For quite a few people, there’s nothing better than a hot shower to start the day. Even though that may be a perfect way to wake up and start the day, experts say it’s possible to set your water too hot.

Setting your water heater to a temperature that’s above the recommended degree can throw away electricity and cost you money. It also can cause a safety concern for members of your home. But, if you set your water heater temperature too low, it can enable growth of potentially harmful bacteria and not produce adequate hot water for your household.

So, what temp is ideal for your water heater? Here, we’ll determine the most cost-effective temperature to use, when there could be justification to set it a little higher and how hot is too hot for your home's water heater.

What Water Heater Temperature Is the Most Efficient?

Although many brands advise setting the water temperature at 140 degrees, a more efficient temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Specialists say 120 degrees hits the right balance between safety and energy consumption.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that setting a home water heater temperature at 120 degrees could save up to 22 percent on energy bills. Energy waste is a particular challenge for water heaters because traditional tank models always heat a tank of water in case it is demanded. If you have the water heater temperature set too high, your water heater is consistently heating a tank full of super-hot water.

What's the Right Temperature for My Hot Water?

In most cases, the suggested efficient temperature of 120 degrees is the right setting for your water heater. At 120 degrees, the water is heated enough to meet the desires of most residents, but not so hot there's a danger of burning skin on contact. This makes it a safer option, especially in homes with young children or elderly men and women. Cooler temperatures also minimize mineral deposits in your water heater, which could cause it to break down or need replacement.

Can I Raise My Water Temperature Higher Than 120 Degrees?

While many industry experts say 120 degrees is the preferred water heater temperature if you’re trying to save money, is it acceptable to set it higher? Beyond personal preference, there are a couple of different situations where it could make sense to set your water temperature a little higher, between 130-140 degrees:

  • Bacteria: Higher water temperatures can be a good way to eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause or aggravate certain health conditions. This also may be practical if you know your home has an issue with bacteria, or if any people who live in your home are sick.
  • High usage: If your home is inclined to use a large volume of hot water simultaneously—showering while also running the dishwasher and washing machine, for example—a greater water heater temperature may be necessary to make sure there’s sufficient hot