What temperature should my water heater be at? I%26#039;m a family of four, and in the morning, usually two-three of us take showers after each other. We don%26#039;t really use hot water that much. Our laundry is done not using our water (we live in an apartment) and we don%26#039;t use the dishwasher too much. I%26#039;ve heard keeping the water heater at 125 F is warm enough to take showers and do things around the house, and hot enough to kill jerms, yet not too hot and result in saving energy. What is the ideal temperature for a water heater? Also, do those water heater blankets really work in keeping the heater warm and saving energy? I%26#039;m thinking of buying one. And when winter comes along, should I rise my water heater temperature? I live in So Cal, so it doesn%26#039;t really get that cold, but still; should it be higher in the winters? http://www.planetpals.com 0% 0 Votes

get rid of the heater and get a tankless system, with the tax credit it will pay for itself and you can habve water as hot as you wish. 0% 0 Votes

120 F is the best temperature for energy savings, you need a higher temperature if you are washing cloth diapers (140). The blanket will help save energy even in California. If you are buying a new one get an extra efficient one which does not need a blanket and if possible get a gas heater which is more efficient. You do not need to turn it up during the winter. 17% 1 Vote

The suggested temperature is 120 degrees. I keep mine at 130 degrees, because if I don%26#039;t there isn%26#039;t enough hot water to go around in the mornings. As a side note, this will NOT kill bateria. Some bacteria survive in temperatures up to 180 degrees. Lucky for us, though, soap kills bacteria even in lukewarm water. You don%26#039;t need to change it during the winter months. And, yes, the blanket helps a little. 0% 0 Votes