Hot water allows you to keep your home clean and your showers comfortable, but how warm is too warm? Often, new homeowners wonder what the ideal setting is for their hot water heater when the fact of the matter is that it depends on your situation. Here is a little more information about what to set your water heater at so you can get the most out of your plumbing fixtures. 

Setting Your Water Heater Temperature

What Is the Ideal Water Heater Setting? 

To allow home and business owners to customize their hot water experience, all hot water heaters have a dial that gives you the chance to pre-program the set holding temperature. While safety organizations recommend setting your hot water heater at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, OSHA recommends setting it as high as 140 degrees to kill off bacteria, such as Legionella.

If you have pets or small children in your home, set your water heater at 120 to prevent scalding burns. Setting your water heater’s thermostat lower can also reduce your energy costs since it won’t take as much energy to store the water at a lower temperature. 

Why Is the Temperature Setting So Important? 

Setting your water heater to the appropriate temperature is important because it will allow you to sanitize dishes, shower efficiently, and enjoy the everyday comforts of warm water. While many water-using plumbing fixtures and appliances have built-in water heater boosters to amplify the temperature, not all do, which is why setting your heater warm enough is important. Talk with your plumber about whether your washing machine and dishwasher have standalone water heaters, and what you should set your water heater at to maximize sanitation and safety. 

If you have questions about how your water heater is functioning, don’t hesitate to reach out to the plumbing team at Osterwisch Company in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1946, these heating, plumbing, and electrical experts have been helping home and business owners with everything from new builds to urgent repairs. Find out why they have such a loyal following by visiting their website or by giving their office a call at (513) 791-3282 to schedule an appointment.