What Temperature Should a Water Heater Be Set At?

Whether you live on your own or in a full household, you want to have hot water at the right temperature for washing clothes, bathing, cleaning, and more. If you suffer from insufficient amounts of hot water, your plumbing system isn’t always the problem. Knowing the answer to “What temperature should a water heater be set at?” is key. 

Premier Systems continues to rank as the leading provider of water heater services in Bozeman, MT. Our licensed, bonded, and insured team can help you find the perfect temperature for your water heater and ensure comfort and cleanliness throughout your home. Contact us today at 406-300-4258 and speak with our experts today.

Setting the Right Temperature

Setting the right water heater temperature is essential to many household functions. Without the proper water temperature, you risk improper cleaning and potential health hazards. Determining the answer to “What temperature should a water heater be set at?” depends on your household’s hot water demands and other factors.

Bathing, washing clothes, and performing other household chores require an ideal temperature to kill bacteria. Households with higher water usage may warrant a higher water heater temperature to make hot water last longer. Energy-efficient appliances that use hot water may also need a higher setting to operate effectively. 

Your plumbing system’s layout, fuel type, and pipe style have no bearing on temperature. Consider recommendations from professional plumbers, government agencies, and other resources for the most accurate information.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Water Heater Temperatures

Water heater temperatures have pros and cons depending on the household’s occupants. While some temperatures work perfectly for adults, babies and elderly individuals may struggle with the same hot water level.

The primary benefits of especially high water heater temperatures include their soothing properties, excellent elimination of bacteria, and a longer-lasting hot water supply. Your hot water supply may reach the tap faster and save you time. 

Disadvantages of increasingly hot water heater temperatures include scald and burn risks, dry skin, and higher energy usage. Reducing the water temperature by 10°F can help you save on monthly utilities.

Contrarily, temperatures not high enough may not successfully kill bacteria. Pathogens such as those that cause Legionnaires’ disease require temperatures above 120° for proper elimination.

Determining Factors in Choosing Water Heater Temperature

Factors determining the answer to “What temperature should a water heater be set at?” include the individuals in your house, your regular water usage amounts, household appliance types, and energy costs. 

Despite the bacteria-killing properties, it can be dangerous for some to endure extremely hot showers. Elderly individuals and babies may suffer second-degree burns within seconds when water temperatures reach 140°F. More fragile skin in these individuals warrants a lower water heater temperature of around 120°F or a combination of hot and cold water.

Households with high water usage can benefit from a higher temperature as it takes longer for the hot water to run out. If hot water struggles to reach your faucets quickly, increasing the temperature may solve this problem. You can save up to 10% on your monthly water costs by decreasing the temperature. 

High-efficiency appliances, including dishwashers and clothes washers, often require a higher water temperature to reach optimal cleanliness levels due to their decreased power. 

Average Water Heater Temperature Recommendations

So what temperature should a water heater be set at exactly? Depending on your source, ideal temperatures may range between 120°F and 140°F. 

The Department of Energy recommends using 120°F in households with individuals prone to scalding from hot water. Alternatively, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your tank at 140° to kill bacteria and adding colder water through a dedicated circuit to further adjust the temperature.

Service professionals and water heater manufacturers understand that a temperature below 120° is potentially dangerous. A too-low temperature may allow harmful bacteria to fester, while a water heater set too high results in potential skin injury. Higher settings of 130° to 140° make an ideal setting for large households with higher hot water supply needs or those with less powerful appliances that use hot water on demand. 

Water heaters in some older homes have no temperature setting. You can test the temperature yourself or change the dial according to your hot water preferences.

Expert Hot Water Heater Installation Service

Premier Systems remains the number-one local business offering professional hot water heater installations at affordable prices. Our licensed, bonded, insured team has everything you need to determine the answer to “What temperature should a water heater be set at?” Our experts inspect your current system and can install a new water heater to ensure you have optimal temperature control.

If the size of the hot water tank is too small for your household’s needs, we can install a bigger unit. We come fully prepared with high-quality options. Our inventory includes high-efficiency water heaters of all types. Whether you want a traditional tank water heater or a more flexible tankless unit, we can weigh the pros and cons of each to help you determine the best fit.

Our service technicians understand your concerns regarding disease and potential scald risks. We’ll individualize the service to your specific needs. Whether your hot water tank needs a full installation or a few repairs, Premier Systems can provide the proper service.

When you work with Premier Systems, you get the most transparent, fast, and accurate service at the best prices. We offer financing for Bozeman water heater installations and more.

Contact Us Today

Whether your water heater temperature is too high or your AC turns off and on frequently, turn to Premier Systems for the go-to solution. Our service technicians offer installations, repairs, and alternative solutions to maintain the proper water temperature. We resolve your improper water heater temperatures with top-quality units.



Learn more about “What temperature should a water heater be set at?” when you contact our experts for service in Bozeman, MT, and beyond. Speak to Premier Systems and determine the proper water heater setting for your household with our friendly professionals. Call us today at 406-300-4258.