For lots of people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower in the morning. While that may just be a perfect 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 squander energy and cost you money. It also can create a safety challenge 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 produce enough hot water for your property.

So, what temperature is ideal for your water heater? Here, we’ll identify the most cost-effective temperature to use, when there could be cause to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your home's water heater.

What Is the Most Efficient Temperature for a Water Heater?

Although many manufacturers encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry experts say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy use.

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

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

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 desires of most members of the household, but not so hot that it could cause burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with younger children or elderly men and women. Reduced 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 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 a couple of different scenarios where it could be wise to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Hotter 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 members of the household have a compromised immune system.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency 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 for everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water on its own, you may have to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

What Temperature Is Too High?

While some people like their water very hot or like to blend hot and cold water to achieve their perfect 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 home. At 150 degrees, which is regarded as way too hot, it takes a few seconds for the water to cause third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially dangerous in households with children or the elderly.

Call Ambience HVAC, Inc. for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Wilmington

Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable specialists at Ambience HVAC, Inc. know these appliances extremely well. They’ve repaired many brands and styles of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Wilmington.

We also offer water heater replacement, so contact us at 302-239-HVAC (4822) if you think you need water heater installation in Wilmington. We are happy to check out your system and give a complimentary estimate!