For many people, there's nothing like a hot shower in the morning. 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 scorching can throw away power and cost you money. It also can cause a safety challenge for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can allow growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not produce adequate hot water for your household.

So, what number should you set your water heater? Below, we’ll determine the most efficient 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 Temperature for my Water Heater Is the Most Energy Efficient?

Although many companies encourage setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a better temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Industry experts say 120 degrees provides 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 up to 22 percent on energy bills. Energy waste is a particular 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 consistently heating a tank full of extremely hot water.

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

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 warm enough to meet the needs of most residents, but not so hot that it could cause burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer choice, especially in homes with young children or elderly people. Reduced 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.

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 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 beneficial 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 members of the household have a compromised immune system.
  • High usage: If your home tends to use a significant amount of hot water simultaneously—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a hotter water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s enough hot water to go around.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is old and doesn’t heat water itself, you may have to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work correctly.

What Temperature Is Too Hot for my Hot Water Heater?

While some people like their water extremely 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 definitely way too hot, it takes a few seconds for the water to lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is considered very dangerous in homes with children or the elderly.

Call Everest Heating & Cooling for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Lansing

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the knowledgeable pros at Everest Heating & Cooling know these appliances inside and out. They’ve repaired many brands and models of water heaters throughout the years, so they have the experience to tackle your water heater repair in Lansing.

We also offer water heater replacement, so call us at 913-845-9463 if you think you need water heater installation in Lansing. We are happy to examine your system and give a free estimate!