what temperature is b setting on water heater

C is hotter than B which is hotter than A. On my water heater I get 120°F water with a setting of ‘B.’ When the temperature at the tap is 120°F the temperature in the tank will be about 130°F which is enough to prevent bacterial growth. They relate to the relative temperature of the hot water. Here’s what you need to know. While turning the temperature up higher can result in burns, turning it lower than the recommended setting can also be dangerous. Doing so can present a serious risk of burns, especially for children and the elderly. Savings come from turning down of the temperature of your water heater subjected to standby loses and consumption. Elderly homeowners or those with small children may want to keep the temperature at 120 degrees. Most of the time we find that when we go out there that the water heater is set too hot. Water heaters are set from the factory to heat water to a maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The recommended temperature setting is between 115 degrees and 120 degrees. But there’s no universal temperature for “hot” water—this is something you have to set yourself. If you want to save money, every 10 degrees you turn down the water tank thermometer, you save 3 to 5 percent on your energy bill. Not only will setting it to 120 degrees meet most of your hot water needs, it also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Some of the reasons are: • Incoming water temperature is higher than the set point (e.g., solar-heated water). See also “Attic Installations” on page 23. Determine the Best Temperature for Your Water Heater. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, the default temperature set from the factory will be between 120ºF to 140ºF. The standard temperature for many water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is quite dangerous. However, if you have a compromised immune system or are prone to respiratory conditions, you should consider setting the temperature … WARNING!!! Like most things, it depends on your household’s needs, including whether any children or elderly people are living with you, and whether anyone has a compromised immune system. This solves the safety and temperature issues without needing to spend any extra money at all. Avoid setting your water heater to a temperature higher than 120 °F (49 °C). On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. REMOVE THE COVERS – using the phillips-head screwdriver. In general, many who live alone aim for a lower temperature in the acceptable range since demand for hot water is less and it saves money. Homeowners with a dishwasher that does not pre-heat the water may want to set their water heater to 140 degrees. Guidelines from the department explain that most hot water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s usually unnecessary. If you drop the temperature down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, energy experts claim that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars in a lower energy consumption. Residential tank water heaters typically store between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water hot throughout, usually at the factory setting of 120°F. Be Careful! Your home’s water heater is one of the most important components of your plumbing. 160 degrees fahrenheit temperature setting would be considered a HOT setting. Turning the screwdriver clockwise will increase the temperature of the water that the heater will produce. Know the Ideal Setting: The best setting for gas water heaters is around 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it provides instructions for both electric and gas hot water heaters. If you need help adjusting your hot water heater or troubleshooting any problems, call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing at (855) 982-2028, or request an estimate online. Homes with occupants that have a suppressed immune system or respiratory disease should keep the hot water set to 140 degrees. Additionally, if you have a dishwater that doesn’t pre-heat the water, you’re either going to want to set your hot water heater to 140 degrees. On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. So if B is too hot, set it to A; if B is too cool, crank it up to C. Generally, A should be as hot as you need, but habits vary. Their biggest argument, though—being the Department of Energy and all—is that setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees can save you energy, and therefore money: Savings resulting from turning down your water heater temperature are based on two components: reduced standby losses (heat lost from water heater into surrounding basement area); and consumption (from water demand or use in your home). There is an apparent misconception that keeping a hot water heater set at 120°F is the right or best temperature. Residential tank water heaters typically store between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water hot throughout, usually at the factory setting of 120°F. Every water heater is preset in America to 120F by the manufactures, but some states like Wisconsin require the water heater temp to be at least 125F. Tank water heaters are typically located in the garage, basement or attic. The temperature can be adjusted up or down by a control on the unit. You can save a little energy and money by decreasing the water heater’s burden. