How to choose the right water heater for your home – Times of India

by Avneet Singh Gambhir, joint vice president, Havells India
A water heater is one of the most important appliances in every household of any region that experiences extreme or at least some degree of winter chill. However, picking the right one is essential if you want it to meet all your needs. Here are some of the things you should look for when buying a water heater for your home.
Capacity
While choosing the size of the water heater, it is vital to make sure you are selecting the right size because if you choose a small one, it might not give sufficient hot water for your requirements and make your day-to-day activities like showering, washing dishes, etc inconvenient. The climatic condition should be factored into your choice. The chart is given below to help you with selection.

In case if water heater is installed inside the loft: Horizontal water heater with left / right side configuration is suitable for installation inside the loft & low ceiling height.
Safety
One of the most important things to look for in a water heater is its safety feature. As it is an electrical appliance, a water heater should include certain features like cutting off the electricity supply in case of a leakage, shock-resistant plug etc. to prevent possible injuries. In addition to this, ensure the water heater you pick is made from durable materials. This can ensure it lasts a long time. In the case of immersion heaters insist on shock-proof models. Other features, such as pressure control, can also increase safety since they manage the water heater’s excess pressure and prevent problems like tank bursts. The device’s safety can also be increased by incorporating a smart alerts system to protect against electric shocks in case of malfunction.
New technology and energy consumption
An effective way to determine a water heater’s energy efficiency is by looking at its energy star rating; the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the equipment is. Induction water heaters are a new generation technology that uses a magnetic induction process to heat water. This technology also allows water to heat quickly that eventually reducing overall electricity usage. Havells Magnatron is India’s first Water Heater with No Heating Element Induction Heat Transfer Technology that allows optimal bathing temperature very quickly with long-lasting efficiency. The water heater also helps in saving up to 25% on electricity with reduced heating time by 10 -12 minutes.
Keeping in mind the busy lifestyle we have today, ensure that the one you choose is easy to use and offers instant heating. Some water heaters also come with a heating indicator – in the form of LED lights – that changes colour to indicate when the water is hot and ready for use. There are also cutting-edge IoT-enabled water heaters that can help us turn on the heaters remotely.
Appealing Aesthetics
Considering interior décor plays an important role in most modern homes today, it is always a good idea to get a water heater that can add to the aesthetics in your home. It should ideally have a modern, appealing design that can complement different bathroom styles. Havells recently announced the launch of its ‘Unconventionally Beautiful’ range of Otto and Orizzonte water heater. Keeping in mind the aesthetics of a modern-day bathroom, Otto water heater comes in a unique circular design, a temperature setting knob for personalised heating and colour changing LED indicator that changes colour from blue to amber as the water heats to the desired temperature.
On the other hand, the Orizzonte model comes in AC type digital space-saving model. Orizzonte also features a digital temperature display, energy-saving mode, feather touch control panel, and a wireless remote controller. It also has a timer mode which enables user to set a duration for heating.
After-sales service
Before choosing a product or brand, it’s important to take into account the after-sale service availability and product warranty term. Opt for reputed brands when buying a water heater which offers longer warranty period and one that provides a hassle-free after-sales service.