For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Although that may be a perfect way to wake up and start the day, experts say you can set your water too hot.

Setting your water heater to a temperature that’s scorching can waste energy and cost you money. It also can create a safety concern for members of your residence. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply enough hot water for your property.

So, what temp should you set your water heater? Here, we’ll identify the most efficient temperature to use, when there could be justification to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your own water heater.

What Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many brands suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy usage.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save roughly 22 percent on energy bills. Energy waste is especially a challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models constantly heat a tank of water in case it is required. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is constantly heating a tank brimming with very hot water.

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

More often than not, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is an effective yet cost-saving setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is warm enough to meet the needs of most residents, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with young children or elderly individuals. Lower temperatures also minimize mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacement.

Should You Ever Set Your Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? In addition to personal preference, there are a few circumstances where it could be wise to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Hotter water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be useful if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any members of the household have a compromised immune system.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a large volume of hot water at the same time—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a greater water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s enough hot water for all the household's needs.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is getting up there in years and doesn’t heat water itself, it may be necessary to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work effectively.

What Temperature Is Too High?

While some people like their water extremely hot or like to blend hot and cold water to create their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Energy officials say any temperature above 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a residential dwelling. At 150 degrees, which is considered way too hot, it takes only seconds for the water to create third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially unsafe in households with children or the elderly.

Call Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Holbrook

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the qualified specialists at Fal-Ken Heating & Cooling Corporation know these appliances extremely well. They’ve fixed many brands and styles of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Holbrook.

We also provide water heater replacement, so give us a call at 631-460-5159 if you believe you need water heater installation in Holbrook. We are happy to check out your system and produce a no-cost estimate!