The deal with geyser timers
Ever wondered if switching off your geyser will actually help you save on your electricity bill? We didn’t know this, but apparently it’s a polarising topic… Some people are vehemently against the idea, saying that all the power you think you’re saving by turning the geyser off is sucked right back in when it goes back on, while others swear blind that this is 1 of the best ways to decrease your electricity bill.
So we did some research and have all the info you need so you can decide if you’re for or against geyser timers.
The logic behind turning your geyser off
Think of your geyser like a giant kettle, which heats the water inside to the set temperature of your geyser’s thermostat. As the heat lowers, this alerts the thermostat and the element reheats the water to get it back to the right temperature. And that can happen like 20 times a day or more.
That’s a lot of electricity, and most of us aren’t even home all day to appreciate it. It’s kind of a big waste.
Why some people want to keep their geysers on
Let’s say you’re turning your geyser off. It stands to reason that the element will use higher amounts of electricity after the hot water is used up and the new cold water refills the geyser chamber. So, if you leave a geyser to get cold you’ll need huge amounts of power to fully heat it back up.
Ultimately, turning off your geyser won’t save much electricity. That’s why some people prefer to keep their geysers running all day, every day.
The solution
What you’re aiming for is to reduce your geyser’s energy consumption. Not only will this be good for your monthly expenses, but you’ll also lower your carbon footprint and basically be an environmental hero with more bucks in the bank.
Curious about how you’re meant to do this if it looks like you can’t win with either the geyser timer or the run-it-all-day approach? Thankfully, there’s an answer, which we found in Eskom’s Residential Mass Rollout (RMR) programme. Their recommendation is to install a geyser timer so you’re not heating your water all day long and to install a geyser blanket so the water stays warm and your geyser isn’t heating water that’s gone icy cold.
So a geyser timer + a geyser blanket is your ideal answer if you want to save electricity and save on your electricity bill.
Now let’s talk about geyser timers
Basically, a geyser timer is a timer that controls the switch which turns a hot water heater on and off during different times of the day. It works pretty much in the same way that a security light is set to a timer which controls when your lights are turned on and off at different times to appear as if someone is home.
These are the main benefits:
For starters, a geyser timer allows you to control the energy consumption. You’re the boss of when it’ll go on and for how long, which can help you make your home more energy efficient.
Secondly, these timers are super easy to use, so if you need to reheat water after the allotted hot water is done, you can use the manual over-ride switch.
And lastly, by preventing overuse and unnecessary heating, a geyser timer can extend the life of your geyser’s element.
Oh, and we think it’s probably important to add that geyser timers don’t cause your geyser to crack. Your geyser is designed to withstand the kinds of temperatures and pressure created as your water heats up, so there’s no fear on that front.
Pair your geyser timer with a geyser blanket
The ultimate solution is to use a geyser timer and a geyser blanket. We’ve explained how the timer benefits you, but these results soar through the roof when you insulate your geyser against normal heat loss through the steel casing.
The way it works is that a geyser blanket keeps your hot water hot for longer, meaning your geyser won’t have to heat the water from a very cold temperature, which saves you energy and money.
Speaking of saving you money… A burst or leaking geyser can cause untold damages to your home. The kind of damage to walls, floors, carpets, storage, and your belongings that can cost just so many Rands to repair and replace. You can save yourself from these expenses by getting the king’s super cheap home contents and buildings insurance that covers these costs for you.
Talk to us today if you need super cheap home contents insurance, brilliantly affordable buildings insurance… Or both!
Click here for a quote or call 0860 50 50 50 if you want to chat these things through.
