For lots of people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower in the morning. While that may be a fantastic 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 scorching can throw away electricity and cost you money. It also can pose a safety concern for members of your family. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can permit growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply sufficient hot water for your property.

So, what temperature is ideal for your water heater? Here, we’ll identify the most efficient temperature to use, when there could be justification to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your home's 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. Specialists say 120 degrees hits the right balance between safety and energy usage.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save roughly 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 constantly heating a tank brimming with extremely hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

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

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

While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re trying to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are a couple of different situations where it could be a good idea 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 worsen 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 immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home tends to use a lot of hot water at the same time—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a greater water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s sufficient hot water for everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old and doesn’t heat water itself, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?

While some people like their water extremely hot or would rather 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 hotter than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a residence. At 150 degrees, which is definitely way too hot, it takes only seconds for the water to cause third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very unsafe in households with children or the elderly.

Call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Shamokin and Sunbury

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable specialists at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. know these appliances extremely well. 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 Shamokin and Sunbury.

We also provide water heater replacement, so contact us at 570-648-0748 if you think you need water heater installation in Shamokin and Sunbury. We are happy to take a look at your system and give a no-cost estimate!