There are two main reasons that a homeowner might consider adjusting the temperature setting on his or her water heater:

1. To Cut Energy Costs The higher the temperature is set on your hot water tank, the more energy the system must use to maintain the supply. Thus, it makes sense that people want to ensure that the temperature is set at a reasonable level to prevent skyrocketing energy bills.
2. To Improve Tap Temperatures Another reason why a person might look into changing that temperature setting is because he or she is unhappy with the temperature of the water at the faucet. It might not even be the faucet that is the concern, but the shower.  For some, the water is too hot and can be a burn hazard at the sink.  For others, the temperatures are too low and the hot water supply doesn’t last long enough to support the shower needs of the family.

Whichever reason applies to your situation, it is essential to understand that there must be a precise balance found.  There is danger in allowing the temperatures to be set too low.  Likewise, temperatures set too high can cause serious burn risks for those using sinks and showers in the home.

Temperature control instruments can be used to properly gauge the temperature of the tank, which should always be kept at a minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  Any cooler than this and you run the risk of bacteria growth in the water supply.  In most cases, homeowners wouldn’t want the temperature any lower than this anyway, because this provides an adequate tap temperature for washing dishes and

bathing (the temperature of the water drops a bit while passing through the pipes, in route to the faucet).

Lowering your temperature from a higher setting down to the minimum 130 degrees can save you money on your energy bills, but it can also cost you a lot of household frustration, especially if more than one person is showering in the morning.  The hotter the water in the tank, the longer the shower can be run before hot water supplies are depleted.

You may also choose to turn the temperature up on your water heater.  Generally it is recommended that you do not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as anything above this creates the risk of scalding.