Art Todesco wrote:
Walter R. wrote:
I had a new GE 40 gal gas water heater installed, replacing an old unit.

We noticed right away that the water temperature in the shower often
needs adjustment when we step in the shower (after the water has been
running for several minutes to allow for cold pipes). The temp is set
fairly low to avoid wasting a lot of hot water. The water coming from
the shower head, after I let it run for 4 minutes, shows between 95
and 105 degree, a 10 degree differential.

Is this normal? I am glad my furnace thermostat is more accurate than
that.

Thanks

If I understand correctly, I have the same problem. This is my 5th
water heater
in this house in many, many years. This one and the last one behave as
follows:
For the 1st shower in the morning, after setting all night, you have to
use very
little cold water. While you are showing, the water heater fires up
(note gas) and
the water gets warmer. You then have to add more cold to compensate. I
have
pressure balanced valve on both showers, however, pressures don't
change, only
the hot water temperature. I heard somewhere, maybe on this group, that
the
newer gas heaters are set up to "float" with the usage. This is
supposed to
reduce heat loss, or something like that. BTW, all day, when
water is being used (2 retired people), it stays at the higher
temperature. It
only to gets cooler when you there is no usage for a bunch of hours. I
have the
water heater set to the recommended setting which is not anywhere near the
highest setting. Maybe if it were set to a higher setting, you wouldn't
notice it
as much. Any comments?
Art

I have noticed the same thing, when I moved into my house the first
shower of the day was never hot enough, but if you were second in line
you got a nice hot one. I eventually just raised the tank temp, you
still have to adjust a little, but at least everyone gets a hot shower.

nate

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