What temp should i set my water heater

Did you know that you can change the temperature on your hot water heater? The maximum temperature on most water heaters is 140 degrees fahrenheit. There’s some disagreement among experts on whether it’s best to set it at 140 degrees, or at 120 degrees. Ultimately, it will depend on what’s right for you and your family. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the arguments for both.

120 Degrees

• Because of the energy involved in heating water, setting the heater at 120 degrees makes sense from an environmental standpoint. Reducing the temperature from 140 degrees to 120 makes a significant difference in the amount of energy being used. 
• Reducing the temperature to 120 degrees also saves you money, as you won’t be spending as much on the energy to heat the water. 
• Cooler water is also less likely to deposit minerals in your pipes, which means you’ll avoid mineral deposits. This will keep your water flowing, and the pipes in better shape. 
• Hot water at 140 degrees can actually cause scalding, which is a big reason to keep it at 120 degrees, especially if you have young children. Kids and elderly adults are more susceptible to scalding, and it can cause major issues. 

140 Degrees

Considering the arguments laid out for 120 degrees, why would anyone even bother with setting the temperature at 140 degrees? The answer is that 140 degree water kills a strain of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease. This disease can lead to a serious pneumonia-like sickness. Risk factors for Legionnaires’ disease include old, rusty pipes or water storage areas where water sits stagnant for long periods of time. 

What’s Best For You?

Most homeowners can safely turn their water heaters down to 120 degrees without risk. This is especially true if young children are in the home, as the risk from scalding is much greater than the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. If, however, you’ve been warned about the possibility of LD bacteria in your area, you’ll want to turn the temperature up to 140 degrees. 

If you’re in an area where LD is a concern, and have young children, you may want to consider installing an anti-scalding device. A tankless water heater, which heats the water as it’s being used, may also be an option. 

Changing the Temperature

Once you’ve made a decision on what’s best for you, you may need to change the thermostat on your water heater. First, determine what temperature your water runs at now. Fill a glass with hot water, and check the temperature, using a kitchen thermometer. If you think you need to change the temperature, consult your hot water heater’s manual, to see how to do that. The thermostat may be hidden behind a plate. 

If you run into problems trying to change the temperature on your hot water heater, or have any other problems – call the licensed professionals at Pratt Plumbing. Schedule an appointment today at 806-373-7866.

You may not think about your water heater very frequently, yet it is an essential component of your home’s plumbing. A broken water heater may lead to higher power expenses as well as water that is either scorching hot or ice cold. It is critical to plan annual maintenance to verify that your unit is clean (hard water build-up is harmful to your water heater) and that the temperature is adjusted correctly. This will save you money, extend the life of your water heater, and safeguard the health and happiness of you and your family.

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°. Most experts believe that anything below 120 degrees Fahrenheit increases the chance of bacteria, such as legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s disease, growing within your water heater from stagnant water.

Optimal Water Heater Temperature

Whatever temperature setting you choose, keep in mind that the kind of pipe, how the water is heated (gas or electric), and whether your system is a tank or tankless have no bearing on the temperature. There are, however, a number of considerations to consider when deciding on a temperature:

• Stick to 120°F if your house contains: small children and/or the elderly, who are prone to third-degree burns in seconds, or if you have a single reside nt owing to a lesser need for hot water.
• Consider 140°F if your house contains an immunocompromised individual, a dishwasher that does not pre-heat, or several occupants owing to an increased need for hot water.

But what about the cost of energy? We understand! Water heaters account for 14-18% of a home’s energy usage on average. Furthermore, it may be tempting to lower the temperature in order to save money. It’s worth noting that lowering the temperature by 10°F saves roughly 3-5 percent on energy. Legionella, on the other hand, can live at temperatures as high as 122°F. So, balance your risk tolerance with your energy consumption targets!

If you’re still hesitant, play around with it. A temperature dial is commonly found on hot water heaters. If yours does not, run the water for a few minutes and use a thermometer to check the temperature. Begin with 120°F and gradually increase to your liking.

All in all, your house may not be as simple as “simply” setting a temperature and forgetting about it. A water tank booster may be a solution in households that need to balance the need to maintain a greater hot water temperature for health safety with the risk of scorching. It keeps your tank at 140°F to avoid bacteria while mixing with cold water to offer a lower temperature at the tap.

Alternatively, you may live in a house where hot water takes a long time to reach the faucet, regardless of the temperature you select (or a certain tap farthest from the hot water heater). So you don’t have to wait, a hot water circulating system pumps hot water slowly through the pipes. Whatever you choose, we’re only a phone call away if you’re experiencing hot water difficulties!

Check the Temperature of Your Water Heater

When you are worried that your water heater is set at an incorrect temperature, call in a plumber who will be able to easily check the setting with a special thermometer and adjust accordingly.

If you have tried adjusting the temperature of your water tank but have not noticed any difference in the temperature, a professional will be able to check for sediment build-up and calcification within the hot water tank. Another indication that sediment may have built up in the tank is if you hear sizzling or hissing noises.

A professional can drain the tank and then fix the problem by scraping off any built-up scale and soaking the elements.

Water Heater Life Expectancy

The majority of hot water heaters are predicted to survive between 8 and 12 years. If your water heater is 10 years old or older and looks to be leaking or not operating properly, you should consider replacing it rather than attempting a repair that will only cure the problem temporarily.

Water Heater Maintenance

A little care and maintenance, as with any equipment, may go a long way toward prolonging the life of your water heater and maintaining it in good operating order. To keep your water heater in good operating order, you should consider hiring a professional to perform this maintenance.

Always make sure your hot water heater is set to the appropriate temperatures. This will prevent any bacteria from forming in the cold water and prevent scalding you with a hotter-than-expected shower.

Schedule Water Heater Services with Caccia Plumbing

Caccia Plumbing is ready to help with your water heater needs. Whether it’s adjusting the water heater temperature, scheduling plumbing maintenance, or installing a new water heater, you can trust us to do the job right. Our experienced technicians will save you money by offering comprehensive plumbing services and replacing your old water heater with a new one when it reaches the end of its life. To schedule your service with one of our skilled technicians please contact Caccia Plumbing today!

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