Dual Element Water Heater Vs Single Element

Although dual element water heaters have two heating elements only one element operates at a time.

Dual element water heater vs single element.

Each type has its advantages but single element water heaters are usually only models of 30 gallons and less. The upper element heats the upper portion of. One major reason for the popularity of dual element water heater systems stems from the fact that they heat up water faster and more efficiently. Plus many are 120 volt while the bigger tanks are 240 volt to deliver more heating energy.

It heats water quicker than a single element unit as water is moved from one end of the tank to the other whereas a single element system heats from the bottom up only. A 4500 watt high density element generally has 30 square inches of surface area and a 4500 watt low density element generally has 60 square inches of surface area. Whereas gas heaters heat water with a burner that produces a flame electric heaters instead use electricity to heat an element. Dual element water heaters are recognizable by the two raised access panels one over the other as in the photo above at the side of the water heater for each element whereas the single element water heaters only have one.

Many modern homes come with dual element water heaters. Dual element units are easily recognizable by the two raised panels in the front for access to replace the elements. Low density water heater elements use less watts of energy per square inch so they are made longer in length to make up the watts rating of the element. The dual element is the more efficient of the two water heating systems.

A dual element water heater uses two heating elements controlled by two separate thermostats. The thermostat used in single element electric water heater is different than the double dual element water heater. With two element designs one element heats the water at the top of the tank while the second element heats the water within the bottom of the tank.