For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that may be a great way to wake up and start the day, experts say it’s possible to set your water too hot.

Setting your water heater to a temperature that’s scorching can throw away power and cost you money. It also can cause a safety concern for members of your household. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can allow growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not provide adequate hot water for your dwelling.

So, what number should you set your water heater? Here, we’ll determine the most effective 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 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. Industry experts say 120 degrees strikes the right balance between safety and energy consumption.

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

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

In many instances, 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 needs of most members of the household, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer option, especially in homes with younger children or elderly individuals. Cooler temperatures also decrease mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacing.

Can I Raise My Water Temperature Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are a few situations 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 exacerbate certain health conditions. This also may be practical if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are sick.
  • 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 higher water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s enough hot water for all the household's needs.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old and doesn’t heat water as part of its process, you may have to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?

Although some people like their water extremely hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to obtain their ideal 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 residential dwelling. At 150 degrees, which is definitely 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 especially unsafe in residences with children or the elderly.

Call Western Mechanical, Inc. for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Cache Valley

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the skilled pros at Western Mechanical, Inc. know these appliances extremely well. They’ve fixed many brands and styles of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Cache Valley.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so call us at 435-753-5515 if you believe you need water heater installation in Cache Valley. We are happy to take a look at your system and produce a no-cost estimate!