What temperature is the B setting on a water heater?

Author: Brendon Lynch  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

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.

What should my water heater be on AB or C?

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.

Can I set my water heater between A and B?

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.

What is the B setting on a gas water heater?

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.

What is the best setting for a hot water heater?

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 Is The Best Temperature To Set Your Water Heater?

Is 130 too 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 is the best temperature 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.

What letter should you set your water heater to?

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.

What should the thermostat be set to on my hot water tank?

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.

What mode should my water heater be on?

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.

Is 140 too hot for a 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.

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 is B on my thermostat?

O and B wires control when your heat pump cools or heats your home. B. May require local professional assistance if you have both an O wire and a B wire. O and B wires control when your heat pump cools or heats your home. In some installations, the common wire may be disguised as a B wire.

What temp is ABC on 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.

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 do AB and C mean on a water heater?

Here is what temperature each letter stands for: Hot- 120 degrees. A- 130 degrees. B- 140 degrees. C- 150 degrees.

Can I leave my hot water heater on vacation mode?

Consider putting your water heater in vacation mode if you plan on leaving your house alone for a few days or longer. Whether you're going on a short business trip or a longer vacation, setting the vacation mode has the potential to: Save on energy costs. Save energy resources (fuel)

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.

Is 115 too low for a water heater?

Don't set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees F, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is quite dangerous.

What should a hot water heater sit on?

There are various methods for elevating a water heater, depending on the specific requirements and available space. Newer homes with gas-fueled water heaters may have a raised concrete platform or a similar feature. More commonly, however, water heaters are situated atop a small metal stand.

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 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.

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