For lots of people, there's nothing like a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that might be a fantastic 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 above the recommended degree can throw away energy and cost you money. It also can cause a safety challenge for members of your residence. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply sufficient hot water for your household.

So, what temp is the right one for your water heater? Below, we’ll determine the most 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 Temperature for my Water Heater Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Although many brands advise 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 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 costs. 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 filled to the brim with extremely hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

More often than not, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is the right 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 choice, especially in homes with small children or elderly men and women. Lower temperatures also decrease mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need to be replaced with a new one.

Can I Set My Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many industry experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re trying to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are a few scenarios where it could be wise to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Increased water temperatures can be beneficial in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or exacerbate 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 immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a large volume 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 sufficient hot water for all the household's needs.
  • 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 Hot for my Hot Water Heater?

While some people like their water very hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to obtain their ideal water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Plumbing and heating specialists say any temperature above 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a residential dwelling. 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 homes with children or the elderly.

Call Classic Air for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Columbus

Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the qualified specialists at Classic Air know these appliances extremely well. They’ve repaired many brands and models of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Columbus.

We also provide water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 614-210-3041 if you think you need water heater installation in Columbus. We are happy to take a look at your system and produce a free estimate!