Are you tired of getting burned when you turn on your hot water? Are you having trouble finding a water temperature that’s comfortable for you and your household? You may think your hot water tank is broken, but this isn’t always the case. It might be that the temperature you’ve chosen isn’t right for you. If this is you, you might be thinking what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at.
The Department of Energy and leading manufacturers have opposing viewpoints when it comes to this. It’s recommended that the safest temperature to set your tank at is 120°F, but most people choose to set theirs at 140°F as a default temperature setting.
The temperature of a hot water tank that’s wrongly set could have a significant impact on your life, including home energy costs and your and your family’s health. With so much at stake, how do you answer the question of what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and part of it is a matter of personal preference.
How to Choose the Right Temperature for Your Hot Water Tank
The recommended thermostat setting of 120°F for hot water tanks is to prevent scalding and bacteria growth. This temperature will provide enough hot water for the average-sized household while saving energy. That said, there are several factors to consider when determining this temperature.
First things first, the style of pipe, method of water heating (gas or electric), and whether you have a tank or tankless system does not affect the final temperature you choose.
If you’re wondering what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at, we’ll the optimum setting for you may differ depending on needs and lifestyle factors. This includes the individuals living within the home and the size of your household.
Newborns and Young Children
Those who are sensitive to high temperatures could be physically harmed by excessively hot water. This is especially true for newborns and children under the age of three as they are susceptible to third-degree burns when exposed to water that’s 140°F.
Elderly Homeowners
Because the elderly are also susceptible to severe injuries and third-degree burns when exposed to overly hot water, the same household guidelines and standards apply. For these household types, a hot water heater with a temperature setting of no more than 130°F is ideal.
Independent Homeowners
To save money, many independent homeowners opt for a lower temperature within the permitted range because there is less demand for hot water. Keep in mind that experts do advise against setting the temperature below 120°F as the water becomes stagnant, leaving the inside of your water heater susceptible to bacterial overgrowth.
Immunocompromised Individuals
Those with weakened immune systems or suffer from a respiratory health condition may benefit from a higher water temperature. Under these circumstances, hot water that’s kept at 140°F can destroy germs and generate dense steam from showers.
Large Households
The temperature of your hot water tank affects the hot-to-cold ratio when running water as hotter water means less of it and more cold to achieve the desired temperature. Larger households (more than one or two occupants) generally opt for higher water temperatures to support hot water demands and extend hot water supplies.
For homes with non-pre-heat dishwashers, you should adjust your temperature setting to 140°F. If you want to save on energy costs, you may want to invest in a pre-heating dishwasher. This appliance is popular because it increases the water temperature for a more hygienic clean without having to increase the temperature of your hot water tank.
Energy Cost of Hot Water Heaters
Hot water tanks account for a good chunk of a home’s energy use. According to the United States Department of Energy, roughly 20% of your home’s energy expense is devoted to your hot water heater. Because of this, the cost of turning the temperature up will be apparent once you see your monthly energy bill.
It may be tempting to lower the temperature of your hot water heater to save money. But, it’s worth noting that reducing the temperature by 10°F saves homeowners about 3-5% in energy costs. Certain types of bacteria, like Legionella, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures as high as 122°F.
So, what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at? It’s best to find a happy medium between your risk threshold and energy consumption target. Temperature dials are found on the majority of hot water heaters, so if you can’t decide, start with 120°F and gradually increase the temperature until you’re satisfied with the temperature.
If energy costs are a concern, you can lower your monthly water heating expenditures by limiting your hot water usage, implementing energy-saving methods, and selecting an energy-efficient water heater. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can save money on your energy bill, Murley Plumbing offers many services to help!
Checking the Temperature of Your Hot Water Tank
Before you come to a conclusion on what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at, check the current temperature of your hot water first.
You can do one of two things to determine what temperature your hot water tank is set to. If equipped, you can check the temperature of your hot water tank by locating the temperature gauge found at the bottom of your tank.
