In most cases, water heaters have two heating elements. The two heating element design allows the unit to heat water more efficiently. The bottom heating element heats up water first. The second heating element heats water at the top of the tank when it loses heat, or the demand for hot water is especially high.
If your water heater can't produce hot water, the top heating element has most likely burned out.
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.
The upper element heats the water in the top portion of the tank first. Once the top portion reaches the desired temperature, the upper thermostat switches power to the lower element, heating the rest of the water. This dual-element design ensures a more efficient heating process and a steady supply of hot water.
Electric Hot Water heaters with two heaters can be hooked up two ways. In Sequential, starting from a cold tank when one turns on the power the upper heater comes on first and when it gets to its set point it shuts off and turns the lower heater on which comes on and then shuts off when it gets to its set point.
There are 6 main steps in Jason's furnace sequence of operation training. The phrase, “Take It Slow, It's Gonna Blow!” should help you remember the sequence (Thermostat, Inducer motor, Safety switch, Igniter, Gas valve, Blower motor).
If so, they are configured that the upper element always runs more than the lower element. This is because the lower element cuts on only after the upper element cuts off. And the upper element always comes on first because hot water exits from the top.
The replacement element must be the same voltage and wattage as the element being replaced. Never exceed the nameplate rating on the water heater. Check the nameplate on the heater to determine the proper voltage/wattage combination is correct for your heater.
The parts for dual-element water heaters are not interchangeable, meaning there are different replacement parts for the top and bottom elements.
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.
Potential damage to the water heater: If the water heater is not designed to handle the reversed flow, it can cause damage to the internal components.
If the heating element is functioning properly, the multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms. If there is a very low reading or zero reading, the heating element isn't working and must be replaced. If your water heater has two heating elements, check the second element in the same manner.
For an average 40-gallon electric heater it will take about 60 to 80 minutes and for an 80-gallon tank about 2 hours.
Adjust both thermostats to the same temperature setting. WARNING! Higher temperatures increase the risk of scalding. If you have increased the temperature setting above 120°F, install Thermostatic Mixing Valves at each point of use and set them to 120°F or lower.
Water heaters have a few different parts; based on data from HomeGuide, here are some average prices to replace common components: Dip Tube: $100 to $300. Heating Element: $100 to $350. Anode Rod: $150 to $350.
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.
Higher wattage elements can lead to increased energy consumption, particularly if used inappropriately. A 5500 watt element may heat water faster but might not always be the most efficient choice for your household size. Conversely, a 4500 watt element can be more energy-efficient if your hot water demand is moderate.
The top element is generally used for “broiling” and is used to mimic the heat from a traditional grill, except from the TOP. The bottom element heats the oven compartment to a steady, set temperature for “baking”. Both elements are used in “self cleaning” cycles.
Testing the Heating Element with a Multimeter:
The multimeter should read between 10 and 30 ohms if the heating element is working correctly. If you get a very low or zero reading, it indicates a faulty heating element that needs replacement.
Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible.
But, a failed heating element doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace the entire water heater. In this article, we'll outline the steps for installing a new heating element and getting your water heater back up-and-running again.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Heating Element
Wattage - The wattage of a heating element is one of the most important factors to consider. This will determine how much heat the element can generate and how quickly it can heat your desired area. Make sure to pick an element with a wattage appropriate for your needs.
An electric water heater can make some hot water with just the upper element. The lower element isn't powered up until the top of the tank gets hot from the upper element. So if there's a problem with the upper element you won't get any hot water.
The inefficiency of the Heating Element
Cracks and calcium deposits can affect the heating element's efficiency. A water heater with a compromised heating element is an energy vampire.