Electric geyser
Electric geysers are one of the most common types of geysers found in homes today. They work by heating water using electricity rather than gas. A heating element at the bottom of the tank slowly heats the water throughout the day.
Electric geysers are very simple devices with few moving parts, making them reliable and low maintenance. However, they can be more expensive to operate than gas models due to the high cost of electricity. Most electric geysers have energy efficient ratings of around 0.90 to 0.95 energy factor.
A major advantage of electric geysers is that they can be installed virtually anywhere in the home, as they do not require a vent or gas line like gas models. This makes them well suited for basements or other interior locations. They also heat water very quickly and consistently compared to tankless geysers.
However, one drawback is that electric geysers do not benefit from inexpensive off-peak electricity rates like heat pump geysers. This means the operating costs will be highest during times of peak electric demand. Regular maintenance like flushing out sediment is also important to maximize the tank’s efficiency and lifespan.
Gas geyser
Gas geysers are another very common residential Water Heating option. They work by using a gas burner and heat exchanger coil located at the bottom of the tank. The coil heats the surrounding water as the gas burns.
The major advantage of gas geysers is lower operating costs compared to electric models. Natural gas tends to be cheaper per BTU than electricity in most areas. Gas geysers also benefit from natural gas utilities’ off-peak rates, further lowering the hourly operating costs.
In terms of installation, gas geysers require venting to the outside using PVC piping. They also need access to the home’s natural gas line using flexible gas piping and fittings. For these reasons, the installation tends to be more complex than for electric geysers.
However, once installed gas geysers are very low maintenance. The burner and heat exchange area should be checked and cleaned occasionally according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Like electric models, regular flushing is also recommended to clear out mineral buildup over time.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump geysers are an increasingly popular high-efficiency option. Rather than using electricity or gas, they move heat from one place to another using refrigerant fluids and a compressor.
During heating cycles, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient indoor or outdoor air. It is then compressed to a higher temperature and transfers that heat to the water via a coil inside the storage tank. This process is much more efficient than conventional resistance heating.
Energy factor ratings for heat pump geysers typically range from 2.0 to 3.0. This means they can provide the same amount of hot water while using only one third to half the electricity of a standard electric storage geyser.
While more expensive up front than conventional choices, heat pump geysers qualify for local utility and federal rebates in many areas. Their lower operating costs also mean the higher sticker price pays for itself over the unit’s lifetime through energy savings.
Drawbacks include a larger footprint than electric or gas tank models. They also require regular maintenance like replacing air filters. Heat pump efficiency drops significantly in very cold climates, so they work best in more temperate regions.
Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters
Rather than storing hot water in a tank, tankless geysers heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. This makes them well suited for homes with lots of simultaneous hot water usage.
Gas and electric tankless geysers are available. Gas models ignite a burner to heat the water while electric versions use a heating element. Both types can instantly provide a continuous flow of hot water without waiting for the tank to reheat.
Compact wall-mounted designs allow tankless geysers to save space compared to storage tanks. There are also outdoor units suitable for attaching to the exterior of the home. Maintenance is simple, mainly involving occasionally cleaning or replacing air filters on gas models.
However, tankless geysers have higher upfront equipment costs than conventional tanks. Flow rates tend to be lower too, meaning multiple units may be needed for whole-home usage. Electric tankless options also have lower efficiency than storage heaters during high demand. Overall operating costs can outweigh the benefits for smaller families.
With several different options available, choosing the right type of water heaters requires considering factors like energy costs, installation requirements, environmental impact, and household use patterns. While no single solution is best for all homes, this overview provides a useful starting point towards making an informed decision. Proper sizing, installation, and maintenance will also help maximize performance.
