Why do electric water heaters have two thermostats?
An electric storage-tank-style water heater has two thermostats because it has two heating elements. The thermostats are designed so only one element is active at a time. The reason only one element is active at a time is because it allows for smaller wire sizes and lower amperage demand when in operation.
How does a water heater thermostat?
Depending on the gallon size of the tank, an electric water heater consists of one or two thermostats which regulate the temperature of the water. The thermostats work by turning the heating elements on when the water cools below a particular temperature.
Do electric hot water heaters have a thermostat?
Most electric water heaters above 20 gallons have two thermostats that sense the temperature of the water in both the top and bottom of the tank. The upper thermostat is the boss and always tells the lower thermostat what to do.
How much is a new thermostat for an electric water heater?
The average thermostat replacement cost is between $100 and $300. Most other repairs are equally affordable. There are two main types: gas and electric. A gas unit works by way of a gas flame while an electric one works using electric elements, or coils.
How does an electric hot water heater work?
Most electric hot water tanks have two elements and two thermostats. The elements do not heat up at the same time. The top element heats the water first and then the bottom element kicks in. The upper thermostat acts as a coordinator between the two elements.
How does a two thermostat water heater work?
The basic operation of a two thermostat system (upper and lower) on an electric water heater of 240 volt supply is as follows: 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.
How does the upper element of a water thermostat work?
The upper element heats the upper portion of the water column. When it reaches a specified temperature, it shuts off, and the lower heating element takes over, heating the rest of the water. This is an efficient, money-saving feature, as the water is heated in a consistent manner. Depending on your water usage, the temperature can be lowered.
How does a dual element hot water heater work?
When the thermostat senses that the water has reached the correct temperature, it shuts off the power to the element. With dual elements, each with their own thermostat, they alternate heating the top and bottom portions of the tank as only one heating element is on at one time.
How do you check a thermostat on a hot water heater?
Testing the Thermostat. There is a simple test you can perform to test your water heater thermostat: Mark the current temperature setting with a marker, then turn down the temperature on the thermostat. Wait a few hours, then check the water temperature at a faucet.
How do you replace the thermostat on a hot water heater?
Loosen each screw on the front of the thermostat. Remove the wires from behind each screw. Unsnap the mounting clips at the bottom of the thermostat. Lift the thermostat from the water heater. Take your thermostat to a plumbing supply or a home improvement center to find a replacement thermostat compatible with your original thermostat.
What are the symptoms of a bad water heater?
Signs of a water heater going bad include: No hot water. Too little hot water. Water not hot enough. Rust colored water. Popping noises coming from the water heater. A rotten egg smell.
How do you troubleshoot a water heater thermostat?
Troubleshoot an electric water heater thermostat: Shut off power to the heater at the electrical service panel and post a sign warning others not to turn it on. Unscrew and remove the electric water heater access panel.
