Have you ever wondered what the best temperature is for your hot water system? Choosing the right temperature is essential for your safety, efficiency, and comfort. It’s the difference between taking nice showers and scalding yourself every time you wash your hands.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when selecting the ideal temperature for your hot water systems and provide recommendations for both residential and commercial use in Australia.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about selecting the best temperature for your hot water system.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right temperature for a hot water system is important for health, safety, energy efficiency, and comfort.
- Water temperatures that are too hot can cause scalding, while temperatures that are too low can promote bacterial growth.
- Different types of facilities have different temperature needs for hot water systems, depending on their intended use.
- The recommended storage temperature for a hot water system is 60 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature to be delivered to taps is 50 degrees Celsius.
- Consult with a professional plumber or hot water system specialist to ensure that your temperature setting is appropriate.
What is the best temperature for residential hot water systems?
The most common types of residential hot water systems in Australia are electric, gas, heat-pump, and solar systems. Some have tanks, while others are tankless. For safety and efficiency reasons, tankless water heaters do not store hot water but instead heat the water on demand.
For tank residential hot water systems, the recommended temperature setting for storage is a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius. This is at the perfect temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria, such as legionella, which can cause serious harm to people. Consider consulting a licensed plumber to ensure your hot water system is operating safely.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Temperature
To choose the best temperature for your hot water system, you’ll need to consider several important factors. Temperature affects not only the efficiency and cost of your system but also the safety and comfort of those who use it.
In this section, we’ll discuss the key factors you need to consider when selecting the ideal temperature for your hot water system.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of those who use your hot water system should be a top priority. Hot water can pose some serious risks, from burns and scalds to the growth of harmful bacteria. Here are some of the key health and safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Risk of Scalding
- Legionella Bacteria Growth
- Burn and burn-related injuries
- Elderly and children’s skin sensitivity
- Safety regulations and plumbing codes
Efficiency and Energy Savings
It’s also worth considering the efficiency and energy savings of your hot water system’s temperature settings. The temperature you choose can have an impact on how much energy your system uses and how long it will last. Some efficiency and energy savings considerations to keep in mind include:
- Energy Consumption
- System Lifespan
- Maintenance requirements
- Operating costs
- Typical water usage
Comfort and Convenience
In addition to health and safety and efficiency, comfort and convenience are also important factors to consider when choosing the best temperature for your hot water system. Here are some comfort and convenience considerations to keep in mind:
- Temperature Preference
- Type of use (shower, bath, dishwasher, etc.)
- Flow rate
- Wait time for hot water
- Number of people in the household
Recommended Temperature Settings for Hot Water Systems
Finding the perfect temperature for your hot water system can be a balancing act between health and safety, energy efficiency, and personal comfort. While the ideal temperature can vary depending on different factors, there are some recommended temperature settings that you can consider as a starting point.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the recommended temperature settings for hot water systems in different environments, such as residential households and commercial buildings, such as childhood centres and homes for the elderly.
Residential Use
General Use: The recommended temperature for general use in a household is to store the water at 60 degrees Celsius and have it delivered to your taps at 50 degrees Celsius. This temperature is safe to prevent scalding and also provides enough hot water for most household activities.
Dishwashing: Kitchens and laundries in residential households are able to have higher hot water settings for their water systems than any other area of the home. The recommended temperature for a dishwasher is between 50 degrees and 60 degrees Celsius to ensure that the dishes are properly sanitised.
Showering and Bathing: For taking a shower or having a bath in a residential household, the maximum temperature for the water to be delivered to the showerhead or tap at is 50 degrees Celsius for comfort and safety.
Laundry: The recommended temperature for hot water systems to deliver hot water is typically around 50 degrees Celsius, but can be at slightly higher temperatures for specific laundry needs.
Commercial Use
Restaurants and Food Service: The recommended temperature for hot water systems in restaurants and food service locations is higher than in residential households to ensure proper sanitisation and food safety. The ideal temperature for commercial use is typically between 60 degrees and 75 degrees Celsius.
Healthcare and Nursing Homes: For healthcare purposes and nursing homes, the recommended delivery temperature for general hot water use is lower than residential use to prevent scalding and injury to the most vulnerable, such as elderly residents. The tap water temperature is limited to 45 degrees Celsius to meet safety standards.
Schools and Educational Facilities: Following the same safety standards as hospitals and nursing homes, the maximum temperature for hot water systems in schools and educational facilities is 45 degrees Celsius.
Hotels and Hospitality: Much like healthcare and educational facilities, hotels and other hospitality venues must deliver their hot water at a lower temperature than residential properties. This is due to liability and safety issues. The hot water temperature as delivered to the tap or showerhead should is typically at a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius.
Choose the right temperature for your needs
With so many safety, energy efficiency, and comfort-related factors to consider, choosing the right hot water temperature is crucial. It’s important to assess factors such as the risk of scalding and energy consumption when determining the best temperature setting for your household or commercial location.
By following recommended temperature settings and regularly maintaining your hot water system, you can ensure its longevity and efficiency while also promoting safety and comfort. If you have any questions about your hot water system or want to change anything about the hot water system and its temperature, we strongly recommend consulting a professional plumber or hot water specialist.
Need help?
If you’re looking to change your hot water system’s temperature or you’re having any issues with the system itself, Same Day Hot Water Service is here to help.
Our team of experts can assist you with repairs, maintenance, online purchases, and installations to ensure that your hot water system is running safely and efficiently. Contact us today to get a quote and schedule a service appointment, so you can enjoy reliable hot water in your home or business.