What Temperature Should a Hot Water Heater Be Set At?

If there are elderly folks or children in the home then it is important to check the thermostat on your water heater. Moreover, water heater accounts for 18 percent of your home’s energy bill and if it is set on high temperature then your energy bill can be double. However, if the temperature is set on a lower level it may develop bacteria. The expert plumbers of Albany, NY home inspections recommend not to set your water heater below 120 degrees, as it may develop a disease in the stagnant water most probably legionella, which is a dangerous bacteria.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the water heater should be set at 120 degrees to avoid the risk of any disease, at this temperature, the water heater will supply enough hot water for a small family and it is considered to be energy efficient. On the other hand, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has declared 140 degrees as a safe temperature. As per OSHA, setting up the water heater on a higher temperature will eliminate most of the bacteria’s’. It is best to contact a professional home inspection company such as Albany, NY home inspection to set the water heater at a temperature that suits your needs.

If you facing a problem of scalding water or pathogens, then it is wise to consider a hot water tank booster. It will not only keep the temperature to 140 degrees but it will also mix the hot water with the cold water to set the temperature at 120 degrees. It is important to contact Albany, NY home inspection if the water is not getting hot enough on any temperature. The Albany, NY, home inspector will check and adjust your water heater as per your needs.

The Author Kevin Maxwell is the owner and operator of Maxwell Home Inspection Services, LLC. Kevin Maxwell is a certified Home Inspector located in Albany NY that has performed over 6000 Inspections

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