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

The recommended temperature setting for a residential hot water heater is typically 120°F. This temperature strikes a balance between providing sufficient hot water for everyday use, such as bathing and dishwashing, while also minimizing the risk of scalding and reducing energy consumption.

Setting the temperature at 120°F helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, including Legionella, which can thrive in water temperatures below this threshold. Additionally, maintaining this temperature allows households to save energy since heating water to a higher temperature requires more energy input and can lead to increased utility bills.

At temperatures above 120°F, the risk of scalding increases significantly, especially for children and the elderly, making the lower setting a safer option. Meanwhile, higher temperatures like those indicated in the other choices, while sometimes used for specific applications, are not considered necessary or safe for general household use.