Heating water for a household or lodge is a necessary expense, and the choice of heating method can have a significant impact on the cost of energy consumption. The three most common methods of heating water for households are using an electric geyser, a heat pump, and a gas boiler. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the cost of each method can vary depending on several factors. In this blog, we will compare the cost of heating water for a household using an electric geyser, a heat pump, and a gas boiler.
Electric Geyser
An electric geyser is one of the most common methods of heating water in households. The cost of heating water using an electric geyser depends on the wattage of the geyser and the cost of electricity. The average cost of electricity in the South Africa is around R2.65 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). A standard 200 litre electric geyser with a 4500-watt heating element would have a standby loss of about 2kWh per day and consume around 13 kWh of electricity per day for 2 people to have daily showers of 10 minutes.
This totals at a usage of:
15 kWh (R39.75) per day
450 kWh (R1,192.50) per month
Heat Pump
A heat pump is an energy-efficient method of heating water that uses the heat from the air or ground to heat the water. The cost of heating water using a heat pump depends on the efficiency of the heat pump and the cost of electricity. A typical heat pump can produce up to four times more energy than it consumes, making it a more efficient option than an electric geyser. The amount of hot water required is the same as a geyser however a safe rule of thumb is the heatpump Coefficient of Performance (CoP) is about 3 meaning it moves 3 units of heat per 1 unit of electricity used.
This totals at a usage of:
5 kWh (R13.25) per day
150 kWh (R397.50) per month
Gas Boiler
A gas boiler is another popular method of heating water in households. The cost of heating water using a gas boiler depends on the efficiency of the boiler and the cost of natural gas. The average cost of LPG in South Africa is R1028.56 per 48kg cylinder or R21.43/kg.
From a test conducted in George, if using a shower for the same time period it would use 220l of hot water per day it would consume approximately 22kg of gas per month giving the following totals.
This totals at a usage of:
0.73kg (R15.8) per day
22kg (R472.86) per month
Comparison
Based on the above calculations, the cost of heating water for a household using an electric geyser is the highest, followed by a gas boiler, and a heat pump is the cheapest. A heat pump is the most energy-efficient method of heating water, which makes it a cost-effective option in the long run. However, the initial cost of a heat pump can be higher than that of an electric geyser or gas boiler. Additionally, the efficiency of a heat pump can be affected by the ambient temperature, and it may not be suitable for extremely cold regions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of heating water for a household can vary significantly depending on the heating method used. An electric geyser is the most expensive method, followed by a gas boiler, while a heat pump is the cheapest option. While the initial cost of a heat pump may be higher, its energy efficiency can make it a cost-effective option in the long run. Before choosing a heating method, it is important to consider the upfront cost, efficiency, and operating cost of each option.