So, what is the best temperature range for your water heater? The EPA recommends 120 degrees because it's hot enough to keep diseases at bay but not hot enough to cause scalding. This setting will also supply enough hot water for most small families and is relatively energy efficient.
Each letter is about 10 degrees in difference. If you have a take booster or have your tank running to an air handler for heat you'll want to set the tank to C, otherwise setting to Hot or A is standard.
B - 140° F - Less than 5 seconds. A - 130° F - About 30 seconds. HOT - 120° F - More than 5 minutes.
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting.
Understanding these settings can help when figuring out how to adjust the temp on water heater units. A typically represents around 130°F. B usually corresponds to 140°F. C indicates a temperature of about 150°F or higher.
The next highest setting is usually either labeled as “Hot” or with a triangle, and this setting should correspond to 120 degrees. From there, you will typically see three higher settings marked either as 1, 2, and 3 or A, B, and C that correspond to 130, 140, and 150 degrees, respectively.
A lack of hot water can be caused by a variety of issues. In electric water heaters, a power loss or heating element failure can cause water to no longer heat in the tank. In gas water heaters, a faulty gas connection, a bad pilot light, or a bad burner can cause no water to heat.
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.
Most water heaters are set to a standard temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the Department of Energy notes that turning your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can help save energy.
The best setting for gas water heaters is around 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Oftentimes, water heaters will have additional options to either lower or increase the temperature of the water inside.
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.
That should be plenty hot enough for most uses in your home. Now, some water heater temperature controls come with settings that read “A-B-C” as opposed to numbers. Generally, A means 120 degrees, B means 130 degrees, and C means 140 degrees. Refer to your water heater's manual to confirm these settings.
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.
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 perfect temperature to set a water heater
And the default setting of 140 F (60 C) may be going away. Recent installation manuals for major residential water heater manufacturers actually call for a starting temperature of 120 F (49 C).
If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.
These are usually labeled A, B, C or 1, 2, 3, and the last setting is always “Very Hot.” The A or 1 setting should be around 130 degrees, B or 2 is 140 degrees, C or 3 is 150 degrees and “Very Hot” is always 160 degrees. Again, we never recommend setting the unit above the B or 2 setting to prevent scalding.
Here is what temperature each letter stands for: Hot- 120 degrees. A- 130 degrees. B- 140 degrees. C- 150 degrees.
As water collects inside your hot water heater to be heated, it's common for debris in the water—like sand, dirt, and minerals—to settle at the bottom of the tank. As the particles collect on the bottom of the tank, the water heater can't effectively heat your water, resulting in lukewarm water only.
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.