>> I've seen conflicting reports on tank temp. Could be as low as 49.
>>
I think the reports differ is because there are conflicting reasons for selecting a temperature.
Pretty much everything I've read suggests 60 as best for killing bugs.
www.cse.org.uk/downloads/file/advice_leaflet_hot_water_cylinders.pdf
Those advocating a lower temperature, and this is where 49 comes in, are worried about scalds. Debate in this paper:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2094925/
Another issue with lower temperatures is that more hot water is likely to be drawn as users add less/no cold at mixer to attain same temperature at shower head or in washing up bowl. Cylinder empties sooner and/or drops to tepid unless boiler is fired.
One place we lived with a small tank and E7 electric heating we kept the water at 75 to minimise draw when washing up etc. OTOH with gas, since we both gave up full time 9-5 work, we've left boiler on at timer all day. We were regularly having to 'knock it on' during day, partly because we were showering later, after clock went off, and also because we run hot water during day for domestic stuff; hand washing cups/plates, mopping floors etc.
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