What is a Geyser?
- A geyser is a home appliance that refers to a water heater or boiler.
- Its main purpose is to heat and store water until you require it for activities such as bathing, washing dishes, or cleaning.
- Geysers are designed to provide hot water instantly when you turn on a hot water tap.
- This Article dives deep into the world of geysers, exploring their formation, and types, and even delving into the practical world of geysers used for heating water.
How Does It Work?
- Cold Water Inlet: Cold water enters the geyser’s tank through an inlet.
- Heating Element: Inside the tank, there’s a heating element (powered by electricity or gas).
- Convection Process: The heating element warms the water, causing it to rise due to convection (warm fluids rising, cold fluids sinking).
- Hot Water Outlet: When you open a hot water tap, the heated water exits the tank through an outlet.
Types of Geysers
Selecting the right geyser for your home can be straightforward if you understand the different types available. Here are the main types of geysers:
1. Electric Geysers
Electric geysers are widely used in households. They heat water using electricity.
Pros:
- Rapid water heating
- Simple installation
- Available in various sizes
Cons:
- Higher electricity costs
- Requires a continuous power supply
2. Gas Geysers
Gas geysers utilize LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or natural gas for water heating. They are beneficial in areas with frequent power shortages.
Pros:
- Lower operational costs
- Provides a continuous supply of hot water
Cons:
- Needs proper ventilation
- Higher installation expenses
- Potential safety hazards if not installed correctly
3. Solar Geysers
Solar geysers utilize solar panels to capture energy from the sun to heat water. They are environmentally friendly and can reduce electricity bills.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Low operational costs
Cons:
- High initial setup cost
- Performance depends on sunny weather
- They need sufficient roof space for the solar panels.
4. Instant Geysers
Instant geysers, also known as tankless geysers, heat water on demand without storing it. They are suitable for small families or quick usage.
Pros:
- Compact and space-saving
- They are energy-efficient because they heat water only when necessary.
Cons:
- They have a limited capacity, usually up to 3 litres
- Not ideal for large families
5. Storage Geysers
Storage geysers come with a tank that stores hot water for later use. They are ideal for larger families and can hold between 10 to 50 litres of water.
Pros:
- Provides a large amount of hot water
- Suitable for multiple uses simultaneously
Cons:
- Occupies more space
- Higher energy consumption
6. Heat Pump Geysers
Heat pump geysers use electricity to transfer heat from the air or ground to heat water. They are more energy-efficient than traditional electric geysers.
Pros:
- Highly energy-efficient
- Lower operational costs
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Requires a specific temperature range to function efficiently.
Choosing the right geyser depends on your specific needs, budget, and the availability of resources like electricity and gas. Electric geysers are convenient and widely used, while gas geysers offer cost savings in areas with unreliable electricity. Solar geysers are perfect for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and instant geysers are great for small households. Storage geysers are ideal for larger families, and heat pump geysers provide energy efficiency.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Geysers
While we’ve been exploring natural geysers, the term “geyser” also refers to water-heating appliances. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of these man-made geysers:
Advantages:
Quick Heating: Geysers provide instant hot water, making them ideal for tasks like bathing and dishwashing.
Energy Efficient: Geysers can be more energy-efficient compared to some traditional water heating methods.
Disadvantages:
Safety Concerns: Electric geysers can be a risk for electric shock if they are not installed and maintained correctly. Gas geysers carry the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not vented correctly.
Limited Capacity: Geysers usually have a limited storage capacity, making them less suitable for large households with high hot water demands.
How to use Geysers?
Before You Begin:
- Identify Your Geyser Type: There are two main types of geysers for water heating – electric and gas. Understanding your geyser is crucial for safe operation.
Using Your Geyser:
- Turn on the Water Supply: Find the water inlet valve for your geyser and make sure it’s open to let cold water flow into the unit.
- Adjust the Temperature: Most geysers have a temperature control knob or button. Set the temperature to your preferred level, usually around 120°F (49°C), to prevent scalding.
- Electric Geysers: Find the power switch on the geyser and turn it on. Avoid setting the temperature too high to prevent burns and save energy.
- Gas Geysers: These may require an additional step to ignite the gas burner. Consult your specific geyser’s user manual for proper ignition procedures.
- Wait for Heating: Allow the geyser some time to heat the water to the set temperature. Depending on the geyser’s capacity and initial water temperature, heating the water can take a few minutes.
Using the Hot Water: Test the Temperature: Once the heating cycle is complete, slightly turn on the hot water tap or showerhead to test the water temperature. Adjust the geyser’s temperature control if needed.
Enjoy the Hot Water: Once the temperature is comfortable, you can fully open the hot water tap or showerhead.
After Use: Turn it Off: For both electric and gas geysers, it’s recommended to switch off the geyser when not in use to conserve energy.
Electric Geysers: Just switch off the power.
Gas Geysers: Consult your user manual for the proper shut-off procedure, which may involve turning off the gas valve at the source.
- Additional Safety Tips: Never leave a geyser unattended while it’s heating.
- Keep flammable materials away from the geyser.
- Never use a wet geyser or touch it with wet hands.
- If you suspect a gas leak with a gas geyser, evacuate the area immediately and call a qualified technician.
- Schedule regular maintenance checks for your geyser to ensure its safe operation.
Safety Measures for Using a Geyser
1. Proper Installation:
- Make sure a certified electrician or plumber installs the geyser.
