Lowering water temp on Atwood HW heater

They are meant to be hot so the hot water lasts longer for showers etc. Just mix with more cold water.
The tank would have to be much larger if it was lower temp.

Atwood does have an Optional Adjustable T-stat (110*F to 150*F) that will replace the 'T-Stat' (preset snap disc that opens at 140*F)

The adjustable uses a thin 3 legged bracket that holds t-stat and is installed in same spot as OEM t-stat

Atwood also has an Optional preset snap disc t-stat that opens at 120*F




Atwood Adjustable T-stat ----- Part 93105

Atwood 120*F T-stat ---------- Part 91470

When new (2001)my Atwood seemed way too hot, so I got the previously mentioned "manual" adjustable thermostat. Worked fine for quite a few years...but even tho it is still on there, I guess it doesn't work anymore. Also...when it did work, it only seemed to control when on propane.
So...I now use a bit more cold water in the mix. No biggie.

We've had the adjustable thermostat for about 4 years now, works fine

jerseyjim wrote:
When new (2001)my Atwood seemed way too hot, so I got the previously mentioned "manual" adjustable thermostat. Worked fine for quite a few years...but even tho it is still on there, I guess it doesn't work anymore. Also...when it did work, it only seemed to control when on propane.
So...I now use a bit more cold water in the mix. No biggie.

That would be due to the fact your 2001 model has 'separate' t-stats for electric and propane

Propane is in outside compartment
Electric is on backside of water heater tank by the electric element

2004 Atwood changed designs and since then ALL use one set for propane/electric ----------prior to that design change separate controls

Just mix more cold water to your desired temperature. If you reduce the water temperature so that you mix only a small amount of cold with it, you will run out of hot water faster. Not important for 1 person, but if you have 2 that would both like a shower, it's nice to have hot water for both people.

I would rather spend the money toward thermostatic-controlled faucet than on 2nd thermostat.
Temperature controlled faucet and shower valve not only save you lot of annoyment, but also will save water.

Thank you for all the replies. I understand that hotter water will require mixing more cold and the hot will last longer. My concern is damaging the plastic piping.

I will invest in the adjustable thermostat or the lower temp. (120 disc)

fourthclassC wrote:
Thank you for all the replies. I understand that hotter water will require mixing more cold and the hot will last longer. My concern is damaging the plastic piping.

I will invest in the adjustable thermostat or the lower temp. (120 disc)

If it's PEX tubing, it's fine for quite high temperatures. From this page, it's rated for use at up to 100 psi at 180 degrees or 80 psi at 200 degrees.