For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower in the morning. While that may be a fantastic 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 above the recommended degree can waste electricity and cost you money. It also can cause 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 supply enough hot water for your dwelling.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? In this article, we’ll identify the most cost-effective temperature to use, when there could be reason 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 advise setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists say 120 degrees hits the right balance between safety and energy usage.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save roughly 22 percent on energy costs. Energy waste is a frequent 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 Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is a good setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is warm enough to meet the requirements of most members of the household, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer option, especially in homes with younger children or elderly people. Cooler temperatures also cut down on mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need to be replaced with a new one.

Should You Ever Set Your Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are a couple of different scenarios where it could be a good idea to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be useful if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any residents of the house have a compromised immune system.
  • High usage: If your home is inclined to use a large volume 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 adequate hot water for everyone.
  • 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 effectively.

What Temperature Is Too High?

Even though some people like their water very hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to achieve their perfect water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Energy officials say any temperature above 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a home. At 150 degrees, which is considered way too hot, it takes just seconds for the water to lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially unsafe in households with children or the elderly.

Call Mechanical Air Systems Co for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Mason City

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the qualified specialists at Mechanical Air Systems Co know these appliances extremely well. They’ve serviced many brands and designs of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to take care of your water heater repair in Mason City.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so call us at 641-243-4654 if you think you need water heater installation in Mason City. We are happy to examine your system and provide a free estimate!