Are you unable to figure out how hot should water temperature be set? Don’t worry, you will find out in-depth information related to water heaters in this article. We tried our best to help you out to get the water at a bearable temperature while taking a bath or washing dishes or clothes.
I guess you’re also wondering why you need to set the temperature of a water heater. Adjusting the temperature of the water heater is crucial because you have to take a bath every day and dishwashing is an essential part of our daily life.
And nobody wants to interact with the cold water in the chilly evenings and freezing mornings. Whether it’s the imagination of touching the hot scorching water or the icy water bath is enough to give a jerk. My friends, there are more things that you should know, so without further ado, let’s start!
How Hot Should Water Temperature Be Set?
The safe and healthy water temperature limit is recommended by different organizations that care for us. Read the article until the end to find out how hot should water temperature be set. Then stick to any of the limits that suit you well.
#1. Temperature 120° Fahrenheit
The Department of Energy has advised setting the water heater at 120° Fahrenheit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also supports this temperature setup to get the water from the faucet that is either not too hot or too cold. The two pros due to which you should stick to this temperature limit are:
Presence of kids at home
If you are a parent of little kids or toddlers, the 120° Fahrenheit temperature limit is the most suitable for you. Because the higher limit than this is hot for the delicate skin of your little ones and nothing is more horrible than seeing our kids crying due to pain of burning. Even the imagination of being stuck in any situation like this is making me worried and I’m sure that it is terrifying for you too.
Small family
Do you have a small family and you don’t need lots of water on a gular basis? If your answer is yes, immediately set the water heater on a limit of 120 °s to save gas or electricity depending on whatever kind of your heater is.
The cons
As you, all know once we make a decision, we have to face some pros and cons no matter how perfect the idea is. It is the case while setting the temperature. The reason why we are saying this is that the water temperature around 120 Fahrenheit cannot stop the Legionella from growing that can cause legionnaire disease. This disease is a type of pneumonia that can affect you if you have asthma or any other respiratory system issues.
#2. Temperature 140° Fahrenheit
Occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) and the world health organization (WHO) have agreed on a hot water temperature of 140° Fahrenheit that is equal to 66° Celsius. You have to decide which one is best for you after reading these parameters. Know what temperature should a hot water heater be set at.
Dishwasher
Did you buy a dishwasher that does not preheat Setting the water heater to 140° Fahrenheit will do the job and you will be able to wash the dishes without getting worried.
Large family
If you have a great number of lovelies in your family, this is directly related to increased hot water consumption. In addition, the water heater is set below 140° Fahrenheit; the water will not be available for every member of the family. So, turn the dial towards 140° and everyone will get their share of hot water.
Protection from legionnaire
As we mentioned above, the bacteria and other microorganisms cannot survive in water heated up to 140° Fahrenheit and you can save yourself and yourself from the risk of getting ill.
The cons
A standard water heater requires gas or electricity worth 40 to 60$ per year depending on the amount of hot water being used by the occupants of your lovely home. You can decrease this amount by 3 to 5 % if you lower the temperature to almost 10 ° Fahrenheit. However, be aware that the temperature below 122 ° Fahrenheit allows the legionella to survive and can eventually leave you unhealthy.
Install The Anti-Scald Valve
You have to choose a temperature setting between 120 and 140 degrees to get the bearable water from the faucets. I think you should set your water heater temperature at 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit at a time. If you are thinking that I have gone nuts, wait and read the whole idea. You can install anti-scald valves at every point from where you make a contact with hot water. These valves do not allow hot water more than 120° F to come out of the faucet. But the twist in the story is, the water temperature in the heater tank is 140° Fahrenheit thus stopping the way of Legionella to grow and spread the disease.
It’s A Wrap!
How hot should water temperature be set was your headache before reading this article? But we are hopeful that we have succeeded in providing you with the to-the-point and clear-cut information. Your feedback will help us to improve our writings to help you with your house chores.
You may want to read related articles; know how to replace anode rod in water heater and how to replace a water heater element.