Although it may be difficult, finding the sweet spot for your water heater’s temperature is essential for optimal comfort, safety and energy savings. The default setting for most water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but homeowners frequently change it to suit their tastes, address safety concerns and optimize energy use.
Your preferences, the needs of the people living in the house and other factors like energy prices will determine the optimal temperature for your home.
Who Should Set Their Water Heater to 120 Degrees?
The most common and effective setting for water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Because it greatly lowers the risk of scorching, this temperature is ideal for families with young children. Water at 120 degrees is just hot enough for everyday uses like washing dishes and taking showers without being dangerously hot.
This temperature setting also helps save utility expenses by minimizing energy consumption. An additional benefit is that it keeps the water heater free of mineral deposits, ensuring that it will last longer.
Who Should Set Their Water Heater to 140 Degrees?
Even though most homes only need 120 degrees, some find that 140 degrees is the sweet spot for their water heater. Hotter water kills dangerous bacteria like Legionella, which thrive in water heaters set at lower temperatures. This means that houses with people who have impaired immune systems or persistent respiratory issues greatly benefit from this higher degree.
For commercial kitchens or homes without dishwasher heating elements, higher temperatures may be necessary to properly sanitize dishes and utensils. At this temperature, however, scorching is more likely to occur. If you absolutely must use a hotter water setting, you can reduce the likelihood of burns by installing anti-scald devices on your faucets and showerheads.
Knowing How to Test Your Water Temperature
Accurately testing the water temperature is crucial for setting the water heater to the proper temperature. To begin, measure the temperature of the water running from a faucet. However, before obtaining a reading, make sure the water has been running for at least one minute to reach its maximum temperature.
By keeping a close eye on the water heater, you can make sure that it stays at a safe and pleasant temperature for your family. It might be time to modify your water heater if the water temperature is drastically different from the default setting. Making sure to inspect the thermostat and heating element on a regular basis can also help you catch any problems before they become major problems.
Adjusting Temperature on Electric Water Heater
While turning the knob of an electric water heater isn’t rocket science, you still need to be careful. Turn off the heater’s power at the breaker box before making any changes to prevent electrical shock. After turning off the power, you can access the water heater by removing the panel and finding the thermostat.
In most electric water heaters, you’ll find a separate thermostat for the upper and lower heating elements. Put the access panel back in place and turn the power back on once you’ve used a flathead screwdriver to set the temperature to your liking. After making the necessary adjustments, give it a few hours to settle into the new setting before checking the water temperature.
Adjusting Temperature on Gas Water Heater
In most cases, a gas water heater’s thermostat is easier to reach than an electric one. To start, you can normally find the water heater’s temperature dial on the front, close to the base. There will likely be prominent temperature markings or labels on the dial that read “Low,” “Hot,” and “Very Hot.” The “Low” setting results in a temperature ranging from 110 to 120 degrees. The “Hot” setting results in temperatures between 130 and 140 degrees. The “Very Hot” option typically reaches temperatures of 150 degrees or higher.
You can easily adjust the temperature by turning the dial to your desired setting. Even though gas water heaters are usually faster to respond than electric ones, it’s still smart to give them at least an hour or two to adjust to the new settings before checking the water temperature.
Adjusting Temperature on Tankless Water Heater
The computerized controls found on many tankless water heaters make regulating the temperature a breeze. A lot of versions have a control panel where you can easily push buttons to modify the water temperature to your liking. The digital display provides a precise reading, doing away with most of the uncertainty associated with older models of water heaters.
The convenience of tankless devices lies in their ability to heat water on demand, allowing you to adjust the temperature according to your unique requirements. For cleaning, you might want a higher temperature, while a lower one might be more energy efficient for everyday use.
Costs of Energy for Raising the Temperature of a Water Heater
Your monthly energy bill will go up if you turn up the heat on your water heater. According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, raising your water heater temperature by 10 degrees will result in a three to five percent increase in energy use. This is because standby heat loss, the rate at which heat leaves the water heater and enters the ambient air, increases as the temperature rises. Older or poorly insulated water heaters are more susceptible to this effect. Some homes may require a higher temperature, but you should carefully consider the added costs of the extra energy usage.
Signs That Your Water Temperature Is Too Low
If the water isn’t quite hot enough, there are a few indicators that the setting is off. Lukewarm water, when you turn on the water to a faucet or shower, is one of the most obvious signs. If your dishwasher lacks an integrated heater to raise the water temperature, inefficient dishwashing could be a further clue.
There is also a direct correlation between low water temperature and ineffective laundry cleaning, especially when using hot water settings on your washing machine. If you find that your appliances aren’t running hot enough, you might want to check and maybe change the setting.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to speak with a professional about setting the best temperature on your water heater.