For many people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower in the morning. Even though that might be a great 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 scorching can throw away energy and cost you money. It also can cause a safety concern for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can allow growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply adequate hot water for your dwelling.

So, what temp is the right one 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 brands suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better 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 reports that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save approximately 22 percent on energy bills. Energy waste is a particular 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 forever heating a tank full of very hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

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 warm enough to meet the needs of most members of the household, but not so hot that it could cause burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer option, especially in homes with younger children or elderly people. Lower temperatures also minimize mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacing.

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

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it alright to set it higher? In addition to personal preference, there are a few situations where it could be a good idea 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 aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be helpful if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a lot of hot water simultaneously—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 getting up there in years and doesn’t heat water itself, it may be necessary 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 prefer to blend hot and cold water to create their desired 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 residence. At 150 degrees, which is definitely 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 considered very unsafe in residences with children or the elderly.

Call Brandywine Heating & Air for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Wilmington

Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the skilled specialists at Brandywine Heating & Air know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve fixed 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 provide water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 302-261-3596 if you believe you need water heater installation in Wilmington. We are happy to examine your system and provide a no-cost estimate!