When it comes to geysers, there are several options available on the market. The most common geyser types in South Africa are electric geysers, gas geysers, and solar geysers.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one for your home can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the different types of geysers available in South Africa to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Geysers: Electric Geysers
Electric geysers, also known as electric water heaters, are types of geysers that
use electricity to heat up an element which then warms the water in your geyser. They are the most common type of hot water heater in South Africa and are available in both tank and tankless (induction water heater) options.
Advantages of Electric Geysers
- Affordable: These types of geysers are generally more affordable to purchase and install compared to solar geysers.
- Easy to install: Electric geysers are easy to install and do not require a gas supply or solar panels.
- Low maintenance: Electric geysers require minimal maintenance and, on average, have a lifespan of 10-12 years minimum, making them a hassle-free option.
- Wide availability: Electric geysers are widely available in South Africa through various suppliers.
Disadvantages of Electric Geysers
- High energy consumption: Electric geysers are less energy efficient compared to gas geysers or solar geysers. These types of geysers continue to heat water even when it is unnecessary, as the thermostat requires them to maintain the heating setting.
- Limited hot water supply: With a tank electric geyser, you may run out of hot water if it is not sized correctly for your household’s needs.
- Load shedding: Due to ongoing load shedding in South Africa and the fact that these types of geysers require electricity to heat the water in your geyser’s tank, extended periods without electricity can interrupt your household’s hot water supply.
Electric Geyser Costs
The cost of an electric geyser in South Africa can vary based on factors such as size, brand, and any additional materials or installation expenses.
There are various geyser sizes in South Africa, and their price depends on a number of factors.
For a 100-litre electric geyser, the price range for the unit alone is approximately R3000.00
depending on the brand and energy efficiency rating. The 150l peyser price in South Africa is anywhere from R2 400.00 upwards. A 200l geyser will cost you anywhere from R4 720.00 and above, and a 250l geyser will cost around R9 150.00.
When factoring in geyser installation costs, the price range to install a 100-litre electric geyser is from R7000 to R8500, with variations based on your specific installation requirements and the potential need for additional materials.
Recommended Reading: Geyser FAQ: Everything You Need To Know
Types of Geysers: Gas Geysers
Gas geysers, these types of geysers are commonly fueled by natural gas or propane, and are widely used in South Africa for their notable energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These systems offer a range of options, including Constant Temperature Gas Geysers, Standard/ Manual Gas Geysers, and Forced Fan Gas Geysers, catering to diverse needs and preferences for heating water.
Advantages of Gas Geysers
- Energy efficient: these types of geysers are more energy efficient than electric geysers, as they only heat water when it is needed.
- Economical: Gas is typically more affordable than electricity, making gas geysers a more cost-efficient choice in the long term.
- Continuous hot water supply: With a tankless gas geyser, you will always have hot water, as it heats water on demand, so you can have a gas shower without waiting for your geyser to heat up.
- Environmentally friendly: Gas geysers generate around one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions produced by electric geysers, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Disadvantages of Gas Geysers
- Increased initial investment: These types of geysers typically come with a higher price tag for purchase and installation in comparison to solar geysers.
- Runs out without warning: As a gas geyser requires a continuous gas supply, it is not uncommon to unexpectedly run out, leaving you with a chilly shower.
- Safety concerns: Gas geysers can be dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. It is important to hire a qualified professional plumber for installation and regular maintenance. There are specific rules and regulations for gas geysers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
Types of Geysers: What Size Gas Geyser Do I Need?
The size of a gas water heater in South Africa that you need will depend on your household’s hot water usage. For your convenience, refer to the table below for an estimation of the recommended geyser size based on the hot water consumption per appliance:
- One tap/washing machine: 6-12L
- One shower: 16L
- One shower and a single tap: 20L
- Two showers: 26L
- Three to four showers: 32L
However, it is always best to consult with a professional plumber for these plumbing services to determine the right size for your household. Small geysers for showers are not ideal as the geyser might need to be larger to provide a sufficient amount of hot water. These estimates will assist you in selecting the appropriate geyser size to meet your hot water requirements effectively.
Gas Geyser Costs
A 20 litre gas geyser price is typically between R4300 and R9900. For a 12 litre gas geyser, the price range is between R4000 and R8500.
These types of geysers in South Africa generally cost between R1600 and R10 000, depending on factors such as brand, capacity, and additional features. Installation prices vary based on the complexity of the setup and installation complexity and plumbing services required.
