Save electricity - Use Gas fired Water Heaters

We need hot water daily whether it is for bathing, washing, or any such chore. Almost 80% of the homes have an electrical water heating system. It could be a small instant hot water geyser or a storage type water heater of various capacities. But a typical water heater is rated at 2~3 kW. In terms of units consumed: 1 bucket of hot water = 1 unit. In these days, when electricity is costly and even scarce, we need to switch to alternate means.

The best way would be to install a solar water heating system. A solar water heating system as shown below can be installed in your home with a one-time expense from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 75,000 depending upon the capacity and requirement. The government also provides subsidy on loan for such purposes.



And while this is a greatest way to go, there are several limitations also:

• First, it needs to be installed on the roof. If you live in a bungalow/house, this is not a problem. On the other hand, if you live in a block of apartments, you will need society permissions and most likely as an individual this will be next to impossible.
• Secondly, the length of pipe from the hot water reservoir to your bathroom/tap must be as small as possible else you will have to let off a lot of water before the hot water reaches you.
• Finally, the heating is based on sunlight and when there is little sunlight (as during the monsoon period), you will be at a disadvantage.

Nevertheless, the solar water heater (SWH) is still the best foot forward.

However, if the SWH is not going to work for you for whatever reason, you can always go for a gas-fired heater. In many major cities, the government is implementing supply of natural gas (CNG) via pipes. If you are one of the lucky ones with a CNG connection then you can install a proper gas water storage heater as shown below:



Such a heater is still a rarity in India and may be costly but after all capital cost is a one time expense. The boiler comes with a thermostat and controller. All you have to do is set the temperature on the thermostat and set to auto mode. The gas burner lights up automatically when the temperature falls down below the threshold. The controller also has a manual override. The whole apparatus has a protection mechanism to prevent steam formation, and overheating. This boiler needs to be properly installed and requires that the exhaust runs directly outside the home.

But for all practical purposes, there is always the gas-fired instant hot water geyser. It requires minimum fuss for installation and can be done within a couple of hours. It is not expensive with price ranging from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,500. Here is a picture:



The above geyser uses LPG as the source that typically comes via cylinders. The geyser can be installed in the bathroom or outside but not too far from the outlet tap. The geyser has typically three knobs for control:

• the first knob controls the flame.
• the second knob controls the trigger that fires the gas based on the water flow; at too low water input the gas inlet will not be open and burner will not ignite.
• the last knob is the summer/winter setting

For a family of four to six, the gas cylinder will last for 2.5~3 months in summer and 1~1.5 months in winter but this depends upon the city you live in.

One must take appropriate care and caution while using this type of geyser. The first danger is the LPG that is highly combustible and extremely dangerous. Secondly, the combustion of gas produces a small but some amount of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colourless/odourless and very toxic gas. If you install the gas geyser in the bathroom ensure that you install an exhaust fan also.

Finally, the financial angle. How much money are you going to save? Let us make some assumptions - it is a nuclear family of 4 to 6 person and the usage of electric heater is 2 hours daily. You are likely to consume a minimum of 6 units (at the most frugal point) or even up to 13~14 units per day - on an average of 250 units per month. The typical per unit charge is Rs. 5. So one can do the math. Roughly this translates to Rs. 1,250 per month.

After a switch to gas, you will spend Rs. 400 per cylinder that will last on an average for 2 months or Rs. 200 per month. This is a great way to snap down your power bill. Try it! I am speaking from experience.

Nice info... Keep up the good work

Nice article!!!! What is the life of Solar water heaters?

Originally Posted by ameyban

Nice article!!!! What is the life of Solar water heaters?

I do not have an exact idea but I have told that it is up to 20 years. But I could be as wrong as someone else.

Most manufacturers claim 20 years but if you buy a reputed brand it would last a lot longer. Most states provide subsidies on solar water heater.

Sent from my GT-I9100

Thanks for info!!

Today saving the power is the important thing. We can save power by using solar panels.The information is very nice and very important. Thanks for sharing such a nice article.

Originally Posted by mellonkhan

Today saving the power is the important thing. We can save power by using solar panels.The information is very nice and very important. Thanks for sharing such a nice article.

yes i bough one panel from suntekstore its so cool to save money