The geyser that runs in the morning could be consuming more electricity than you think. Particularly in the wintertime, when everyone at home is seeking hot water, one after the other.
People look at the power of the geyser, cost and heating time before purchasing one. Fair enough. There’s just one other thing to look out for the BEE star rating.
Geysers with a 5-star BEE rating are intended to have lower losses from their storage than those geysers rated at lower stars which are also covered by the same rating standard. It keeps heated water in the tank longer, which decreases the amount of electricity required to make up for heat loss from the tank.
This rating can be beneficial for Indian households seeking to balance power costs with their daily needs for hot water.
However, what is 5 stars? And does the higher rating mean lower electricity bills? Let’s understand.
What Is a 5-Star BEE Rated Geyser?
A 5-star BEE-marked geyser is an electric hot water storage geyser which fulfils the most rigorous star-labelling category within the relevant energy-efficiency star-labelling programme of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, set up by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, assesses energy performance of different classes of electrical appliances.
The star rating for storage water heaters mostly takes into account standing heat loss. This is the energy that is lost when water is stored in the appliance at a desired temperature.
The scale of rating goes from 1 to 5 stars:
- 1-Star: Complies with the minimum energy performance requirement.
- 2-Star: Provides more efficiency than an equivalent 1-star model.
- 3-Star: Provides improved heat retention within its rating category.
- 4-Star: Meets a higher energy-efficiency standard.
- 5-Star: The most efficient rating in the relevant BEE rating schedule.
An important point: a 5-star geyser does not heat water without using power! It is designed to minimise unnecessary losses of energy, especially during hot water storage.
How Does the BEE Star Rating Work for Geysers?
Here’s one thing that many buyers don’t seem to get.
The rating of a geyser does not only reflect how fast the geyser can heat up water. Indeed, two geysers of the same heating capacity can have different star ratings due to their different heat-loss rates.
Understanding Standing Loss
Suppose you need to warm up 15 litres of water before taking your morning bath.
After the desired temperature has been achieved, the thermostat turns off the heating. But the hot water doesn’t remain at exactly the same temperature forever.
There is some gradual loss of heat from the tank and surrounding materials.
The geyser might turn on its heating element once more as the temperature goes down to maintain the set temperature.
This is known as ‘standby reheating’.
When hot water is stored, if the storage geyser loses heat, then electricity may be required to compensate for the loss of heat; a well-insulated storage geyser minimises this heat loss.
BEE assesses this standing loss under controlled test conditions. The lower the standing loss number, the better the insulation.
Why Is There a Need for Insulation?
The insulation on the storage tank is similar to that of a thermos bottle.
A good thermos retains the temperature of tea without having to reheat it all the time. By the same token, good geyser insulation will keep water warm after heating.
The 5-star Square Series water heaters by Haier India are made with PUF/EPS insulation that will retain heat and minimise the reheating of water.
This is especially helpful if people in the family use hot water at various times.
Does a 5-Star Geyser Save Electricity?
Yes, a 5-star storage geyser will use less electricity due to decreased standing heat losses when compared with an equivalent lower-rated geyser.
However, the savings will vary based on how you utilise it.
Consider two households.
In the first one, a family uses the water straight after heating it in the morning. In the second, the family members take baths one by one, and the heated water is kept in the tank between each bath.
The second household would probably be better suited to better insulation as the geyser takes longer to store hot water.
Other factors that affect the use of electricity include:
- Thermostat setting: The higher the setting, the greater the heat loss and the higher the electricity use.
- More uses mean more heating cycles: The more often hot water is used, the more cycles it has to go through.
- Amount of water to heat: More water means more energy.
- Inlet water temperature: The colder the water that enters the inlet, the more energy it will require to reach the desired temperature.
- Quality of insulation: Higher insulation levels mean less standby reheating.
- Maintenance: If performance is affected by sediment accumulation or neglected components, they should be taken care of.
While a 5-star rating is good, it is important to be sensible in everyday use.
How Many Watts Does a 5-Star Geyser Use?
The amount of water heated, the temperature change, and the operating conditions of the geyser will all affect electricity consumption.
