The news around us is filled with information on saving energy and it’s a growing industry in South Africa with many consultants and products entering the market.
A timer turns the geyser element on during the pre-programmed time period (typically 2 to 3 hours). During this time frame the geyser element is allowed to switch on each time the hot water tap is used
Added to this is the rising cost of electricity which is creating a high demand for energy efficient products where households and businesses can manage their own consumption.
With this flood of information it is often difficult to discern what is fact and what is fiction and which product is best suited for your home or office environment.
Mr Power answers one of the many questions that consumers ask; what is the difference between a geyser controller and a geyser timer?
- A timer turns the geyser element on during the pre-programmed time period (typically 2 to 3 hours). During this time frame the geyser element is allowed to switch on each time the hot water tap is used
- A geyser controller detects current or in layman’s terms when the water is hot - and will switch the element off once the required water temperature is reached
- Unlike the timer, the geyser controller will only be active for the period of time necessary to get the water to the pre-set temperature and will then cancel the rest of the time period, thus avoiding unnecessary heating.
- The geyser is the number one consumer of electricity in most households - sometimes using up to 60 percent of the total bill. A geyser controller will save 40 to 60 percent of this amount.
The facts without a controller or timer
- Every time the geyser temperature drops two to three degrees, the thermostat switches the element back on and heats the water back up to 65 to 70 degrees
- The average household geyser switches on and off 24 to 30 times a day.
- The average family uses less than four hours of hot water per day and is paying for 600 hours of hot water per month that they will never use
Other important features of a geyser controller
- Is installed at the electrical distribution board
- A geyser controller ensures that the geyser is off during peak electricity usage hours
- The controller has a boost button that allows homeowners to manually turn the geyser element on if needed.
- Geyser controllers are suitable for both homes and businesses.
Both the timer and controller are relevant to save energy and understanding the difference will help consumers with their purchasing decisions.
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