For many people, nothing feels quite as good as a hot shower in the morning. While that might be a perfect 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 too hot can throw away electricity and cost you money. It also can cause a safety concern for members of your residence. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not provide enough hot water for your property.

So, what temp is the right one for your water heater? Below, we’ll determine the most 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 Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many manufacturers encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry experts say 120 degrees provides 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 a home's utility bills. Energy waste is a particular challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models always heat a tank of water in case it is required. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is constantly heating a tank filled to the brim with super-hot water.

So What Temperature Should My Hot Water Be?

In most cases, 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 needs of most homes, but not so hot that it could cause burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer alternative, especially in homes with young children or elderly men and women. Cooler temperatures also decrease mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacing.

Can I Set My Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many industry experts say 120 degrees is the best water heater temperature if you’re trying to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are a couple of different situations where it could be a good idea to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Hotter water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or exacerbate certain health conditions. This also may be practical if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any members of the household are immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home tends 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 sufficient hot water for all the household's needs.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water itself, you may need to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work effectively.

What Temperature Is Too Hot for my Hot Water Heater?

While some people like their water quite hot or like to blend hot and cold water to create their ideal water temperature, there is such a thing as water that is too hot. Experts say any temperature hotter than 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 lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially dangerous in homes with children or the elderly.

Call Halverson Brothers Inc for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Menomonie and western Wisconsin

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the qualified specialists at Halverson Brothers Inc know these appliances inside and out. They’ve repaired many brands and types of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Menomonie and western Wisconsin.

We also offer water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 715-578-8046 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Menomonie and western Wisconsin. We are happy to take a look at your system and produce a no-cost estimate!