For many people, there's nothing like a hot shower to get the morning started. Although that might be a great 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 issue 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 sufficient hot water for your household.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? Here, we’ll establish the most effective temperature to use, when there could be cause to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your personal water heater.

What Is the Most Efficient Temperature for a Water Heater?

Although many companies suggest setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts say 120 degrees provides the right balance between safety and energy usage.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save approximately 22 percent on a home's utility bills. Energy waste is a frequent challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models always heat a tank of water in case it is demanded. 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 the right setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated enough to meet the needs of most homes, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer choice, especially in homes with small children or elderly men and women. Reduced 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.

Should You Ever Set Your Water Temperature Hotter Than 120 Degrees?

While many plumbing and heating experts say 120 degrees is the ideal water heater temperature if you’re wanting to save money, is it OK to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are a couple of different situations where it could be wise 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 recommended if you know your home has a problem with bacteria, or if any residents of the house are immunocompromised.
  • High usage: If your home has a tendency to use a large volume of hot water all at once—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a higher water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s adequate hot water for everyone.
  • Old dishwasher: If your dishwasher is an older model and doesn’t heat water on its own, it may be necessary to set your water heater to a higher temperature for it to work effectively.

How Hot Is Too Hot for a Water Heater?

While some people like their water quite hot or would rather blend hot and cold water to achieve 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 definitely way too hot, it takes only seconds for the water to lead to third-degree burns. This is why a water heater temperature of 150 degrees is especially hazardous in homes with children or the elderly.

Call Polar Air & Mechanical for Your Water Heater Service Needs in Myrtle Beach

Water heaters can be a little mysterious, but the skilled technicians at Polar Air & Mechanical know these appliances like the back of their hands. They’ve repaired many brands and models of water heaters through the years, so they have the experience to handle your water heater repair in Myrtle Beach.

We also offer water heater replacement, so reach out to us at 843-253-4874 if you suspect you need water heater installation in Myrtle Beach. We are happy to examine your system and give a no-cost estimate!