basic thing. just use your common sense.

Answer 8

Cold

Answer 9

Firstly I would check the hot water tank to see it is not set too hot. Other than that add more cold

Answer 10

I find fine adjustments of the warm knob work well.

-Chris
http://www.howtomakeaflyer.org