For quite a few people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower in the morning. Even though 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 too hot can waste electricity and cost you money. It also can cause a safety issue for members of your home. 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 household.
So, what temp should you set your water heater? In this article, we’ll establish 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 personal water heater.
What Is the Most Efficient Temperature for a Water Heater?
Although many brands advise setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy usage.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save up to 22 percent on energy costs. Energy waste is a frequent challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models constantly heat a tank of water in case it is demanded. 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?
In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is a good setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated 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 younger children or elderly people. Cooler 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 be a good idea to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:
- Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or exacerbate certain health conditions. This also may be helpful if you know your home has trouble with bacteria, or if any residents of the house have a compromised immune system.
- High usage: If your home tends to use a significant amount 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 enough hot water for everyone.
- Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is getting up there in years and doesn’t heat water on its own, you may have 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 quite hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to obtain their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Plumbing and heating specialists say any temperature higher than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a residential dwelling. At 150 degrees, which is regarded as 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 dangerous in homes 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 skilled technicians at Bishop’s HVAC know these appliances inside and out. They’ve repaired many brands and designs of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Sacramento.
We also offer water heater replacement, so contact us at 916-591-6889 if you believe you need water heater installation in Sacramento. We are happy to take a look at your system and give a no-cost estimate!