What’s the Best Temperature to Set My Water Heater?

If you’re like most homeowners in Alton, Illinois, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to your water heater — unless you happen to run out of hot water. Then, it becomes one of the most important appliances in your home. In a situation like this, one of the most common questions homeowners have is about their water heater’s temperature settings. Although there’s no single right answer, homeowners should take several factors into account when choosing the right temperature for their water heater.

Helping Your Hot Water Last Longer

If your problem is that you’re not getting enough hot water, you may want to dial the temperature up a bit. The hotter the water, the less of it you’ll need to achieve a comfortable shower temperature. Just be careful that you don’t turn the temperature up too high. Water that is 140-150 degrees Fahrenheit can easily cause scalding.

Of course, the temperature setting isn’t always the problem. If you consistently run out of hot water, you may just need a bigger tank or a tankless water heater.

Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe

If you have small children or loved ones with a suppressed immune system, safety may be your first priority. According to guidelines published by BabyCenter, 140-degree water can burn your child within five seconds, while 150-degree water can cause second-degree burns in two seconds. However, turning the temperature too low can allow bacteria and diseases to develop. Aim for 120 degrees to balance these two safety issues. For loved ones with immune issues or respiratory problems, 140 degrees is safest.

Lowering Your Energy Consumption

If your main concern is saving money, 120 degrees is the sweet spot. This is hot enough to keep pathogens at bay but cool enough to be energy-efficient. Even if you don’t want to go that low, every little bit helps.

For help with your water heater, call Den-Son Inc. Cooling & Heating at 618-372-8375. We’d be happy to answer any questions, schedule a maintenance visit, or help you upgrade to the latest energy-saving technology.

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