For quite a few people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that may be a fantastic 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 waste power and cost you money. It also can cause a safety challenge 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 enough hot water for your dwelling.

So, what temperature is ideal for your water heater? Here, we’ll establish the most efficient temperature to use, when there could be cause 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 companies encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more economical temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees hits the right balance between safety and energy consumption.

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

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

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 choice, especially in homes with younger children or elderly men and women. Cooler temperatures also cut down on mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need to be replaced with a new one.

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

While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it OK to set it higher? In addition to personal preference, there are a couple of different scenarios where it could make sense to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Hotter water temperatures can be beneficial in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be recommended if you know your home has trouble with bacteria, or if any people who live in your home are immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a large volume of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a greater 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 effectively.

How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?

Although some people like their water quite hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to create their perfect 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 residence. At 150 degrees, which is considered way too hot, it takes just seconds for the water to create third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very unsafe in homes with children or the elderly.

Call B & B Heating & Cooling for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Florissant and St. Charles

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the skilled pros at B & B Heating & Cooling know these appliances extremely well. They’ve repaired many brands and types of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Florissant and St. Charles.

We also offer water heater replacement, so give us a call at 314-325-7552 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Florissant and St. Charles. We are happy to check out your system and produce a free estimate!