For lots of people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower in the morning. While 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 cause a safety challenge 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 produce enough hot water for your household.

So, what temperature is ideal for your water heater? In this article, we’ll determine the most efficient 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 Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many manufacturers advise 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 use.

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 required. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is forever heating a tank brimming with very hot water.

What Temperature Should I Set My Hot Water To?

In many instances, 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 residents, 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.

Can I Set My Water Temperature Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many energy experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are some scenarios where it could make sense 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 exacerbate certain health conditions. This also may be recommended if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any members of the household are sick.
  • High usage: If your home tends 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 all the household's needs.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is getting up there in years and doesn’t heat water as part of its process, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work correctly.

What Temperature Is Too Hot for my Hot Water Heater?

Although some people like their water quite hot or prefer to blend hot and cold water to obtain their ideal 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 considered way too hot, it takes just seconds for the water to cause third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very dangerous in households with children or the elderly.

Call Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Yukon

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the skilled specialists at Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve fixed many brands and types of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to take care of your water heater repair in Yukon.

We also provide water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 405-494-7444 if you believe you need water heater installation in Yukon. We are happy to take a look at your system and produce a free estimate!