Rising energy costs in Australia show no sign of slowing down, meaning homeowners and property managers continue to explore options that can help bring energy costs down. Hot water contributes a large share of household energy use, so improving efficiency here can have an impact.
While solar and heat pumps continue to grow in popularity, there is another option that’s often overlooked but highly effective: the twin-element water heater. Unlike single-element systems, which rely on one heating element to do all the work, twin-element systems use two strategically placed elements inside the tank.
A twin-element water heater is essentially a standard electric storage tank fitted with two heating elements instead of one. The primary element, at the bottom of the tank, does the heavy lifting by heating the water’s bulk. This is usually done during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, one of the contributors to energy efficiency.
The secondary element, positioned near the top, kicks in when you need a quick reheat of the upper portion of the tank. This is your backup, ensuring you don’t run out of hot water. It’s a clever setup that reduces energy waste by balancing demand. This makes it more energy efficient compared to single-element systems.
There are many more advantages to this clever invention’s energy efficiency.
One of the biggest savings comes from the ability to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs. The primary element is on autopilot, heating overnight when rates are low, and then storing enough hot water for most of the day (when energy is most expensive).
The secondary element can quickly heat the top portion of the tank during high-demand times (such as evenings after showers or laundry), ensuring hot water is available without needing to reheat the entire tank.
There are heating elements positioned at different levels in the tank, which means that the system is more strategic in its hot water delivery. This “zoning approach” ensures there’s always a backup reserve of hot water available, instead of wasting energy to keep the full tank heated at all times.
The tank of warm water doesn’t need to be reheated from top to bottom constantly, meaning less heat is lost through the tank walls. As a result, it reduces “standby energy loss,” which has been a hidden yet significant contributor to higher electricity bills in older and single-element systems.
As we’ve established, a single-element system (your typical electric hot water heater) relies on heating the entire tank at once. It often does this during peak electricity hours when power is most expensive.
Conversely, a dual-element water heater shifts most of that heating to produce hot water during off-peak times. This can result in reduced running costs of hundreds of dollars a year (depending on household usage and tariff structures).
You should know that the initial outlay of a twin-element system is usually a little higher than standard electric. But like solar hot water systems or heat pumps, the savings on energy bills typically balance this out within just a few years. And over the lifespan of the heater, you’ll often see significant savings, often making it a very cost-effective choice.
It’s not all about the money. We find more and more of our customers becoming environmentally conscious, and twin-element systems don’t just save on bills; they also support a cleaner future.
By heating water during off-peak hours, when demand on the grid is lower, twin-element systems reduce the need for fossil-fuel-based generation during high-demand times.
On its own, one household may not seem to make much difference in reducing the need for carbon-intensive power plants, but collectively these changes add up to a much smaller carbon footprint.
Speaking of collectively playing a role, twin-element systems also make it easier for households to align with Australia’s growing renewable energy mix. Solar and wind generate surplus power at certain times of the day, so these heaters can be programmed to draw energy during those windows. This means your hot water is being heated when green energy is most available, and the tech is getting more efficient by the day. You can tap into cleaner power sources without needing to change your daily routine.
So, now you understand how twin systems work and the benefits they provide, the question remains – is this type of setup right for your home?
Twin-element systems are ideal for larger households and families with high hot water demands. If your mornings are hectic with multiple showers, or if you regularly use appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, the second element makes sense. It provides faster recovery and ensures you don’t run out of hot water.
They’re also a smart fit if you’re on an off-peak electricity plan and want to cut energy costs without compromising convenience. But if you live alone or have a smaller household, a single-element heater is sufficient.
Before you run out to upgrade your hot water system, you should know what’s involved in making the switch and keeping it running at its best.
Installation of a twin-element system must be handled by licensed electricians and plumbers. Both the electrical wiring and plumbing connections need to meet Australian standards for safety and compliance. A professional installer will also ensure your system is set up to maximise off-peak tariffs and efficiency.
Once installed, these systems have a similar lifespan to standard electric hot water units – typically 10–15 years with regular care. Servicing is generally minimal, but like most machinery, routine maintenance matters. You should check thermostats, valves, and anode rods every year or so to help extend system lifespan, maintain efficiency and avoid potential costly repairs down the track.
As you can now see, twin-element hot water systems deliver clear advantages. Ultimately, they cut energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, support renewable energy integration and keep up with high demand. As such, they’re a smart investment for families and businesses.
If you’re considering an upgrade, the best next step is to have a professional assess your current system and usage patterns. The friendly and professional team at Same Day Hot Water Service can help you choose the right electric hot water solution and ensure it’s installed for maximum efficiency.
It heats water more efficiently by using off-peak tariffs and providing faster recovery for high-demand households, making it a more energy-efficient model than single-element systems.
You can improve efficiency by using off-peak power, using an insulated tank or storage heater, and scheduling regular maintenance.
It uses two heating elements to ensure a steady hot water supply while maximising energy savings.
Yes, a faulty element can waste power by running longer and working harder to heat water.