For instance, the theoretical energy required to raise the temperature of 15 litres of water from 25°C to 60°C is 0.61 kWh of thermal energy.
Due to heat losses and other operating considerations, the actual electricity consumption may be greater.
Suppose a 25-litre geyser does the same temperature rise. The theoretical heating requirement increases to around 1.02 kWh.
This is a key distinction to take note of.
A 5-star rating is not indicative of a 25L geyser using less electricity than a 15L geyser does.
The rating refers to efficiency under a set of conditions, and in reality, consumption will also depend on the amount of water being heated.
How Can You Work Out the Running Costs of a Geyser?
The simple estimate is:
Electricity cost = Units consumed (kWh) × Electricity tariff per unit
If the cost of a unit of electricity is ₹8 and your geyser consumes 30 units in a month, how much will the geyser cost to run for that month?
The approximate amount of electricity that you are using would cost you ₹240.
This is merely an example and not a guaranteed amount of consumption of any geyser. Actual tariffs, usage and heating conditions will vary.
Why Should You Consider Haier’s 5-Star Water Heaters?
Energy efficiency is a component of selecting a water heater. There is also a need for adequate pressure compatibility and safety in Indian homes in order to have reliable heating.
Haier India’s 5-star-rated storage water heaters have features that cater to these practical needs.
1. Haier 15L Square Ivory 5-Star Water Heater (ES15V-SDI)
The Haier 15L Square Ivory 5-Star Water Heater offers a compact storage capacity for households that want energy-efficient heat retention.
Its features include:
- 5-star rating for efficient storage water heating.
- PUF insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Additional electrical safety protection with Shock Proof technology.
- Dual Thermal Proof (TTS) to protect against overheating.
- Working pressure of 8 bars for suitable high-pressure installations.
- Easy operation with Smart Timer, Smart Memory and remote control.
This 15-litre tank will be appropriate for smaller households or bathrooms with moderate hot water requirements, depending on bathing habits and shower flow.
2. Haier 25L Square Ivory 5-Star Water Heater (ES25V-SDI)
The Haier 25L Square Ivory 5-Star Water Heater is more suitable for families who need more hot water storage.
It includes the following features with its 5-star rating:
- PUF/EPS insulation to enhance thermal performance.
- Corrosion-resistant glass-lined tank.
- Incoloy 800 heating element designed to endure and deliver effective performance.
- Smart Timer and Smart Memory features.
- Water heated to 80°C in the Bacteria Proof System (BPS) mode to inhibit bacteria.
- Multi-Usage Valve (MUV) for pressure release and plumbing protection.
It is recommended for families who have a higher demand for hot water or when they need to take two baths in a row, since it has a large capacity of 25 litres.
3. Haier 15L Square Spa Ivory 5-Star Water Heater (ES15V-S1I)
For those who prefer a compact and square-shaped water heater, the Haier 15L Square Spa Ivory 5-Star Water Heater is another option.
It features:
- 5-star-rated energy efficiency.
- PUF/EPS heat-retaining insulation.
- Shock Proof and Dual Thermal Proof protection.
- Glass-lined storage tank.
- IPX4 splash-water resistance.
- RSC U-turn Flow Technology to aid water circulation.
All three models come with a 4-year product warranty and 7-year tank warranty, where applicable.
Which Is Better, a 5-Star Geyser or a 2-Star Geyser?
A 5-star water heater has a lower standing heat loss than a 2-star model for equivalent storage water heaters tested under the same BEE water heater rating schedule.
The lower rating number doesn’t mean that a lower-rated model is bad to use.
For example, Haier’s 6L ABS Cylindrical Water Heater (ES6V-Q1(H)) is rated with 2 stars. It has a smaller storage capacity which is ideal for a different use than a 15L or 25L model.
Just comparing these appliances on the basis of their star rating will not take capacity into account.
When deciding on a rating, keep the following in mind:
- How frequently the geyser will be used.
- The amount of time heated water can be stored.
- Whether the capacity suits your home.
- The cost that needs to be paid at the time of the initial purchase.
- Forecasted electricity usage throughout the appliance’s life.
