For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to start the day. Although 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 above the recommended degree can throw away energy and cost you money. It also can create a safety concern for members of your household. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can allow growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not supply enough hot water for your household.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? Here, 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 personal water heater.

What Temperature for my Water Heater Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Although many companies suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists 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 approximately 22 percent on energy bills. 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 consistently heating a tank full of very hot water.

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

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 hot enough to meet the desires of most members of the household, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with small children or elderly people. Cooler 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 Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the preferred water heater temperature if you’re looking to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Apart from personal preference, there are some situations where it could make sense to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Hotter water temperatures can be helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be helpful if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any members of the household are sick.
  • High usage: If your home is inclined to use a significant amount of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a hotter water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s sufficient hot water for everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water itself, it may be necessary to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work properly.

How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?

Although some people like their water exceptionally hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to achieve their desired water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Experts say any temperature higher than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a residence. At 150 degrees, which is considered way too hot, it takes only seconds for the water to create third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially hazardous in homes with children or the elderly.

Call Mountain Air for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Morgantown

Water heaters can seem a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable pros at Mountain Air know these appliances extremely well. They’ve repaired many brands and types of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to take care of your water heater repair in Morgantown.

We also offer water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 304-413-1287 if you believe you need water heater installation in Morgantown. We are happy to check out your system and provide a no-cost estimate!