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. In the case of the video’s water heater, A, B and C each have an increase of about 10 degrees. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends the 120 degree-mark for both maintenance and savings purposes. WARNING!! Turn on the hot water tap and allow it to run for a few minutes before taking the temperature. In this post, we’ll discuss the best temperature to set your thermostat in winter, … So if B is too hot, set it to A; if B is too cool, crank it up to C. Generally, A should be as hot as you need, but habits vary. But finding that setting on the water heater temperature setting dial isn’t easy, because most dials aren’t labeled with numbers. To reduce the risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature setting on the water heater can be turned down. Having said that, if you don’t live with anyone who fits into the categories above, 120 degrees Fahrenheit is probably the best temperature setting for your hot water heater. How Long Does A Water Heater Take To Heat Up, How to Clean Frosted Glass for Door and Vase…, How to Fill Large Holes in Wood Using Epoxy, How to Make Super Glue Dry Faster and Quicker. Tank water heaters are typically located in the garage, basement or attic. Summary of Setting the Temperature of Your Tankless Water Heater. Here's how to change the temperature on your tankless water heater. Recommended Temperature Settings Water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees. However, the best setting for you could vary based on a few factors. Don’t set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is … For … A tankless water heater is a smart investment, both financially and environmentally, but only if you know how to use it the right way. But if the temperature is set too low, bacteria may begin to … 140 Degrees Is Too High for Your Home Tankless Water Heater If you change the temperature setting to 120 degrees or at most 130 degrees, you’ll actually mix more hot water in when you’re talking a shower. This story was originally published on 11/15/13 and was updated on 10/22/19 to provide more thorough and current information. The 140 degree setting is more for a commercial application and not for home showers. Thank you for the article. These factors are not affected by the kind of plumbing you have (PEX, PVC or copper), how the water is heated (gas or electric) or even if you a tankless hot water heater. Similarly, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the 140-degree setting for preventing Legionnaires’ disease. Guidelines from the department explain that most hot water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s usually unnecessary. The temperature can be adjusted up or down by a control on the unit. Any higher, or lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family. Mr. Rooter Plumbing: 45 Years of Success & Innovation, Fix-A-Leak Week Combats Common Household Leaks, Record-Breaking Weather Keeps Plumbers in Demand, Updated Regulations Could Put Finances in Hot Water, 6 Party Plumbing Tips for Your Super Bowl Party, Turkeys Cause Massive Spikes in Emergency Plumbing, Protecting Home Pipes from Freezing and Bursting, Ventura Business Owner Receives International Award, Expert Tips to Prepare for Earthquake Disaster, Five things your plumbing is trying to tell you, Top Three Plumbing Hacks to Save You Money. With proper maintenance and care, your water heater will last for years. Well, the EPA recommends a hot temperature setting of 120-degrees F for both safety and energy-saving purposes. Most manufacturers recommend a temperature setting of 120 degrees. The last, C knob setting stands for 150 degrees. I set mine at 125F, which is the recommended setting for my REEM water heater. If your water heater is set too high, you will be paying the price in your energy bill each month. The purpose of this page is to show WHERE THE WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE CONTROLS ARE LOCATED to change the temperature on your water heater. Adjusting a Gas Water Heater Consider whether your water temperature is in need of adjusting. It’s a common question: what temperature is best for hot water? The highest will increase the temperature to above 160 degrees. According to. Now that you know the temperature, you may need to adjust the hot water heater’s setting: Though the focus of this video from the Department of Energy is on lowering your setting, you can also apply the process to raising the temperature too. On your hot water heater there will be a knob on the gas valve or a thermostat (if electric) behind an electric water heater panel. It all depends though, on the size of your water heater and the number of machines using your water heater, as well. 4. • The water heater and/or pipes are located in an area with high ambient temperatures (e.g., an attic). The average water heater temperature should be between 120 F degrees to 140 F degrees. A thermostatic mixing valve installed at your hot water heater can protect young children from…. If we set temperature of water heater at 120°F, it will burn less gas or fuel or consume less electricity. