For quite a few people, there's nothing like a hot shower to start the day. Although that may be a fantastic 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 above the recommended degree can throw away power and cost you money. It also can cause a safety issue for members of your family. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can permit growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not provide adequate hot water for your dwelling.
So, what number is the right one for your water heater? Here, we’ll establish the most cost-effective temperature to use, when there could be cause 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 more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists say 120 degrees strikes the right balance between safety and energy use.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save approximately 22 percent on a home's utility bills. Energy waste is especially a challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models constantly heat a tank of water in case it is needed. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is forever heating a tank full of extremely hot water.
What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?
In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is an effective yet cost-saving setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated enough to meet the requirements of most members of the household, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with small children or elderly men and women. Reduced temperatures also decrease mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need to be replaced with a new one.
Can I Raise My Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?
While many industry experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are a couple of different situations where it could make sense to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:
- Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be beneficial in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be helpful if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are immunocompromised.
- High usage: If your home tends to use a lot of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a higher water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s adequate hot water to go around.
- Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water as part of its process, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work correctly.
How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?
While some people like their water exceptionally hot or like to blend hot and cold water to obtain 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 home. At 150 degrees, which is definitely way too hot, it takes only seconds for the water to lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very hazardous in residences with children or the elderly.
Call Bishop’s HVAC for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Sacramento
Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable technicians at Bishop’s HVAC know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve fixed many brands and models of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Sacramento.
We also provide water heater replacement, so call us at 916-591-6889 if you think you need water heater installation in Sacramento. We are happy to check out your system and provide a no-cost estimate!