I've determined that the lower element is bad on a 10-year old State water heater (a Franklin, TN model). I plan to replace the heater with a Bradford-White, based on the recommendations here ... but I'd like to wait a few months until the attic temps are more rational (they're in the 100+ range in the summer)!! (Texas summers are HOT, and this summer is abnormally so -- we've had 34 100+ days already)
My question: Is there anything wrong with the idea of simply replacing the upper thermostat with a single element model, and only using the upper element? This isn't our only water heater -- it only supplies the kitchen and laundry room, so it's not used nearly as much as the one that supplies our bedrooms and jacuzzi. It seems this would let me defer the replacement until Nov/Dec, when it's much more reasonable to work in the attic. Any "bad" things to be concerned about if I do this?
My question: Is there anything wrong with the idea of simply replacing the upper thermostat with a single element model, and only using the upper element? This isn't our only water heater -- it only supplies the kitchen and laundry room, so it's not used nearly as much as the one that supplies our bedrooms and jacuzzi. It seems this would let me defer the replacement until Nov/Dec, when it's much more reasonable to work in the attic. Any "bad" things to be concerned about if I do this?