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Writer's pictureLuke Bristow

The Best Temperature for your Water Heater


Safety and personal preference dictate how high to set the thermostat on your water heater, but many experts advise 120 degrees Fahrenheit  as the ideal temperature to prevent scalding and to save energy. Read on to learn how you can maximize the performance, efficiency, and safety of your water heater.

The Highs in 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommended manufacturers set heaters to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, though some water heaters are set at 140 degrees which can cause a burn in as little as 6 seconds.

Dishwashers need water at 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal cleaning. Most of them come with a booster heater to ensure the water gets hot enough, but if it doesn't, you may want to keep your thermostat at 140 degrees to prevent bacteria growth (140 degrees is also a good temperature if you have a suppressed immune system).

The Lows Any setting below 120 degrees increases bacteria growth inside the tank. You shouldn’t go any lower than this unless you’re going out of town, in which case you should turn it to the lowest setting.

Keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit saves you between $12-$30 annually. It also slows mineral build up and corrosion in the water heater and pipes (potentially increasing the lifespan).

To schedule your water heater service or for more questions, call 72 Degrees Comfort Company at 515-965-7272 or email us at office@72degrees.com.

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