For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to start the day. Although that may be a great 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 squander power and cost you money. It also can create a safety concern for members of your family. 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 number should you set your water heater? In this article, we’ll establish the most 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 brands suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees strikes 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 required. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is forever heating a tank full of very hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

More often than not, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is an effective yet cost-saving setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is hot enough to meet the needs of most homes, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with small children or elderly people. Reduced temperatures also decrease mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacement.

Can I Set My Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are some scenarios 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 practical if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any people who live in your home are sick.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a lot of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a higher 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 as part of its process, you may have to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work correctly.

What Temperature Is Too High?

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

Call Marios Air Conditioning for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Thousand Palms

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the skilled technicians at Marios Air Conditioning know these appliances inside and out. They’ve serviced many brands and styles of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Thousand Palms.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 760-314-4766 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Thousand Palms. We are happy to check out your system and provide a free estimate!