An Overlooked Aspect of Water Heater Maintenance

When it comes to keeping your water heater running efficiently and protecting your overall health, there’s one important thing to monitor that you may be taking for granted: its temperature setting.

Many homeowners try to reduce their energy bills by turning their water heater’s thermostat down to “low” or even “vacation mode.” While this may seem like a smart move, it can actually pose health risks. According to experts, the water inside a traditional water heater needs to reach at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typically marked as setting “B” on the temperature dial. At this temperature, harmful bacteria like Legionella are effectively killed off.

If you feel like your water is still too hot at the tap, consider installing thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) or adjusting the settings at the faucet to control output temperature rather than reducing it at the source. Another option is to upgrade to a tankless water heater. These systems heat water on demand rather than storing it, which eliminates the risk of standing water becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. They’re known for their high efficiency and energy savings over time, especially for households that use hot water intermittently rather than constantly.