For many people, there's nothing like a hot shower in the morning. Although that may 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 scorching can waste electricity and cost you money. It also can cause a safety concern 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 produce adequate hot water for your household.

So, what temp is ideal 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 manufacturers suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy use.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save roughly 22 percent on energy costs. Energy waste is especially a 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 consistently heating a tank filled to the brim with super-hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is the right setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is hot enough to meet the desires of most members of the household, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer option, especially in homes with young children or elderly men and women. Cooler temperatures also minimize 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 industry experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it alright to set it higher? In addition to personal preference, there are a few scenarios where it could be wise to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be beneficial in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or exacerbate certain health conditions. This also may be helpful if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any members of the household are immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a lot of hot water simultaneously—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 all the household's needs.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old 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?

Even though some people like their water exceptionally hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to create their perfect water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Plumbing and heating specialists say any temperature above 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a home. At 150 degrees, which is considered way too hot, it takes just 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 Ameri-Tec for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Narvon

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable technicians at Ameri-Tec know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve fixed many brands and models of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Narvon.

We also offer water heater replacement, so contact us at 717-479-4950 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Narvon. We are happy to examine your system and produce a complimentary estimate!