What is the recommended temperature setting for a residential water heater?

The recommended temperature setting for a residential water heater is 120 degrees F. This temperature strikes an effective balance between energy efficiency and safety. Setting the water heater at this temperature helps to prevent scalding, particularly for children and elderly residents, while still providing sufficient hot water for most household uses, including bathing, cooking, and cleaning.

In addition to safety considerations, maintaining the temperature at 120 degrees F can also help reduce energy consumption. Water heaters typically work more efficiently and use less energy when they are not set to excessively high temperatures, leading to lower utility bills.

Setting the temperature higher, such as at 130 or 140 degrees F, can increase the risk of burns and scalding, especially in bathtubs or showers where water is mixed with cold water before use. While lower settings like 110 degrees F may suffice for certain low-demand applications, they could lead to the growth of bacteria, such as Legionella, in the water heater if the temperature is too low.

Overall, 120 degrees F is both a safe and practical standard for residential water heaters.