Indian households require hot water on demand to perform their activities such as bathing, washing and cleaning. In cold winters experienced in most parts of the country, hot water is even more necessary. Therefore, among all appliances that can be found in an Indian home, water heaters are considered to be one of the most important.
However, choosing the right type, size, feature and brand of a water heater can be confusing due to myriads of them available on the market. There are several things including capacity, energy-efficiency, price and warranty which should be taken into account before investing in a water heater.
This guide provides you with everything you ought to know while selecting the best water heater for your house at large. Check this out if you want some tips or information or even suggestions on how to buy the right kind of water heaters that will meet all your family’s requirements for warm water.
Different Types of Water Heaters
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Water heaters can be broadly classified into three types based on how they heat water:
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters have heating elements that are immersed in a storage tank. They use electricity to heat water in the tank. Common types of electric water heaters include:
- Storage water heaters: These have insulated tanks that store hot water. They are available in capacities ranging from 10 to 100 liters.
- Instant (tankless) water heaters: They heat water directly as it flows through the unit, without using a storage tank. Endless hot water on demand makes them suitable for homes with 2-3 bathrooms.
Gas Water Heaters
These water heaters use natural gas or LPG to heat water in a storage tank. They are available in storage and instant variants.
- Storage gas water heaters: Have insulated tanks to store heated water. Available in 10-50 litre capacity.
- Instant gas water heaters: Provide endless hot water supply, only heating it when needed. Good for larger homes.
Solar Water Heaters
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Solar water heaters use free energy from the sun to heat water. A solar collector panel absorbs heat from sunlight and transfers it to the water.
- Direct circulation: Sun-heated water from the collector flows directly to taps. No storage tank is used.
- Indirect circulation: A separate storage tank is used to store heated water for later use.
Important Factors to Consider for Selecting The Right Water Heater
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Choosing the ideal water heater for your home depends on several important factors. Consider the following to make the right selection:
Energy-efficient Models To Reduce Electricity Bills
Look for energy efficient models with 3,4, or 5 star BEE rating. They consume less electricity, cutting monthly power bills. Prefer water heaters with glassline coated heating elements and thicker insulation for maximum savings.
Determine The Right Capacity of the Water Heater
Calculate hot water demand based on family size, bathrooms, and usage to determine the right storage capacity. Large families with multiple bathrooms need higher capacity (25+ litres). For 1-2 bathrooms, a 15 litre model should suffice.
Ensure Proper Installation For Safety And Efficiency
Water heater installation directly impacts safety and performance. Get it installed by authorised technicians as per manufacturer guidelines. Proper electrical wiring, overflow valves, pressure release, and waterproofing are must.
Water Heater with Suitable Heating Time and Recovery Rate
Check the heating time and recovery rate. Faster heating models (under 2 mins) with good recovery (1-2 litres/min) deliver hot water without delays. Useful for large joint families.
Must-have Essential Safety Features
Select water heaters with safety valves for auto cut-off if pressure or temperature exceed limits. Look for fire retardant cables, anti-siphon functionality, and rust-proof outer body.
Consider Good Quality Under Budget
While an expensive top brand provides assurances, good quality budget models can also deliver satisfactory performance. Compare features and warranty across brands and prices to get the best value.
Regular Maintenance For Longevity And Efficiency
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Regular servicing of water heaters extends lifespan and keeps it working efficiently. Annual maintenance checks, descaling, and anode rod inspection/replacement are musts.
Choosing Eco-friendly Water Heaters
For an environmentally responsible choice, consider solar water heaters or heat pump water heaters. They use renewable energy and have minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
Installing a suitable water heater improves quality of life, giving you convenience and comfort of hot water on demand. Carefully assess your requirements and compare reputed brands to pick the right storage capacity, heating technology, safety features, and budget. With proper installation and maintenance, a good quality water heater will deliver hot water for your daily needs for many years. Invest wisely and make an informed decision to get the best value from your purchase.
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A Jaquar bathroom geyser assures you a long life and strength. Jaquar’s exceptional customer service is just another perk of buying the best water heater with a double safety thermostat and also has a glass-lined inner tank. Get an instant water heater for showers in your bathroom with Jaquar.