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How To Choose The Best Temperature For Your Hot Water Heater
By KYLE SCHURMAN
Although the default setting on most new hot water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, yours should be based on your personal needs and the ages of the people in your household.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) recommend 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and conserve energy.
A child can suffer a burn after 2.5 seconds exposed to water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so before giving babies or kids a bath, ensure the appliance is set to a lower temperature.
Elderly adults are also more susceptible than younger adults to skin burns and scalds from higher-than-average hot water heater thermostat settings when bathing or showering.
Hot water heaters tend to suffer from corrosion and a greater build-up of mineral sediment when holding their tanks at a higher temperature than average.
If your dishwasher does not preheat the water before running, or your bathroom is located far from the heater, consider a higher-than-average temperature setting on the thermostat.