For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that may just 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 scorching can throw away power and cost you money. It also can pose a safety issue for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply adequate hot water for your dwelling.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? Below, we’ll determine 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 encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry experts say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy usage.

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

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

More often than not, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is a good setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is hot enough to meet the requirements of most members of the household, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with young children or elderly people. Reduced temperatures also minimize mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacement.

Should You Ever Set Your Water Temperature Higher 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 alright to set it higher? In addition to personal preference, there are a couple of different circumstances where it could make sense 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 helpful if you know your home has trouble with bacteria, or if any people who live in your home are immunocompromised.
  • 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 hotter 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 as part of its process, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

What Temperature Is Too Hot for my Hot Water Heater?

Even though some people like their water exceptionally hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to create their perfect water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Plumbing and heating specialists say any temperature hotter than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a home. At 150 degrees, which is considered 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 Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Smyrna

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the qualified pros at Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC know these appliances extremely well. They’ve serviced many brands and models of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Smyrna.

We also provide water heater replacement, so give us a call at 302-653-0503 if you think you need water heater installation in Smyrna. We are happy to check out your system and give a complimentary estimate!