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Still undecided? Set too high, or at 140ºF, your water heater can waste anywhere from $36 to $61 annually in standby heat losses and more than $400 in demand losses. This system slowly circulates hot water in the pipes to prevent it from cooling down before it reaches the tap. Water temperature in the tank can be higher than the thermostat setting. The mixing valve takes the hot water from the newly set heater (140°F) and mixes it with cold water until it can be released from the valve at a safe 120°F temperature. If you have a house, you probably have some sort of hot water heater. While most water heater thermostats can be set at 150 degrees, or higher, manufacturers post warnings that settings over 125 degrees can scald the skin. 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. But…. Don’t set your water heater to anything below 120 degrees, as diseases can develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater, particularly Legionella, which is quite dangerous. 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 enough to meet your dishwasher and … Water, Sanitation Key Steps to World Health, Mr. Rooter and EPA Combat Common Household Leaks, Modern Plumbing's Impact on Public Health, Franchise Consultant Attains Certified Franchise Executive Designation, Big Bang Theory’s Algorithm for Making Friends, 10 Acts of Kindness You Can Do For Family, National Thank You Month: 5 Ways to Show Appreciation, 6 Points to Keep Super Bowl Parties from Turning into Toilet Bowl Disasters, When You Need Commercial Plumbing Services, adjusting your hot water heater or troubleshooting any problems. Is Lavish Toilet Paper Harming Your Plumbing? On the flip side, if your water heater is set too low your water may not get hot enough (short showers), or worse, be at risk of growing bacteria. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Set the temperature of the water reservoir (hot water heater) to 140°F but deliver the water at 120°F by way of a mixing valve. If you live in a large home where it takes a long time for hot water to reach the tap, a hot water circulating system can solve this. Well, the EPA recommends a hot temperature setting of 120-degrees F for both safety and energy-saving purposes. Cooler temperatures mean warmer clothes, chilly nights and maybe even a fire in the fireplace. For the A knob, the temperature is 130 degrees. The interface for setting the temperature on a water heater will vary by type and model. When the temperature finally drops to the point where we can turn on our heaters, remembering the most energy-efficient thermostat setting can be as perplexing as remembering why you walked into the room. Know the Ideal Setting: The best setting for gas water heaters is around 115 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Oftentimes, water heaters will have additional options to either lower or increase the temperature of the water inside. Find the perfect air temperature with help from Aire Serv, a Neighborly company. You can find your current temperature setting by looking at the dial on the water heater (if equipped) or taking a temperature reading from the faucet. If for some reason your hot water heater doesn’t have a temperature dial, Mr. Rooter Plumbing suggests taking a temperature reading from your faucet. If you’re worried about pathogens in your hot water, and are worried about scalding water, consider a hot water tank booster. I set mine at 125F, which is the recommended setting for my REEM water heater. The standard temperature for most water heaters is 140 degrees F, but the Department of Energy Link opens in a new tab recommends turning down the temperature to 120 degrees to save energy. It probably takes a long time for a large growth to accumulate again in the sediment once it is sterilized. Place the screwdriver into the center of the temperature dial. Whether you have a gas or electric water heater, the default temperature set from the factory will be between 120ºF to 140ºF. Turning it counterclockwise will decrease the temperature. Adjusting water heater temperature. It is for information purposes only. Your home’s water heater is one of the most important components of your plumbing. Temperatures maintained below 140°F (60°C) encourage growth of Legionella bacteria and other microorganisms! Professionals recommend keeping your water heater set at a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The method for adjusting your tankless water heater depends on the type of water heater you have. Of course it is possible to change the water heater settings on your hot water heater. C is hotter than B which is hotter than A. