Water Heaters in Series - Temp Settings

[fgajor22]

Hi,

I own a short-term vacation home in Las Vegas, have just added a water heater (40 gallon electric) first in series to the existing (50 gallon gas). It was only needed for when I had 6-8 guests staying at the home, and they took showers close to each other.

I have 2 questions:

1. What is the lowest temperature I can set the pre-heat tank to?

2. Can I turn off the pre-heat tank to save electricity when there are not
going to be guests at the home for a week or more?

The tanks are located in the garage and the outside temperature in Vegas in the summer months averages about 105 degrees, so ambient temp. will always be pretty hot. I am concerned about bacteria in the water etc., but do not know if it is an issue since I would be heating the water anyway when the water gets pushed into the 2nd tank.

Thanks for any help.

Frank

 

[LiQuId]

the pre heat tank could be turned off completelly and would act as a resovoir for the second, it would act pretty much the same as if you had only the secon gas tank on, so If youre not going to be there then I would suggest turning it off completelly.

bacteria is rarely an issue TBH, but suggestions are that water should be heated to 140 to kill of any legonella bacteria that could contaminate the water, being in that most of us do not drink hot water this is rarely an issue. you could always circulate the water if bacteria is a real concern, this would effectively keep all water in your lines heated to an acceptable temperature. I would suggest simplytaking a good long shower when you arrive in your place, this would displace all the potentially stagnent water in the first electric tank and flush the lines as well, plus... Who doesnt like a good shower after a long trip ?

hope this helps.