For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that may 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 squander electricity and cost you money. It also can create a safety concern for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can permit growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not produce enough hot water for your household.

So, what number is the right one for your water heater? Here, we’ll identify the most effective temperature to use, when there could be justification 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. Experts say 120 degrees strikes 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 a home's utility bills. Energy waste is especially a 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 full of extremely 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 heated enough to meet the requirements of most homes, but not so hot that it risks burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with younger children or elderly individuals. 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.

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 few situations 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 worsen 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 sick.
  • High usage: If your home tends 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 sufficient hot water to go around.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old and doesn’t heat water on its own, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work effectively.

What Temperature Is Too High?

While some people like their water extremely hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to obtain 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 only seconds for the water to cause third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially dangerous in households 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 pros at Brandywine Heating & Air know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve serviced many brands and models of water heaters over the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Wilmington.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so give us a call at 302-261-3596 if you believe you need water heater installation in Wilmington. We are happy to examine your system and provide a free estimate!