For lots of people, there's nothing like a hot shower in the morning. While that may just be a perfect way to wake up and start the day, experts say you should be careful not to set your water too hot.

Setting your water heater to a temperature that’s too hot can squander energy and cost you money. It also can pose a safety issue for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can allow growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply sufficient hot water for your household.

So, what temp is the right one for your water heater? Here, we’ll determine the most efficient temperature to use, when there could be reason to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your personal water heater.

What Temperature for my Water Heater Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Although many brands encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry experts 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 up to 22 percent on a home's utility bills. Energy waste is a frequent challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models always 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 brimming with extremely hot water.

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is the right setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is warm enough to meet the needs of most homes, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with small children or elderly people. Lower 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 Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the preferred water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Beyond 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: Increased water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be practical if you know your home has trouble with bacteria, or if any members of the household have a compromised immune system.
  • High usage: If your home is inclined to use a large volume of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a hotter water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s adequate hot water for everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water as part of its process, it may be necessary to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

What Temperature Is Too High?

Although some people like their water extremely hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to obtain their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Experts say any temperature higher than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a home. At 150 degrees, which is regarded as way too hot, it takes a few seconds for the water to lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially unsafe in homes with children or the elderly.

Call Struven Heating & Cooling for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Crown Point

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the qualified specialists at Struven Heating & Cooling know these appliances inside and out. They’ve serviced many brands and designs of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Crown Point.

We also offer water heater replacement, so call us at 219-292-0956 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Crown Point. We are happy to take a look at your system and give a complimentary estimate!