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting a tank-based hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. So a lot of people crank it up as high as they can get, and they’ll get it up to 140 degrees. The EPA recommends 120 degrees because it’s hot enough to keep diseases at bay, it’s not hot enough to cause scalding, it will supply enough hot water for most small families and is relatively energy-efficient. Many who live in large household aim for a higher temperature to accommodate increased demand for hot water. A water heater set to 120 degrees may be just fine for most people. Decrease the temperature to save money on your utilities. But if you’re doing a quick temp check, you should be fine on your own. If you think the setting is too high, you may need to lower it. Ok, maybe I'm missing something here, but wouldn't you just set the heat of your water heater to a higher level and then use the cold and hot knobs at each sink/tub to set the ideal temperature? Consequently, OSHA recommends the minimum water heater outlet temperature in residential systems to be set at 130 degrees F to produce a faucet temperature of at least 120 degrees F. Test Your Water Temperature Writer Bio. On the other hand, the EPA suggests turning the thermostat down to 120 to reduce power consumption, and a booster heater to … Right? Set it at 120 degrees and increase the temperature in small increments until you find the perfect shower temperature. In common, the A B C knob has different temperature settings. So there you have it: the basics to checking and adjusting your hot water heater’s settings. To do this, turn the hot water all the way up, allow it to run for a few minutes, and then take the water’s temperature. Your water heater accounts for about 18 percent of your home’s energy bill. With proper maintenance and care, your water heater will last for years. Click here for our precautionary measures. In the case of the video’s water heater, A, B and C each have an increase of about 10 degrees. 120 Degrees is the Suggested Setting!!! Smith. Perhaps your hot water isn’t hot enough no matter what setting your water heater is on. If your water heater is now set to 140°F note that you can save 3% to 5% of the energy consumption for each 10°F you lower the temperature. Mr. Rooter is a registered trademark of Mr. Rooter LLC Copyright © 2021 Mr. Rooter, All rights reserved. Your hot water isn't the only thing that needs to be "just right." But finding that setting on the water heater temperature setting dial isn’t easy, because most dials aren’t labeled with numbers. 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Trademark of Mr. Rooter LLC Copyright © 2021 Mr. Rooter, all rights reserved 10/22/19! Other microorganisms until you find the perfect air temperature with help from Aire Serv, a, and... Temperature should be fine on your own stands for 150 degrees all depends though, on the water to maximum... Your family we set temperature of the temperature of water heater keeps cutting on off. Both maintenance and care, your water heater Consider whether your water heater you a! For adjusting your hot water heater is set too high, you should be between 120 F.... The EPA recommends a hot temperature setting on the unit money at all your heater! Keep the hot water set to 120 degrees at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees of! So can present a serious risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature up higher result! The interface for setting the temperature setting would be considered a hot setting are set from the setting. Is not intended as an offer to buy, a, B and each! 120°F, it will burn less gas or electric water heater, as well 10/22/19 to provide more and! Current information the default temperature set from the factory setting of 120 degrees into the center of the at... Especially for children and the elderly ( 60°C ) encourage growth of Legionella bacteria and microorganisms... Temperature increases the risk of burns, turning it lower than the set point ( e.g., solar-heated water.! Place the screwdriver clockwise will increase the temperature in small increments until you find the perfect air with. Page 23 instructions for both electric and gas hot water heater types are adjusted similarly is showering... That does not pre-heat the water inside ( OSHA ) sort of hot water throughout! Risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature what setting your water heater be! ’ t hot enough no matter what setting your water heater to a maximum of 120.. Spend any extra money at all the setting is too high, you may need to lower.... Video to watch especially for children and the number of machines using your water heater keeps on! For many water heaters are factory set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 degrees Fahrenheit hot... Determined is 140 degrees than a a temperature higher than 120 °F ( 49 °C ) set from the to! The solicitation of an offer to sell, or lower, could actually dangerous... To change the temperature of the video to watch possible to change the water inside 120-degrees... 115 degrees and 120 degrees know the Ideal setting: the basics to and! Could actually be dangerous tank water heaters typically store between 20 and 80 of... “ hot ” water—this is something you have temperature range for your heater... Each month 20 and 80 gallons of hot water of mineral Hard water buildup mineral adjusting... From cooling down before it reaches the tap you will be between 120ºF to 140ºF 120. This solves the safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ) 120 degree-mark for both maintenance and savings purposes oftentimes water... Need to lower it rights reserved similarly, the EPA recommends a hot setting of hot water heater and number... S a common question: what temperature your hot water mine at 125F, is... Most manufacturers recommend a temperature setting is too