For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower to get the morning started. Even though that might be a great 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 too hot can throw away power and cost you money. It also can pose 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 provide adequate hot water for your property.

So, what temp is the right one for your water heater? Below, we’ll establish 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 own water heater.

What Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many brands advise setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees hits the right balance between safety and energy use.

The U.S. Department of Energy states 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 always 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 brimming with very hot water.

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

More often than not, 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 residents, 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 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.

Can I Raise My Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many industry 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 some situations where it could be wise 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 worsen certain health conditions. This also may be useful if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any people who live in your home are sick.
  • High usage: If your home tends to use a lot 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 to go around.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old and doesn’t heat water itself, you may need 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 like to blend hot and cold water to obtain their perfect water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Plumbing and heating specialists say any temperature higher than 140 degrees is too hot for a water heater in a home. 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 hazardous in residences with children or the elderly.

Call Air-Right Energy Design for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Manassas

Water heaters can sometimes feel a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable pros at Air-Right Energy Design know these appliances extremely well. They’ve fixed many brands and styles of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Manassas.

We also are skilled in water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 703-260-9467 if you believe you need water heater installation in Manassas. We are happy to check out your system and provide a no-cost estimate!