How to Check a Thermostat on the Sears Electric Hot Water Heater

Sears doesn't actually manufacturer water heaters, but rather puts its brand name on a variety of water heaters made by companies such as Kenmore. The thermostat in the water heater controls the temperature of the water. If your home's water is too cold or hot, you can adjust the temperature on the dial. The temperature dial is not straightforward and utilizes a variety of symbols to represent different temperature ranges.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the round dial temperature dial located near the top of the Sears water heater. The dial will have the words "Very Hot," "Hot," and sometimes "LOW."
- 2
  Interpret the symbols on the face of the dial. The word "LOW" equals approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit; a single triangle or the word "Hot" equals approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit; "A" equals approximately 130 degrees; "B" equals approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit; "C" equals approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit; and "Very Hot" equals approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 3
  Turn off the electric power to the Sears water heater at the main breaker box, if you need to adjust the thermostat.
- 4
  Take off the water heater's access panel and remove the insulation cap by hand.
- 5
  Turn the slotted adjustment screw with a Phillips screwdriver clockwise to increase the temperature or counterclockwise to decrease the temperature. Make sure the preferred temperature symbol is sitting underneath the tip of the arrow.
- 6
  Replace the insulation cap, access panel and turn back on the power.

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