For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Although 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 above the recommended degree can throw away power 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 permit growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not produce adequate hot water for your household.
So, what temperature is ideal for 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 own water heater.
What Temperature for my Water Heater Is the Most Energy Efficient?
Although many companies 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 use.
The U.S. Department of Energy states that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save approximately 22 percent on energy costs. Energy waste is especially a challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models continuously 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 extremely hot water.
So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?
In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is a good setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated 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 choice, especially in homes with young children or elderly people. Lower temperatures also cut down on mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacement.
Can I Set My Water Temperature Higher Than 120 Degrees?
While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it alright to set it higher? Beyond 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 helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or worsen certain health conditions. This also may be recommended if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are sick.
- 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 enough hot water to go around.
- Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is getting up there in years and doesn’t heat water itself, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work effectively.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for my Hot Water Heater?
Although some people like their water extremely hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to achieve their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Experts say any temperature above 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 especially hazardous in residences with children or the elderly.
Call Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Des Moines
Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the skilled technicians at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling know these appliances extremely well. They’ve serviced many brands and designs of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to take care of your water heater repair in Des Moines.
We also offer water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 515-278-2900 if you think you need water heater installation in Des Moines. We are happy to take a look at your system and give a free estimate!