Types of Geysers: Solar Geysers
These types of geysers, which are also referred to as solar water heaters, harness the power of the sun to heat water. These systems are highly favoured in South Africa, thanks to the country’s plentiful sunshine. Types of solar geysers are available in South Africa in direct and indirect systems.
Types of geysers, such as direct systems, directly circulate water through solar collectors, where it is heated by the sun’s rays before being distributed for use. On the other hand, indirect systems use a heat transfer fluid that is heated in the solar collectors. This fluid then transfers its heat to the water through a heat exchanger.
By utilising one of these different types of solar geysers in South Africa, you can take advantage of renewable energy and reduce their reliance on conventional water heating methods, leading to both environmental and cost benefits.
Advantages of Solar Geysers
- Energy efficient: Solar geysers use renewable energy, making these types of geysers the most energy-efficient option in comparison to gas and electric geysers.
- Cost-effective: While the initial cost of a solar geyser may be higher, it can save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.
- Environmentally friendly: Solar geysers produce zero greenhouse gas emissions.
- Long lifespan: Solar geysers have a longer lifespan compared to gas and electric geysers.
Disadvantages of Solar Geysers
- High upfront cost: Solar geysers are the most expensive types of geysers to purchase and install.
- Dependent on sunlight: Solar geysers require sunlight to heat water, so they may not be suitable for areas with low sunlight.
- Backup system needed: In case of cloudy days or high hot water demand, a backup system such as a gas or electric geyser may still be needed.
- Added expenses: To ensure efficient water circulation from the tank to the solar panels on your roof, a circulating pump would be required if the water heater were installed in your ceiling. This addition aids in maintaining an optimal flow throughout the system.
Solar Geyser Costs
Solar geyser prices in South Africa can vary based on several factors, such as the system size, brand, and installation complexity. For a typical residential closed coupled high-pressure solar geyser in Cape Town, the investment required usually falls within a certain range from R12,000 to R25,000, excluding labour and costs for installation.
Be cautious of inexpensive solar geysers, as these types of geysers are often poorly manufactured and may need to meet your needs more adequately. Additionally, it’s important to consider that despite the initial cost of a solar geyser, over time, the savings on electricity bills and the convenience of avoiding daily load shedding can offset the expense.
Recommended Reading: Solar Geyser in Cape Town: FAQs and Benefits
Types of Geysers: What Size Geyser Do I Need?
Once you have completed the task of choosing between the various types of geysers available in South Africa, you will need to decide which size to purchase. The size of the geyser you need will depend on your household’s hot water usage. A general rule of thumb is to calculate 50 litres of hot water per person per day.
So, for a family of four, a 200-litre geyser would be sufficient. However, it is always best to consult with a professional plumber, such as Absolute Plumbing Cape Town; we can assist you with plumbing services to determine the right size for your household.
Gas Geyser vs Electric Geyser
When it comes to gas vs electric geysers, several factors come into play when choosing between these two types of geysers. Gas geysers offer long-term energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, despite their higher initial price tag and the need for a gas supply. On the other hand, electric geysers are more affordable and readily available, but they tend to be less energy efficient and can be costly to operate. It’s worth considering that gas geysers are a preferable choice during load shedding as they don’t rely on electricity to heat water.
Types of Geysers: How Absolute Plumbing Can Assist You
At Absolute Plumbing, we understand the critical role that a reliable geyser plays in your daily comfort and convenience. Our team of expert plumbers specialises in a comprehensive range of geyser services in Cape Town, tailored to ensure you select and maintain the most efficient system for your home. From the selection process to the final installation, we provide guidance on the best type of geyser that suits your preferences and budgetary considerations.
Whether you’re looking to install a new gas, electric, or solar geyser or simply need professional advice on repairs and sustainability, Absolute Plumbing is here to bring you hot water solutions that are smooth, efficient, and compliant with all safety regulations.
Types of Geysers: Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hot water heater for your home in South Africa can be a challenging task. Gas geysers, electric geysers, and solar geysers all have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to consider factors such as energy efficiency, cost, availability, and hot water usage when making your decision.Consulting with a professional plumber regarding types of geysers can also help you determine the right size and type of geyser for your household’s needs. With the right hot water heater, you can enjoy a constant supply of hot water while saving money on your energy bills. Absolute Plumbing Ltd offers general plumbing to bathroom renovations, drain cleaning to leak detection, and pipe relining in Cape Town. We are your one-stop solution for all your plumbing needs. Contact Absolute Plumbing Cape Town today on 084 8722 758
