FAQ
Q Will the system work during overcast or bad weather?
A The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System has been designed to work all year ‘round without boosting. Rain, wind and sun are major elements in making the unit run effectively.
Q How much money will I save?
A You will save from 50% up to 80% of your existing hot water bill when compared with an insertion of an electrical element. In other words, the running cost of the system can be about ¼ of that of an electrical element.
Q Do the panels have to go on the north-facing roof?
A The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System does not use panels at all.
Q Does the system require a booster?
A No. The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System has the ability to deliver hot water without boosting. With the evaporating temperature of the refrigerant being well below 0°C, it will vaporize in all weather conditions. By compressing the vapour, the system will generate heat during its heating cycle.
Q What is the tank made of
A The tank (geyser) is of the standard make of geysers available with the SABS stamp of approval.
Q How long does the tank or geyser last?
A The lifespan of the tank will last as long as any standard SABS approved geyser.
Q What guarantee do I get on the unit?
A We also offer a 60 days money back guarantee should the system fail to perform.
Q Will I run out of hot water?
A This Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System has the ability to deliver voluminous amounts of hot water. However, it must be remembered that it is a storage tank / geyser and if drained of hot water in a short period of time, it will need approximately 1 to 4 hours to recover.
Q Does my roof / ceiling need extra strengthening for the system?
A No! No modifications or changes whatsoever are needed to your existing structure or infrastructure. All we do is adapt our Heat Exchanger to your geyser and connect up to the heat pump unit which can be installed either in your ceiling or on the outside of your home / wall.
Q Does the refrigerant need topping up occasionally?
A No. The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System is a sealed unit, like any refrigerator and has silver soldered copper joints. This differs from, for instance, a car air-conditioning system with its hose connections and vibrations.
Q Does it freeze over in winter?
A No. The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System completely eliminates the problem of freezing as there are no water filled panels which plagues conventional Solar systems.
Q Does it over-heat in summer?
A No. The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System is controlled by a thermostat which will be set at 55°C and then automatically switch off.
Q How long does is taken to heat from cold to hot?
A Our Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System is designed to do it’s job and will take between 1 – 4 hours to heat, depending on the application.
Q How long will the pay-back period be?
A Depending on the amount of hot water used, 2 – 3 years for domestic applications and from 12 months upwards for commercial applications.
Q Can the geyser or hot water tank go outside?
A Yes. The unit has been designed to operate both inside or outside, just like any geyser.
Q How far can the Evaporator be away from the tank on the Split Air Model?
A We would recommend that the unit be no more than 20 meters away from the tank. A refrigeration pipe-work run of up to 20 meters will allow the most efficient operation of the system as well as permitting the proper return of lubrication oil back to the compressor.
Q How long will the unit last?
A The normal life expectancy would be equivalent to any refrigerator / compressor which would relate to anything between 15 – 20+ years and even longer.
Q What size tanks are there?
A There are generally two sized water tanks for domestic use, namely 100 litres and 200 litres. Then there are obviously large tanks for industrial use, Hotels, B&B, Holiday Resorts and Health Clubs/Gyms etc. Energy Saving Geyser has quoted on systems using 5,000 Litres per day.
Q I live by the coast, what effect will the atmosphere and salt water have on the unit?
A As with any electrical appliances made from metal, severe salt atmospheres can be detrimental. The ‘Energy Saving Geyser PIPE SYSTEM’ has been especially designed for the KZN (Durban) atmosphere and is guaranteed rust proof. (Should you need more information on this application please contact us).
Q What effect does the unit have on the environment?
A The unit’s unique way or using electricity, assists greatly in combating the “greenhouse effect” by using as little as ¼ of the energy required to heat water when compared to an electrical element heater. We should therefore look at saving our environment and saving ourselves money by seriously looking at this investment!
Q Can this system be used for other applications?
A The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System can be adapted to many other applications other than just domestic hot water supply. Other applications can be slab heating, pool heating, under floor heating, spa heating and glasshouse heating.
Q We use most of our hot water in the evening for bathing etc. Will there be enough water recovery by the morning?
A Yes. Even on the coldest winter nights, the system will recover for early morning use within 1 – 4 hours. We can also design the system for a quicker recovery period should there be a need.
Q Can this system be installed by anyone?
A The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System is very easy to install and can be installed by a plumber or anyone with some basic plumbing and/or electrical knowledge.
Q Do you have a back-up in case it does not heat?
A Yes, you have a choice, in certain existing geysers the original element remains. Our Heat Exchanger is adapted to your existing geyser leaving the original element inside as a back-up.
Q Where is the unit made?
A The basic materials used are manufactured in the East and can be purchased ‘off the shelf’ so to speak. The creation of the Patented Heat Exchanger is a new concept and is made locally.
Q Are replacement parts readily available
A Yes, all parts are available in South Africa
Q What if the tank goes, does it mean the whole unit needs to be replaced?
A No, not at all. The Heat Exchanger will be removed and re-installed into the new tank.
Q Why is a Heat Pump more efficient than electric or gas water heating?
A Normal heating methods use energy such as electricity, gas or diesel / generator to directly heat the water. This can never be greater than 100% (but more likely 55% – 75%) efficient. A heat pump only uses electrical energy to run the compressor, not to heat the water. The heat energy actually comes from the atmosphere and is electro mechanical. The Heat Exchanger is in director contact with the water.
Q How does taking its heat energy from the atmosphere make it more efficient?
A By using only a small amount of electrical energy to run the heat pump it can transfer 3 to 4 times this value in heat energy from the atmosphere, into the water, giving an efficiency rating of above 300% i.e. 1kW of electrical energy into the Heat Pump can transfer 3.6kW of heat energy into the water.
Q Can the system be installed inside?
A Yes. The Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System is an air-sourced heat pump and requires an airflow during its heating cycle. It can therefore be installed in the roof or in a small room.
Q What power supply does the system require?
A It requires an individual 15amp circuit breaker and power supply therefore, a normal 15amp plug socket or the existing power supply to the geyser.
Q How do I save when generating my own electricity
A Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System uses less electricity and therefore reduces the electrical demand on the alternator and thereby reducing fuel consumption. Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System can add our Heat Exchanger to your diesel engine capturing the heat energy and transferring it to your Hot Water System.
NB: We are presently testing the Energy Saving Geyser Hot Water System powered from the sun and current results are extremely exciting!