- Fix the geyser firmly on the wall using proper brackets.
- Install it at a safe height, away from wet areas like bathtubs and showers.
2. Regular Maintenance:
- Get the geyser checked regularly to ensure it is working properly.
- Clean the tank to prevent sediment buildup.
- Look for any signs of rust or leaks and fix them immediately.
3. Temperature Settings:
- Set the thermostat to a safe temperature, usually between 50°C to 60°C.
- Avoid setting the temperature too high to prevent burns and save energy.
4. Safety Valves:
- Ensure the geyser has a pressure relief valve to prevent excess pressure.
- Regularly test the valve to ensure it is working properly.
5. Electrical Safety:
- Use a separate circuit for the geyser to avoid overloading.
- Ensure proper earthing to prevent electric shocks.
- Do not use extension cords or adapters for the geyser’s power supply.
6. Automatic Cut-off:
- Choose a geyser with an automatic cut-off feature to avoid overheating.
- This feature will deactivate the heating element once the desired temperature is achieved.
7. Child Safety:
- Install childproof locks on the geyser controls.
- Teach children about the dangers of hot water and not to touch the geyser.
8. Ventilation:
- Ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom to prevent steam buildup.
- This helps maintain a safe environment and prolongs the life of the geyser.
9. Emergency Measures:
- Know the locations of the main water supply valve and the electrical switch for the geyser.
- In case of any problem, turn off the power and water supply to the geyser immediately.
List of Popular Geyser Brands with Cost and Reviews
Below are some popular brands of geysers. Certain geyser brands might not be available in your country’s markets. Choose geysers wisely which are available in your Country. Give priority to Safety while choosing geysers. Prices may differ given the estimated prices for the below brands. Which Company Geyser is best for Instant Heating and Storage below are Popular brands.
1. Racold Andris Slim 20L Horizontal Storage Geyser:
Best Overall: Balanced features, horizontal design, reliable storage capacity.
Price: Varies based on the model.
2.Activa 15 LTR Storage (2kva) Rustproof Geyser:
Best Budget: Affordable, 15-litre storage capacity.
Price: Budget-friendly.
3. Havells Adonia R 25 Litre Vertical Geyser:
Best Premium: 25-litre capacity, sleek design, and advanced features.
Price: Premium range.
4. V-Guard Calino DG 15 Storage 5-Star rated Water Geyser:
Most Durable: Robust build quality, 5-star energy efficiency, remote control.
Price: Mid to high range.
5. Crompton Arno Neo 15-L 5-Star Rated Storage Geyser:
Best Sellers on Amazon.
Price: Check online retailers for current pricing.
6. Rheem
Cost: $400 – $1500+ (₹33,000/- to 1,25,000/-)
Reviews: Rheem is known for its reliability and energy efficiency. Customers often praise its durability and performance.
7. Bradford White
Cost: $500 – $2000+ (₹41,000/- to ₹1,66,000 /-)
Reviews: Bradford White is highly regarded for its build quality and long lifespan. It’s often recommended for its robust construction.
8. AO Smith
Cost: $300 – $1500+ (₹25000/- to ₹1,25,000/-)
Reviews: AO Smith geysers are well-liked for their energy efficiency and effective heating. Customers appreciate their value for money.
9. EcoSmart
Cost: $200 – $1000+ (₹16,000/- to ₹83,000/-)
Reviews: EcoSmart is popular for its tankless water heaters, which are praised for their compact design and energy savings.
10. Bosch
Cost: $300 – $1200+ (₹25,000/- to ₹1,00,000/-)
Reviews: Bosch geysers are known for their German engineering and reliability. They are often cited for their quiet operation and efficiency.
11. Eemax
Cost: $200 – $800+ (₹16,000/- to ₹66,000/-)
Reviews: Eemax specializes in tankless water heaters, which are appreciated for their instant hot water delivery and space-saving design.
12. Kenmore
Cost: $300 – $1200+ (₹25,000/- to ₹1,00,000/-)
Reviews: Kenmore offers a range of geysers known for their affordability and decent performance. They are often considered a good budget option.
13. Noritz
Cost: $600 – $2500+ (₹50,000/- to ₹2,00,000/-)
Reviews: Noritz is praised for its high-efficiency tankless water heaters. Customers often highlight their reliability and consistent hot water supply.
14. Rinnai
Cost: $500 – $3000+ (₹41,000/- to ₹2,50,000/-)
Reviews: Rinnai geysers are known for their advanced technology and energy efficiency. They are frequently recommended for larger households.
15. Whirlpool
Cost: $300 – $1200+ (₹25,000/- to ₹1,00,000/-)
Reviews: Whirlpool offers geysers known for their durability and ease of maintenance. Customers appreciate their value for money.
Conclusion
Geysers are amazing technology. geysers take cold water and provide a sufficient amount of heated water, which is especially useful during cold seasons. Nowadays, geysers are essential home appliances. However, there is often a concern about extreme heat and electrical shocks when using them. Fortunately, modern geysers are equipped with auto-cutoff features and adjustable temperature settings. If you’re concerned about electrical shocks, make sure to check your home’s grounding (earthing). The above geysers are suggestions; choose one based on your requirements, such as storage capacity geysers or instant geysers.
This is valuable insight and analysis about Geyser and various products that come with this company for home appliances.