The Best Temperature Setting for a Water Heater

• Greater energy savings  – The Department of Energy recommends leaving your water heating temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This setting keeps water hot enough for everyday use while also helping keep energy costs down. If you plan to go out of town, you’re free to set the water temperature even lower, but keep in mind that doing so creates the potential for bacterial growth in the water. You should confirm this with your local plumbing and  HVAC repair  company before doing anything.

• Bacterial growth prevention  – Your health should always be a priority, which is why it’s important that the water you use every day remains safe and clean. Bacteria can develop in lukewarm water, so make sure your heater is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to eliminate bacterial growth in the water, preventing it from putting those with a suppressed immune system at risk.

• Maximized dishwasher performance  – Do you still own an older dishwasher that doesn’t pre-heat? If so, make sure to set the temperature of your water heater to 140 degrees. This way, the dishes will be cleaned thoroughly, which will help prevent bacteria from lingering on the surface of the dishes.

• High-traffic bathing times  – In large-family homes, the line for morning showers tends to be longer. It’s a good idea to keep the water temperature at the 140 degree mark because of the higher demand. Note that this setting is only recommended in households that consist primarily of adults or those in their late teens. Trusted plumbers and  HVAC maintenance  experts like R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating suggest lowering the water temperature to 120 degrees if you have younger children and seniors living with you. These age groups are extremely sensitive to high heat. By keeping the temperature 20 degrees lower, you’ll reduce the likelihood of someone being scalded.

• If you have a tank-style water heater, for instance, you should consider insulating it to avoid standby heat loss. 

• You may also replace old showerheads and faucets with low-flow options. Doing so will not only help reduce hot water use, but also prevent unnecessary strain being put on your water heater.

• With regular cleanup, ensuring reliable performance from your water heater will be worry-free. This task prevents mineral buildup inside the water tank, which can lead to increases in temperature and a shorter system lifespan when overlooked.

• If your existing water heater is an older model, you might want to replace it with something newer, better and more efficient. R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating can help you with this. We specialize not only in  HVAC maintenance , but in water heater installation as well. Our tankless NPE-2 options from Navien® check all the boxes of what a perfect water heater should be. They offer ultra-high efficiency up to 0.96 UEF to keep your utility bills low while providing continuous hot water. Moreover, they come with exclusive ComfortFlow® technology with a built-in recirculation pump and buffer tank for top-tier performance.

Check out our Carrier Performance95 Gas-Fired Boiler, an ultra-compact, ultra-versatile, modulating hot water boiler that’s ENERGY STAR®-certified. Why not go for our Carrier Infinity® Series air conditioners, which are built to deliver efficient performance and consistent comfort? Just give us a call and we’ll discuss with you in detail how our Carrier products can enhance your home and quality of life.