For quite a few people, there's nothing like a hot shower to get the morning started. While that may just be a great 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 squander electricity and cost you money. It also can cause a safety challenge for members of your family. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply adequate hot water for your household.

So, what temp should you set your water heater? In this article, we’ll establish the most cost-effective 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 Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many manufacturers advise setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees strikes 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 especially a challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models always 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 full of super-hot water.

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

More often than not, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is the right setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated enough to meet the requirements of most residents, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with young children or elderly people. Cooler temperatures also decrease 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 plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it alright to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are some scenarios where it could be wise to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or worsen 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 significant amount of hot water simultaneously—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a hotter water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s enough hot water to go around.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water on its own, 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 quite hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to create their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Experts say any temperature hotter 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 a few seconds for the water to create third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very hazardous in households with children or the elderly.

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

Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable technicians at Struven Heating & Cooling know these appliances inside and out. They’ve fixed many brands and models of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Crown Point.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so contact us at 219-292-0956 if you believe you need water heater installation in Crown Point. We are happy to examine your system and give a no-cost estimate!