You can also take an individual reading of your faucets’ water temperature. To do this, you will need to turn your hot water tap on, allowing it to run for a few minutes (at a minimum) before you can get an accurate read on the tank’s current temperature.
If you’re concerned that your hot water tank is set to an unsuitable temperature, contact one of Murley Plumbing service locations. They can send a qualified professional to your home, equipped with the necessary tools to read it and safely make any adjustments if needed.
If you’ve tried to adjust the temperature on your own but haven’t seen noticeable differences, you may have calcification or residual buildup within your hot water tank. If you notice sounds that are similar to crackling or hissing, it’s likely this is the case.
To get a formal diagnosis, hire one of Murley Plumbing’s highly trained professionals to inspect your tank for deposits. In order to fix the issue in an efficient manner, they will drain your hot water tank to scrape off any buildup and repair damages.
Dangers of Setting Your Hot Water Tank Thermostat Too High
Most households in the United States utilize residential water heaters as a dependable source for hot water. That said, even the most advanced systems have technological limitations when controlling the temperature of hot water tanks.
A common belief among homeowners is that the thermostatic regulator on a water heater can control the water temperature at the point of usage. However, this regulator is usually located at the bottom of the water heater and doesn’t sense the water temperature at the end point of usage.
Maintaining 140°F in hot water storage tanks is the recommended sanitary temperature. Yet, if the water becomes dangerously hot, it can cause scalding in showers, faucets, and other areas of the house. And, when water is set at this temperature, it only takes a few seconds to inflict third-degree burns in children and adults.
For this reason, plumbing and manufacturer regulation codes mandate a thermostatic mixing valve be fixed on water heaters to regulate water temperature and prevent scalding. If you need help locating this valve and temperature, call Murley Plumbing services.
Hot Water Tank Maintenance
Similar to any piece of equipment, proper maintenance goes a long way toward extending the life of your hot water tank. To keep it in good shape, make sure to keep a regular maintenance schedule with a hired professional from Murley Plumbing.
They can check that your hot water tank is adjusted to an appropriate temperature on a regular basis so you’ll never have to wonder what should my hot water tank thermostat be set at.
This minimizes the chance of bacteria from growing due to cold, stagnant water, as well as ensuring temperatures don’t reach a level where scalding could occur.
Additionally, you can also check out this video from AMRE supply about water heater maintenance as well:
Hot Water Tank Booster
Setting a temperature in your home may not be as simple as picking one and forgetting about it. If you’re worried about bacteria growth and scalding, consider using a water tank booster.
A water tank booster may be a solution for families that need to maintain higher temperatures for health reasons while minimizing the danger of scalding. A water tank booster keeps your tank at 140°F to prevent bacteria growth while mixing in cold water to maintain a colder tap temperature of 120°F.
Hot Water Circulating System
Alternatively, you may live in a home where hot water takes a long time to reach the tap, regardless of the temperature you select or the location of the faucet closest to the hot water heater.
This is where a hot water circulating system comes in handy. This type of home water system gradually pumps hot water through your pipes to keep the temperature from dropping too low before it reaches your faucet.
Life Expectancy of Your Hot Water Tank
The average lifespan of a hot water tank is around 8 and 12 years. If you have one that is 10 years or older and you notice it’s either leaking or isn’t functioning the way it’s designed to, you may need a full replacement rather than a temporary fix. Murley Plumbing can help with repairs and new water heater installations!
Final Thoughts
Although you may not give your water heater much thought, it is an important part of your home’s plumbing system. Cranking up the thermostat of your hot water tank is appealing to most homeowners but it may lead to a high water bill each month.
On the other hand, if the temperature is set too low, your water won’t get hot enough and it could lead to bacteria growth inside the hot water tank. Plus, a defective water heater can result in greater energy costs and water that is either excessively hot or cold.
Arrange regular maintenance with Murley Plumbing to ensure your water heater is sanitary (hard water build-up can damage the structure) and the temperature is set appropriately. This not only saves you money, but it lengthens your hot water heater’s lifespan, and preserves the health and happiness of your family.
