For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower in the morning. While that may be a perfect 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 too hot can throw away power and cost you money. It also can pose a safety issue for members of your residence. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can permit growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply adequate hot water for your household.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? Below, we’ll determine the most cost-effective temperature to use, when there could be justification to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your own water heater.

What Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many manufacturers encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more economical temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists say 120 degrees strikes the right balance between safety and energy consumption.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save roughly 22 percent on a home's utility bills. 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 forever heating a tank full of very hot water.

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

In many instances, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is an effective yet cost-saving setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated enough to meet the desires of most homes, but not so hot that it could cause burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer choice, especially in homes with small children or elderly people. Cooler temperatures also minimize mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacing.

Can I Set My Water Temperature Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many industry experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it alright to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are some scenarios where it could make sense 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 aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be practical if you know your home has trouble with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are sick.
  • High usage: If your home tends to use a large volume of hot water at the same time—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 everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model 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?

Even though some people like their water very hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to obtain their perfect 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 residential dwelling. At 150 degrees, which is regarded as way too hot, it takes a few seconds for the water to lead to 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 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 extremely well. They’ve fixed many brands and types of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to take care of your water heater repair in Narvon.

We also provide water heater replacement, so call us at 717-479-4950 if you believe you need water heater installation in Narvon. We are happy to check out your system and give a complimentary estimate!