At what temperature is the water in a hot water heating system typically maintained to ensure safety?

In a hot water heating system, maintaining water at approximately 80°C (175°F) is a standard practice to ensure safety while providing adequate heating. This temperature is generally accepted because it is hot enough to effectively distribute heat through the system while minimizing the risk of burns or overheating.

Temperatures higher than this, such as 90°C and 95°C, increase the risk of scalding and present a higher safety hazard for anyone interacting with the system. Similarly, temperatures at or below 70°C may not be sufficient to meet heating demands efficiently and can lead to issues such as bacterial growth in the water supply.

Thus, 80°C strikes a balance between effective heating performance and safety, making it the typical choice in hot water systems.