The maximum Department of Energy recommended water heater temperature setting you should never exceed is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recommended setting should never be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
In the US, the maximum legal temperature for a water heater in a residential setting is 120 degrees. Most folks want to run at 125-130 degrees but be careful. The Federal law that stipulates the max temperature is because of folks, especially kids, getting burned by the water.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to preventing accidents, this decrease in temperature will conserve energy and save money. Most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds.
Water Heater Temperature Recommendations
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.
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.
Manufacturers often recommend a hot water heater temperature between 120 to 140°F, and there's a reason for this. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends a recommended hot water temperature of at least 122 degrees to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
What Temperature Should a Water Heater Be Set At? Most water heaters are designed to operate safely at temperatures between 120 and 160 degrees. Many tank-style units also have a low-temperature setting where the unit will only heat up the water to around 90 to 100 degrees.
Raising the temperature setting on your water heater ultimately makes your hot water supply last longer. It will ensure everyone gets a hot shower, with plenty leftover to run your dishwasher and washing machine.
Studies show that a temperature of 52 degrees C (125 degrees F) can cause a full-thickness skin burn in 2 minutes and a temperature of 54 degrees C (130 degrees F) can result in a full-thickness skin burn in 30 seconds.
There were two temperatures discussed for each fixture during the design standard meetings. One was the “use temperature” and the other was “the maximum temperature” to prevent scalding. It's generally agreed that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum safe hot water temperature that should be delivered from a fixture.
Yes, it's very bad to turn your water heater all the way up. To do so will reduce its life, increase your electricity bill and could possibly cause scalding—particularly if you have young children or an elderly relative living in your home.
For those who relish a hot water bath to unwind, dermatologists suggest a peak temperature of around 44.4°C (112°F). However, it is advised not to exceed 48.9°C (120°F), as extreme temperatures can lead to skin irritation or even burns.
It takes only 32 minutes on average for Legionella to die at temperatures of 140 degrees, and at 151 degrees, the bacteria will die instantly. This is why disinfection that uses temperature change will set a water heater to approximately 158 degrees for five minutes.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time. Typically, it takes one to two hours to flush a water heater. The size of your tank will impact the amount of time it takes to drain.
The frequency of anode rod replacement depends on several factors, such as water quality, usage patterns, and the type of anode rod installed. In most cases, we recommend inspecting and potentially replacing the anode rod every 3 to 5 years.
For that reason, other agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend a water heater temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If everyone in your home has a strong immune system, 120 degrees should be considered safe, but it's also the minimum.
Homes with occupants that have a suppressed immune system or respiratory disease should keep the hot water set to 140 degrees. While bacteria should not propagate over 120 degrees, higher temperatures further reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
According to most dermatologists, the ideal shower temperature is anywhere between 98°F (37°C) and 104°F (40°C)—and no more than 105 °F (41°C). Rinsing under lukewarm water allows you to stay comfortable and maintain your body temperature while reaping all the benefits of both hot and cold showers.
The maximum Department of Energy recommended water heater temperature setting you should never exceed is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recommended setting should never be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
To help prevent bacteria growth, the ASSE recommends keeping the water in your water heater tank at about 135 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The recommended temperature setting for a water heater is 120 degrees. This temperature is not only energy efficient, but it can also help extend the life of your water heater and reduce the risk of leaks or other malfunctions, saving you money!