Water heater casing feels excessively hot to touch during operation.

Safety: Avoid prolonged contact with hot surfaces; allow the unit to cool before removing covers.

• Check ventilation: Ensure ventilation grills and clearances around the heater meet Ideal's installation requirements and are not blocked.
• Inspect internal insulation: With power off, remove the front cover and verify that insulation panels are in place and not damaged.
• Check for signs of overheating: Look for discoloured paint or warped plastic inside the casing.
• Professional check: If casing remains very hot, have a technician verify combustion settings and circulation.