FAQs
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.
Is 130 too hot for a water heater? ›
At Green Energy Mechanical, we typically recommend to our customers that they set their water heater to between 130 and 140 degrees. The only exception is if you have small children at home. In this case, you should always leave your unit set to 120 degrees to prevent your kids from accidentally being scalded.
What is the most efficient temperature for a hot water heater? ›
The standard temperature for most water heaters is 140 degrees F, but the Department of Energy recommends turning down the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy.
Is 135 too hot for a water heater? ›
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering recommends that hot water tanks be set from 135 to 140 degrees, to inhibit the growth of Legionella bacteria, with the installation of anti-scald devices and tempering valves to prevent hot water injuries.
Is 110 too low for a hot water heater? ›
For safety, turn off the power to your water heater before doing any work to the unit. On a gas water heater, the temperature gauge doesn't have numbers – it's labeled “Hot” and “Warm” with a few lines in between. The warm setting should be between 90-110° degrees, while the hot setting should be 140-150°.
Is 140 degrees ok for a hot water heater? ›
Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.
Does turning up your hot water heater make your hot water last longer? ›
If you place your water heater on a higher setting, the water coming out of it will be hotter, and you won't need as much to reach that same temperature. Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer.
Is it bad to turn your hot water heater all the way up? ›
Set the temperature too low, and you could turn your water heater into a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. Set it too high, and you could be setting yourself up for a scalding accident. How Low Can You Go? The short answer: 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it OK to set water heater to 150? ›
Even though most units will go up to 160 degrees, you really shouldn't ever set the temperature higher than 140 degrees in order to reduce the risk of scalding. The EPA recommendation is to always leave your water heater set to 120 degrees.
Is 140 too high for water heater? ›
The best temperature setting for a hot water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees. Below 120 degrees, bacteria can develop in the stagnant water sitting in the tank. Above 140 degrees, the water is so hot that you and your family members can be at risk for scalding in as little as two seconds.
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
What setting should my water heater be on summer? ›
However, during the warmer months, you don't need the water to be as hot, and a lower temperature setting can save you energy and money. Set the temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain and flush the tank: Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, which can reduce its efficiency and lifespan.
What temperature is the B setting on a water heater? ›
That means “A” is 130 degrees, “B” is 140, and so forth. The “Very Hot” setting is typically 160 degrees, and there is no reason to ever set the unit this high. Some water heaters also have a Vacation setting. When set to Vacation mode, the unit won't heat at all to prevent energy waste.
Can you shower in 130 degree water? ›
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water temperatures ranging from 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit(°F) can eliminate most of the harmful bacteria. However, be warned that these high temperatures can also increase the risk of scalding.
What is an unsafe water heater temp? ›
A water temperature of 120°F does not kill the Legionella bacteria; a hot water temperature of 140°F is required at which Legionellae dies in 32 minutes. Hence it is recommended that the water heater be set at a safe hot water temperature of 140°F.
How high is too high for a water heater? ›
The best temperature setting for a hot water heater is between 120 and 140 degrees. Below 120 degrees, bacteria can develop in the stagnant water sitting in the tank. Above 140 degrees, the water is so hot that you and your family members can be at risk for scalding in as little as two seconds.
Is 150 degrees too hot for a water heater? ›
The EPA recommendation is to always leave your water heater set to 120 degrees. This is both so that the unit loses less energy and also to prevent possible scalding. OSHA, on the other hand, recommends setting your water heater to 140 degrees in order to aid with cleaning and sanitation.