When setting your water heater’s temperature, there is a careful balance between comfort and energy efficiency. In addition, the water heater’s manufacturer likely has specific rules about how high or low the setting can be. To figure out the best temperature setting for your water heater, read on.
What Is the Best Temperature for Your Water Heater?
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission says that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal water setting to prevent getting scalded. However, some people set their water heaters to a higher temperature so that they can take warmer showers.
On the upper end of this range, you should avoid setting your water heater higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At 150 degrees Fahrenheit, most adults will develop third-degree burns if they spend more than a few seconds in the water.
It’s important to remember that there are safety issues with your water temperature being too high or low. The bacteria that is responsible for Legionnaires’ disease grows when the water temperature is lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the water heater contains stagnant water, bacteria growth can be a major problem if the temperature in the water heater isn’t warm enough.
Factors To Consider When Setting Your Water Heater Temperature
When deciding the best temperature for your water heater, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Comfort
One of the most important factors is picking a temperature that feels comfortable for you. If you aren’t worried about someone having an excessively hot shower, you can always set your water heater at a higher temperature.
Safety
If your household includes young children, you should set the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Elderly people also have sensitive skin and can get third-degree burns quickly, so you should adjust the temperature for them.
However, higher temperatures may be the safest choice if someone in your home is immunocompromised. In these circumstances, you need to have a higher temperature in order to eliminate any bacteria in the water. Additionally, higher temperatures may make more sense if your dishwasher doesn’t have the ability to pre-heat.
Cost
In most homes, the water heater is the second largest consumer of energy. In fact, it accounts for about 18% of your household energy consumption. By turning the temperature down, you can save a significant amount of money on your utility bill each month.
As a general rule, you should keep your water temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. While most water heaters can be set even higher than this, there generally isn’t a need for hotter temperatures. In addition, setting the temperature too high can cause your water heater’s components to wear down sooner than normal.
How Do I Know If My Water Heater’s Temperature Is Right?
If your water heater’s temperature has changed over time, it may indicate a problem with the unit. Water heaters generally don’t have a temperature gauge built into their systems. To see if the water temperature is off, you may need to measure the temperature yourself.
Before you test the temperature, you should avoid using any hot water for at least an hour. This gives the tank time to heat up completely. Afterward, turn on your tap. Let it run for a minute so that it can reach the maximum temperature. Then, you can fill a cup with water and get a temperature reading using a standard kitchen thermostat.
Over time, your unit can become less effective at heating water. For example, the heating element in electric water heaters and the heat exchangers in gas water heaters can malfunction. Once these parts fail completely, your water heater will stop producing any hot water.
If your water heater doesn’t seem to be warming up water as well, it is time to get it inspected. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can schedule a maintenance check and repair any problems that you are having with your tank.
Keep Your Water Heater Running at Its Best
Routine water heater maintenance is important for maintaining your water heater. If you don’t periodically flush your water heater and get it inspected, you won’t be able to enjoy warm water whenever you need it. With the help of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you can get your water heater inspected and avoid unexpected breakdowns.