New Delhi (India), July 26: Water heaters are systems that heat water. They are either powered by electricity or fuel. In several countries, a geyser is usually a domestic water heater. Water heaters are primarily used in winter at home. Water is an important aspect of our lives, and no one can imagine the world without it. In winter, the temperatures tend to drop, and it is cold when you touch it. People require warm or lukewarm water during monsoons and winters.
The term geyser is used in several contexts. Originally, a geyser was a natural well that mostly emitted tall columns of water and steam into the air. Today, a geyser is a type of water heater that constantly supplies hot water. Hence, the word geyser is used interchangeably. Geysers help water quickly and store water for longer periods of time.
Geyser water heaters use less energy than other water heaters, like immersion heaters and hot water coils. Some of the common problems geysers face are:
Dipping concerns
Overheating
Water not warming enough or no hot water
Ceiling leaking water
Things to consider
An electric heater includes three components: a heating element, a thermostat, and a storage tank. The heating element is the most important factor in an electric geyser.
Heating elements
Before buying such a water heater, pay attention to the heating element because very hard or soft water damages both the heating element and the internal tank. Most service providers offer regular maintenance services through their equipped, trained mechanics. The facilities are altered according to the clients' demands.
Storage tanks
Make sure the geyser you plan to buy is strong and corrosion-resistant. There are two types of storage tanks: stainless steel and vitreous enamel. Stainless steel tanks are often obsolete as they are prone to corrosion. Vitreous enamel tanks are more advanced and prevent hard water scaling.
Thermostats
A good-quality thermostat is highly important as it prevents water from overheating. It also serves a two-fold purpose by reducing overall power consumption. Whatever temperature is optimal for your usage, you can set the thermostat at that temperature. Most geysers have a knob to adjust the water temperatures. Some modern water heaters have digital displays that show the accurate temperatures.
Such geysers are more helpful as you can set the exact temperatures, which is lukewarm water, leading to quicker heating and lower power consumption.
Types of geysers to pick
Instant water heaters
Instant heaters warm up the water instantly. They usually take a small space in the wall, and you can access hot water immediately as you switch on the geyser. However, instant geysers do not support long showers as they usually release less water on a single heating, and you need to wait for more water once the amount gets exhausted. Often, instant water heaters have a storage capacity of 10 litres and cost more than storage geysers.
Instant heaters are suitable for washing kitchen utensils, washbasins, and bathing using buckets. Another thing worth noting is that since there is no storage water tank used, the overall lifespan of such heaters is better.
Storage geysers
They take up a lot of wall space and you need to wait before the hot water dispenses. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, these geysers store a lot of water, which makes it ideal for long showers. Besides, they are affordable, but they come at the expense of higher heating costs. These heaters can store up to 25 litres of water. The lifespan is also lower than the instant geysers.
