Should both heating elements be set at the same temperature?

Author: Dedrick Schuppe  |  Last update: Thursday, September 4, 2025

The thermostats control the heating elements in the tank, and they must both be set to the same temperature. Electric water heaters use electrical resistance to heat water. The heating elements, controlled by a thermostat, heat water in the tank.

Should both elements on a water heater be set at the same temperature?

Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting. WARNING! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding.

Do both heating elements work at the same time?

Only one element will come on at any one time. This is known as a flip/flop system. On a 240 volt water heater, there will always be 120 volts to both elements. The thermostat will direct the second leg of the 120-volts to the element to complete the 240 volts required to energize the element.

Should I keep both thermostats at the same temperature?

The two-degree rule serves as a golden compass when setting thermostats in two-story homes. This simple yet effective strategy involves setting each thermostat two degrees Fahrenheit apart. For instance, if you prefer a comfortable 72 degrees on the main floor, set the upper-level thermostat to 70 degrees.

Should the upper or lower thermostat be higher?

In three-story homes, the most energy-efficient settings in summer are 78 on the upper floor, 79 on the middle floor, and 80 on the lower floor. For winter, set your thermostat to 66 degrees on the upper floor, 67 on the middle, and 68 on the lower.

How a dual element water heater works

How to set two thermostats in winter?

Winter Thermostat Settings

You will want to take the opposite approach in the winter. Set the first floor's thermostat to your desired temperature, and then decrease the temperature setting on your thermostats by two degrees as you go up. Warm air on the first floor will rise and make the upper floors more comfortable.

What is the most efficient temperature setting for heating?

A temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is often considered the best temperature to set thermostat in winter to save money. But why is 68 degrees the best winter thermostat setting? In winter, heat loss through walls, windows, and doors is a significant contributor to energy wastage.

Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter?

While there are occupants in the house, it is advised for homeowners to set their thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees to promote maximum comfort. A pleasant temperature for everyone in the house, regardless of the apparel they are wearing, is between 68 and 72 degrees, which is neither too warm nor too cool.

Which heating element comes on first?

There are typically two heating elements in a standard electric water heater – an upper and a lower element. The upper element heats the water in the top portion of the tank first.

Why is my AC thermostat set at 74 but reads 78?

If the temperature is set to 74°F but the thermometer shows 78°F, you will have to recalibrate the thermostat to account for this 4-degree deviation. Even with older AC units or furnaces, you might have to recalibrate your thermostat from time to time.

How do I know if my heating element is working?

Testing the Heating Element with a Multimeter:

Place one probe of the multimeter on the loosened screw and the other probe on the remaining screw attached to the face of the heating element. The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms if the heating element is working correctly.

How do I know which heating element I need?

The good news is, working out the size of your heating element is just as easy. Simply use the BTU Calculator as normal and the results will provide the heat requirements in BTUs and Watts. The Wattage provided will be the total needed to heat the room to a comfortable temperature.

Is there a difference between a top and bottom water heater element?

Each element has its own thermostat, and only one element runs at a time. The top element turns on first to start the warming process. Once the water in the top half of the tank reaches the set temperature, the top element turns off, and the bottom element turns on to heat the rest of the water.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat on a hot water heater?

Signs Your Water Heater Thermostat Is Faulty
  • You have no hot water.
  • You're running out of hot water quickly.
  • The water is too hot.
  • It takes a long time for your water heater to heat the water.
  • You keep having to reset the high-temperature limit switch.

Is 130 too hot for a water heater?

The maximum Department of Energy recommended water heater temperature setting you should never exceed is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest recommended setting should never be below 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best thermostat setting for a water heater?

120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.

Should both thermostats on a water heater be set the same?

If your water heater has two thermostats, adjust both the same amount. The top thermostat should be a few degrees higher than the bottom.

What happens if too much sediment is in a water heater?

Sediment buildup in your water heater can be a major problem. Not only will it reduce the amount of hot water you have for cooking, cleaning, and bathing, but it can also damage your water heater and shorten its serviceable lifespan.

Which element usually goes bad first in a water heater?

If your water heater can't produce hot water, the top heating element has most likely burned out.

Why does my house feel cold at 68 degrees?

There may be drafts and pockets of colder air near the floor; The walls are colder and don't emit the usual amount of infrared radiation, so you lose heat due to your body emitting more IR than it receives; You may spend more time indoors and hence have less physical activity, so your body generates less heat.

Is 74 too hot for a house in winter?

Quick answer: The ideal house temperature is room temperature, which ranges from 68 to 78 degrees F, though this may vary from season to season. In winter, the average room temperature is generally 62 to 68 degrees, whereas in the summer, the average temperature is 72 to 78 degrees.

Why does my house feel cold at 72?

If you're cold even though your thermostat indicates you shouldn't be, your furnace likely isn't the problem. In most cases, it's working just fine. It's your home that needs attention. Lack of insulation, severe air leakage, and/or unbalanced ductwork are frequently to blame.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter?

To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.

Does turning the heat on and off raise the bill?

Thermostat settings play a pivotal role in managing your heating system's efficiency. It's a common misconception that leaving your heating on at a constant temperature is more energy-efficient than turning it on and off. Does turning the heat on and off raise the bill each month? The answer is no.

Is 65 too cold for a house in winter?

The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems. Watch out for signs of hypothermia.

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