Hot Water Tanks
Industrial & Domestic
The geyser (or hot water tank) is one of the highest electricity consuming products in buildings as all inhabitants of buildings tend to enjoy a regular hot bath or shower. Other water heating systems may include steam to water systems or gas-fired thermal exchange units.
This section concentrates specifically in electric powered hot water systems but be well aware that the new South African standard requirements for all new building specifies ‘a minimum of 50 % by volume of the annual average hot water heating requirement shall be provided by means other than electrical resistance heating, including, but not limited to, solar heating, heat pumps, heat recovery from other systems or processes’ SANS204 clause 4.5.2.1. Other African countries may follow suite.
Useful Information
New Regulations in South Africa
New regulation in South Africa specifies that geysers and tanks shall be insulated with a material achieving a minimum R-value of 2,0. To achieve this value, insulation in the form of a geyser blanket may be needed in addition to the manufacturers’ installed insulation.
Average Geyser Prices
A new geyser will cost you anything from R2500.00 (South African rands) upwards depending on size.
Setting A Geysers Temperature
A geyser temperature should ideally be set to a maximum of 60 degrees to ensure optimal economy.
If Solar Is Not An Option?
There are a number of energy saving products available to building owners/managers who do not wish to go the solar route or the existing lifespan of their current geyser still has some years to run. These products include Load Control Units (Relay or Timer) and Geyser Blankets amongst others.
Finding The Right Geyser
South Africa has many reputable hot water tank manufacturers. Most manufacturers do not deal with the public directly. For example a manufacturer like Kwikot does not sell directly to the homeowner. Instead, geyser manufacturers rely on various middlemen which include wholesalers, retailers and intermediaries like accredited plumbing companies.
Reducing Consumption
To ensure optimum efficiency, strike a balance between your hot water requirements over the high demand periods with the periods of low demand where consumption can be reduced.
Satellite Monitoring
The latest geyser relay timer models also include remote energy management of multiple geysers offering multi-function management via satellite monitoring.