Note that setting your water heater temperature too high is dangerous, and can result in scalding. If your water seems unusually cold, the problem may be a broken heating element or poor insulation rather than the temperature of the water heater itself. A temperature between 120F and 125F is ideal for most situations. my water heater's old, if that makes a difference. Safety and energy conservation are factors to be considered when selecting the water temperature setting of a water heater’s thermostat. But finding that setting on the water heater temperature setting dial isn’t easy, because most dials aren’t labeled with numbers. Writer Bio. Most water heaters will already be set to this temperature when they’re installed. It is estimated that the average water heater temperature is set to 130ºF in the United States.130ºF IS THE BEST TEMPERATURE TO SET YOUR WATER HEATER as it will reduce the risk of scalding while showering but also be hot … Adjusting an electric hot water heater temperature thermostat setting is a little more involved, but still relatively easy. Setting the temperature too low may reduce your dishwasher or washing machine’s cleaning power if they lack an internal heater. Well, the EPA recommends a hot temperature setting of 120-degrees F for both safety and energy-saving purposes. This label is also located on the water heater. Fortunately, most water heater types are adjusted similarly. Although manufacturer’s usually set water heaters at 140 degrees F, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money by adjusting your water heater thermostat. The interface for setting the temperature on a water heater will vary by type and model. Adjusting water heater temperature. Water temperatures above 125°F can cause severe burns or death from scalding. But if the temperature is set too low, bacteria may begin to grow in the tank. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, the default temperature set from the factory will be between 120ºF to 140ºF. I didn't see a date, but the energy sticker had some reference to 1994. Be sure to read and follow the warnings outlined on the label pictured below. Setting the water to a higher temperature increases the risk of scalding. The arguments for 120°F temperature setting: If we set the water heater temperature at 120°F, we may get the following advantages as advice by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering – Helps to cut down bills. Page 7: Water Temperature Setting This is the recommended starting point. Water heaters are set from the factory to heat water to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. and he said the top thermostat should be set to a higher temperature than the low one, but other places I've read said they should be at the same temperature. Savings come from turning down of the temperature of your water heater subjected to standby loses and consumption. The majority of electric water heaters have two thermostats: an upper and a lower, located under two control panels. However, Mixing valves for reducing point-of-use water the GE Hybrid Water heater’s energy savings claims temperature by mixing hot and cold water in are based on a 135°F (57°C) temperature setting branch water lines are available. To reduce the risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature setting on the water heater can be turned down. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for each 10 degree reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3 and 5 percent in energy costs. 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