The better-rated model could be more expensive but would save more standby energy, and the benefits are only financial if there is an adequate difference in cost.
What Other Methods Can You Use to Reduce the Electricity Geysers Consume?
Any water heater, even the best 5-star models, can benefit from good usage.
There are some simple things you can do every day to help.
Set an Appropriate Temperature
Very high water temperatures will cause increased heat loss and may cause scalding hazards.
Use a comfortable and safe setting as per the manufacturer’s directions and slowly mix the hot water when bathing.
Avoid Heating More Water Than Necessary
Bigger geysers are not necessarily best!
If your hot water requirement is small, the right-sized machine can prevent wasted heating.
Use Timer Features Where Available
Avoid running a geyser for long periods of time. Instead, heat the water when it is needed.
The ES15V-SDI and ES25V-SDI models from Haier come with Smart Timer functionality, which makes operation more convenient.
Maintain the Water Heater to Keep the Water Hot
Many Indian cities face the problem of hard water, which can cause mineral deposits in water-heating appliances.
Do routine maintenance according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and arrange for professional servicing as necessary.
Check the Installation
No matter how many stars a geyser is rated, proper earthing, electrical protection and correct plumbing installation are required.
It is not worth sacrificing electrical safety for energy-efficient operation.
How to Select the Proper 5-Star Geyser for Your House
When shopping, ask yourself these three questions.
How Many Litres of Hot Water Does Your Family Use?
For moderate bathing needs, a 15L storage geyser can be used, but for greater needs, a 25L geyser can provide a larger reserve.
Is There High Water Pressure in Your Building?
Refer to the appliance’s rated working pressure and make sure the appliance will fit into the plumbing system in your building.
What Features Are You Going to Use?
For some households, simpler temperature control devices might be preferable. Other features that can be helpful include Smart Timer, Smart Memory and remote control.
Be sure to look at the validity dates and rating schedule found on the BEE label. Comparisons should be made using the same applicable rating period because standards may change and lead to different star ratings.
Spend Less and Use Water More Efficiently With Haier India
A water heater is an expensive, long-term home investment. When buying one purely on price, it might be difficult to consider its energy consumption during its useful life.
Haier India’s storage water heaters are designed with efficient heat retention, storage capacity and safety features that cater to various households in the country, with an overall rating of 5 stars.
The 15L Square Ivory is an option for people with moderate daily hot water needs, while the 25L Square Ivory or the 15L Square Spa Ivory can be considered based on household requirements, installation and control preferences.
Browse through the range of Haier India water heaters and compare the features before selecting a water heater for your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does 5-star BEE rating mean in a geyser?
A 5-star BEE rating indicates that a storage water heater meets the highest energy-efficiency category under the applicable BEE star-labelling schedule. It reflects low standing heat loss under prescribed test conditions.
2. Does a 5-star geyser consume less electricity?
A 5-star geyser generally has lower standby heat losses than a comparable lower-rated storage geyser under the same rating schedule. Actual electricity consumption depends on capacity, water usage, temperature settings and operating conditions.
3. Is a 5-star geyser worth buying in India?
It can be a worthwhile purchase, particularly for households that use hot water regularly or store heated water for extended periods. The financial benefit depends on electricity tariffs, usage patterns and the initial price difference.
4. Which is better, a 3-star or 5-star geyser?
For comparable models under the same BEE rating schedule, a 5-star geyser offers better rated standing-loss performance. However, capacity, safety features, price and household requirements should also influence the decision.
5. Does a 5-star geyser heat water faster?
Not necessarily. Heating speed depends mainly on the heating element’s power, the quantity of water and the required temperature increase. The BEE star rating primarily concerns standing heat loss.
6. Which Haier 5-star geyser is suitable for a family of four?
The Haier 25L Square Ivory 5-Star Water Heater may be worth considering for a family of four, especially where multiple people bathe consecutively. Suitability depends on shower flow, water temperature and individual usage.
7. Can I leave a 5-star geyser switched on all day?
Although a 5-star geyser is designed to reduce standing heat losses, keeping it switched on unnecessarily can still consume electricity. Use its thermostat and timer features appropriately and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.