What is the best temperature for a hot water heater to save money?

Author: Dr. Abe Hartmann  |  Last update: Monday, September 29, 2025

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.

Is 130 too hot for a water heater?

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.

Does turning down the temperature on a water heater save money?

Though the DOE says you can save money on hot water by lowering the maximum temperature of your water heater from 140° F to 120° F, we don't necessarily recommend it. That's because the lower temperature might invite opportunistic bacteria—including Legionella, associated with Legionnaires' disease—to proliferate.

What is the most economical setting for hot water?

Top free tips to save on your water heating
  • Turn down the thermostat on your cistern to 60-65°C.
  • If you have an old central heating system, the temperature of the hot water will be determined by the internal circulatory system, as set on the boiler, so turn that down.
  • Use a kettle for the times you need very hot water.

What is the best setting for a hot water heater?

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.

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What temperature should a hot water tank be set at?

If the temperature is above 65°C, then the water will be too hot to use, and it increases the risk of serious burns. Keeping the temperature at a safe level, 60°C to 65°C, makes the water hot enough to use and hot enough to kill unwanted bacteria.

What is the most economical temperature to set your water heater at?

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.

How to save money on a water heater?

15 Ways to Save on Your Water Heating Bill
  1. Take short showers instead of baths. ...
  2. Reduce your time in the shower. ...
  3. Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120°F; for every 10ºF reduction in temperature, you can save from 3%–5% on your water heating costs. ...
  4. Don't let the water run.

What should a hot water system be set at?

Hot water needs to be stored above 60°C in hot water systems to prevent bacteria growth (such as Legionella), but a tempering valve ensures that the water comes out of the tap at a lower temperature.

Why is my water heating bill so high?

Temperature Is Too High

The most obvious reason for a high water heater gas bill is if the temperature is set too high. According to experts, most homeowners should keep water heater temperatures between 120 and 140 degrees F.

What temperature should hot water be for shower?

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.

What does ABC mean on a hot water heater?

C - 150° F - About 1-1/2 seconds. B - 140° F - Less than 5 seconds. A - 130° F - About 30 seconds. HOT - 120° F - More than 5 minutes. LOW - 80° F - No hazard.

Does turning the water heater on and off cost more?

Turning your water heater off completely when it's not in use can help you save a small amount of money each month on your energy bills, but the hassle of manually turning your unit off and on typically outweighs the benefits.

Is 110 degrees too low for a water heater?

We recommend always keeping the heater set between 110 and 120 degrees. In the summer, try setting your water heater temperature at the low end of this scale, placing it close to or at 110 degrees.

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.

Is 135 too hot for a water heater?

Water Heater Temperature Recommendations

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.

What should the hot water temperature be set at?

For most homes, a domestic hot water temperature around 45-50 °C during summer is more than sufficient. This ensures the water is adequately hot for daily needs without wasting energy through overheating. It is also a safety measure that prevents scalding, especially with children in the house.

What setting should I set my water heater?

Anything between 120 and 140 degrees is within the safe range, which means it really all comes down to a matter of personal preference. If you have younger children in the house, you are always better to have your water heater set to 120 degrees to prevent scalding.

What is the temperature setting for a hot water system?

The Standards state that hot water must be regulated at a particular temperature to reduce scalding – 60°C is the accepted temperature for stored water and 50°C for water flowing from an outlet.

What is the most energy efficient setting for a water heater?

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!

What shortens the life of a water heater?

Sediment can build up over time in a water heater, shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, you should flush your water heater at least once per year. Flushing will help to remove any sediment that has built up and improve the efficiency of your water heater.

How to lower a hot water bill?

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18% of your utility bill. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, insulate accessible hot water lines, and purchase an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher and clothes washer.

Is 140 degrees to hot 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 it better to set the water heater to low or high?

If you opt to lower your water heater temperature, additional savings can come from the reduced energy required to heat the same amount of water to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees. Experts also recommend turning down your water heater to its lowest settings if you plan to be away for an extended period.

What is the most economical setting for heater?

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.

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