What is the best temperature for a hot water tank?

Author: Leonor Orn  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

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.

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.

What should my hot water tank thermostat be set at?

The recommended setting for this control is 60°C/140°F. (Storing hot water at temperatures of less than 55°C is not advisable due to potential for Legionnaires disease). If the water coming out of your taps is too hot then check this control as it could be set too high.

Is 120 degrees good for a hot 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!

Is 110 too low for a hot water heater?

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.

What Is The Best Temperature To Set Your Water Heater?

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

Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses. Additional savings will be realized by the lower temperature for consumption (from water demand or use in your home, such as clothes washing, showers, and dishwashing). These may amount to more than $400.

What should I set my hot water heater temperature to?

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.

Is 125 too hot for a water heater?

Anyone can be burned from hot water, but children, the elderly and people with sensitive skin are most vulnerable. For these populations, it's recommended to keep the water heater temperature at 120 to 125 degrees.

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.

Does turning up the water heater make hot water last longer?

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.

What is the safe temperature for a hot water tank?

Follow these tips for safe hot water temperature: Set the temperature of your water heater to 60°C (140°F) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella. Prevent scalding by installing automatic mixing valves on faucets, showers, and tubs, or an anti-scald mixing valve on your water heater.

How often should I flush my water heater?

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 setting should I keep my hot water heater on?

What the Experts Say About Water Heater Temperatures. Manufacturers and the Department of Energy hold opposing views. The safest temperature to avoid scorching is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although the normal default setting is 140°.

Is 135 OK for water heater?

To help prevent bacteria growth, the ASSE recommends keeping the water in your water heater tank at about 135 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

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 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.

What happens if the water heater is set too high?

The primary way most people notice their water heaters overheating is because the water becomes unbearably hot, scaldingly so. If your water heater is set on too high a temperature, burns, and severe injuries may occur.

What is the best water heater temperature setting?

In general, this balance is best struck when your water heater is set to about 120°F (49°C). This temperature is hot enough to meet your daily needs, including a relaxing shower or a steaming hot cup of tea, while also being energy-efficient and safe.

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.

Is it OK to set water heater to 150?

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.

What is the ideal temperature for a hot water system?

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.

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.

How to make hot water last longer?

How to Make Hot Water Last Longer in Your Home
  1. Change the Water Heater's Settings.
  2. Don't Use All Your Hot Water Appliances At Once.
  3. Insulate Your Home's Hot Water Pipes.
  4. Change Your Shower Habits.
  5. Use a Low-Flow Showerhead.
  6. Don't Let the Faucet Run.
  7. Schedule Water Heater Maintenance.
  8. Replace or Upgrade Your Water Heater.

Previous article
How do you keep a P-trap full of water?
Next article
What is the life expectancy of a garage door?