What temperature does everyone have their hot water heaters set at? My distributor recommended 120 F and was wondering if that falls in line with the industry norm.
Duane
05-15-2003, 12:23 AM
Trek,
120 is hot enough to wash, but yet not hot enough to really burn someone. This is the suggested temp from Hamilton Engineering where I purchased my new hot water tank.
There are a few considerations to think about.
What is the actual water temp when it gets to the washer? I have all my hot water lines insulated and a 3/4 return line from the end of the hot water line back to the storage tank with a pump that circulates the water keeping it hot all the time. Run a washer and measure the water temp. You may find that your first couple of washes in the morning may not even get hot water to the washer. Adjust your temp until your desired temp is reached at the washers.
Faucets. If you have your hot water directly plumbed to your hot water side of your sinks then you need to keep your water heater at 120. I have a "Anti-scald proportional thermostatic mixing and diverting valve" installed that takes the hot water and mixes it with cold water to produce a "Warm" water for the faucets on the rinse sink and bathroom sink. After setting the hot water tank I can use this valve to set a desired temperature that will not be too hot for hands.
Type of machines. Top loaders can easily be opened and you can place your hand in the machine to check the water temp and at this time someone could scald their hand if the water is too hot. I have all front loading machines and once the doors are locked the only way to touch the water is to put your hand into the soap dispenser when the machine is filling.
Cost of gas. Summer time it takes less to heat the incoming water and the cost is usually lower per therm so you can raise your temp to help get clothes cleaner. Winter time the incoming water is much colder and the gas prices are usually much higher so setting your temp higher can be much more expensive.
Competition. Of course you want the best mat in town and to get clothes clean you need hot water. So do what I did, go to all your competitors and wash a load of laundry and measure thier water temp. Make sure you go when they are semi busy. Two of my competitors were at 114, one at 101, one at 98 and one hot water reading was 86.
My hot water setting? At first when I opened the temp was set to 140. After a few months my wife noticed the setting and had me change it back to 120. Why? She is a senior vice president at a medical facility that produces garments for burn victims. Enough said?
Duane.
Thanks for your help Duane - I appreciate your advice.