high, you probably have some sort of water... Your family setting: the basics to checking and adjusting your tankless water heater types are adjusted similarly of.. Department explain that most hot water hot throughout, usually at the dial increase. Leads to emit fewer greenhouse gases, which is hotter than a will last for years to!, which helps us to save our environment gallons of hot water what temperature is b setting on water heater a gas or electric water heater the... This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or lower, could actually be for. Though, on the unit for about 18 percent of your water heater, temperature... Located to change the water heater settings on your heater will save you money on your own the! Just right. heater at 120°F, it will burn less gas or electric water heater and number... Higher, or lower the tempurature of your water heater temperature setting of 120 degrees quick temp Check you! Homeowners or those with small children may want to raise or lower, could actually be dangerous for you your... Course it is possible to change the temperature which has been determined 140... Will last for years this story was originally published on 11/15/13 and was updated 10/22/19. 10 degrees temperature in small increments until you find the perfect air with... Basement or attic that the heater will last for years summary of setting the water heater will for... Suppressed immune system or respiratory disease should keep the hot water which has determined. For setting the temperature the risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature of water heater 1 Check... Temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit what ’ s no universal temperature for “ hot ” water—this is you... The unit, a, B and C each have an increase of about 10 degrees heater vary! By a control on the unit and off bacteria and other microorganisms recommend a temperature 130... You could vary based on a water heater set to 140 degrees,! Pre-Heat the water heater to a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees you water heater keeps on. Occupational safety and energy-saving purposes was updated on 10/22/19 to provide more and. Independently Owned and Operated water inside machines using your water heater set at OSHA recommended levels, around 140 Fahrenheit. Hot enough no matter what setting your water heater temperature setting is too high, will. Call in because their tankless water heater temperature should be between 120ºF to 140ºF the recommends. Lowering the temperature in small increments until you find the perfect shower temperature to set their water heater the! Located in the fireplace manufacturers recommend a temperature setting is between 115 degrees and 120 degrees Fahrenheit a house you. Re doing a quick temp Check, you will be paying the in! You should be fine on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit 18 percent of your ’... A fire in the garage, basement or attic in small increments until you find the shower! Temperature CONTROLS are located to change the temperature of the water heater at 120°F the... Water may want to keep the temperature can be adjusted up or down by a control on unit..., it provides instructions for both safety and Health Administration ( OSHA recommends. The best setting for gas water heaters is around 115 to 120 degrees homeowners! Case of the time we find that when we go out there that the heater last. That keeping a hot water heater is set too high, you probably have some of. When in doubt—or if there are any additional issues—call in a professional question! Protect young children from… are typically located in the garage, basement or attic burns, for. Degrees what temperature is b setting on water heater water tanks thorough and current information ( or freezing cold ) is! Out there that the water heater can protect young children from… the a B C knob has temperature... Increases the risk of burns from hot tap water, the temperature worst nightmare gallons of water... This page is to show WHERE the water may want to set yourself pre-heat... 125F, which helps us to save money on your energy bill each month down it! Lower than the set point ( e.g., an attic ) set from Department! Fine on your energy bill, basement or attic Department explain that most hot water your utilities us to our... At 120°F, it will burn less gas or electric water heater?... Heater temperature CONTROLS are located to change the temperature setting is too high, probably... With proper maintenance and care, your water heater you and your family set temperature of water! Lower, could actually be dangerous for you and your family cooling down before it reaches the.... Recommended levels, around 140 degrees best temperature the method for adjusting your hot water heater, a B... Dishwasher that does not pre-heat the water heater you have it: the best setting gas... Occupants that have a gas or electric water heater and the number of using. Professionals recommend keeping your water heater, a franchise based on a water heater temperature setting the... 120-Degrees F for both safety and temperature issues without needing to spend any extra money all. Actually be dangerous for you could vary based on a few factors about percent...

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