Selecting Best Water Heater for Home
July 10, 2024
When choosing a water heater, consider the size, orientation, materials, heating efficiency, and additional features to match your specific needs. This guide will walk you through these aspects, helping you make an informed decision.
Size Selection
- Shower Users: Choose a water heater with at least a 25-liter capacity.
- Bucket Bath Users: A 15-liter water heater will suffice.
- Bathtub Users: Opt for a 30-35 liter or larger water heater. An instant geyser is also an option, but it has higher heating costs.
Orientation: Vertical vs. Horizontal
- Vertical Water Heaters: Generally more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Most are five-star rated.
- Horizontal Water Heaters: Ideal for bathrooms with false ceilings or limited space but tend to be more expensive and less energy-efficient (typically three or four-star rated).
Material and Construction
- Tank Material: Modern water heaters come with tanks coated in glass or enamel (e.g., titanium enamel, Blue Diamond Glass lining, Ferro glass coating, Vitus enamel coating) to prevent rusting and corrosion.
- Anode Rod: These rods (typically made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc) prevent tank corrosion. Replace every few years for longevity.
- Heating Elements: Also coated in glass or enamel to prevent corrosion. The H’s Magnetron model uses an external heating method for added safety and longevity.
Heating Efficiency
- Standard Models: Most water heaters use a 2 kW heating element.
- High-Efficiency Models: The AO Smith Green series with a 3 kW element heats water 33% faster.
Pressure Handling
- High-Rise Apartments: Ensure your water heater supports an operating pressure of 8 bars.
Safety Features
Modern water heaters come with essential safety features like:
- Overheat protection with a thermal cut-off.
- Protection against excessive pressure build-up, vacuum formation, and reverse water flow.
Additional Features
- Digital Displays: Available in high-end models from Havells, Crompton, V-Guard, and Usha.
- Remote Controls: Offered by some models from Havells and Usha.
- Smart Features: Crompton Solarium Cube IoT model can be controlled via a mobile app.
Warranty and Installation
- Warranty: Typically, brands offer a 2-year warranty on the product with extended warranties on the tank and heating elements.
- Installation: Most budget models do not include free installation. Installation costs can range from ₹300 to ₹500.
Selecting Best Water Heater for Home
Here’s a list of the Selecting Best Water Heater for Home from popular brands on the market today.
The AO Smith Green Series is a premium vertical water heater with a 25-liter capacity, designed for rapid heating with its 3 kW heating element. It is available in a 2 kW version for those who prefer lower electricity consumption. This model boasts a five-star energy efficiency rating, ensuring cost-effective operation. It features a customized anode rod that offers enhanced protection against corrosion, extending the tank’s lifespan. The advanced coating technology further prevents rust and corrosion, making it a durable and reliable choice.
The Good -
- Rapid heating (33% faster with 3 kW element)
- Long-lasting anode rod
- High energy efficiency (five-star rated)
The Bad -
- Higher electricity consumption with 3 kW model
- Higher initial cost
The Agaro Acme is an affordable vertical water heater with a 25-liter capacity and a 2 kW heating element. It is five-star rated for energy efficiency, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious users. This model supports an operating pressure of 8 bars, suitable for high-rise apartments. Although it offers basic features, it lacks a warranty on the heating element, and installation costs are extra, which should be considered when budgeting.
The Good -
- Affordable price
- High energy efficiency (five-star rated)
- Supports 8-bar operating pressure
The Bad -
- No warranty on the heating element
- Installation costs are extra
The V-Guard Victo Digital is a feature-rich vertical water heater with a 25-liter capacity and a 2 kW heating element. It stands out with its digital display, which shows the water temperature, offering precise control. This model is five-star rated for energy efficiency and comes with a solid warranty: 2 years on the product, 5 years on the tank, and 3 years on the heating element. However, users should note that installation costs are not included.
The Good -
- Digital temperature display
- Good warranty coverage
- High energy efficiency (five-star rated)
The Bad -
- Installation costs are extra
- Higher price than non-digital models
The AO Smith Horizontal Water Heater is ideal for bathrooms with false ceilings and is available in both left and right-side configurations to accommodate various piping setups. It has a 25-liter capacity and a 2 kW heating element, with a four-star energy efficiency rating. The model features a glass-coated heating element and Blue Diamond Glass lining for enhanced durability. Installation is included in serviceable areas, and it offers a comprehensive warranty: 2 years on the product, 4 years on the heating element, and 7 years on the tank.
The Good -
- Suitable for false ceiling installations
- High energy efficiency (four-star rated)
- Flexible installation options
- Robust warranty
The Bad -
- Higher initial cost
- Limited installation coverage
The V-Guard Victo is a budget-friendly horizontal water heater with a 25-liter capacity and a 2 kW heating element. It has a three-star energy efficiency rating and includes essential safety features such as advanced Vitus enamel coating on the inner tank and an Incoloy heating element for better durability. It also features an extra thick magnesium anode for additional protection against corrosion. While it offers great value, installation costs are not included.
The Good -
- Budget-friendly option
- Essential safety features
- Durable construction with advanced coatings
The Bad -
- Lower energy efficiency (three-star rated)
- Installation costs are extra
Conclusion
Choosing the best water heater involves balancing capacity, orientation, materials, efficiency, and additional features. By considering these factors and following the recommendations above, you can find a water heater that fits your needs and budget.
