Will a Water Heater with 6000Watt Elements use more electricity than one with 4500Watt elements?

Question

I believe the water would heat faster therefore use less electricity?

Answer 1

Remember the higher amp draw will put a strain on your upper and lower thermostat, your wiring,and your breaker. It is best to go with the manufacturers suggested heating element.

Answer 2

6000 watts divided by 240 volts = 25 amps

4500 watts divided by 240 volts = 18.75 amps

The 6000 watts will heat the water up faster!

Answer 3

Sure,

A 6000w element will use 25 amps, where a 4500w will use 19 amps.

You'll need to upgrade your breaker box.

Answer 4

You are right. It will only heat faster but not use more watts. Heating the water to the same temperature takes the same amount of energy no matter how fast you put that energy in to it.

If it is a bigger tank then you are storing more hot water and there could be a little more loss in that. But newer heaters are much better insulated so a new heater will be more energy efficient than the old ones.  

Answer 5

yes,,,of course.