Most water heaters come set higher than necessary, which wastes energy and creates a scalding risk. Finding the right temperature improves safety and lowers your bills.
The recommended setting
For most homes, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot. It's hot enough for comfort and to limit bacteria growth, while reducing the risk of scalding and saving energy compared to higher settings.
Why not higher?
- Water above 120 degrees can scald skin quickly
- Higher settings waste energy and money
- Excess heat accelerates mineral buildup and tank wear
Why not lower?
Settings below 120 degrees can allow bacteria to grow in the tank, so 120 is generally considered the safe minimum.
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