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Choose the best water heater for your home: Comprehensive guide

Last Published on Sep 13, 2023 11:30 IST

Summary:

Selecting the right water heater for your home can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, comfort, and cost savings.  From tank-less and traditional tank-style heaters to heat pumps and solar options, we'll explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.


In the realm of household appliances, few are as crucial to our daily comfort as the water heater. Whether you're enjoying a relaxing shower, doing the dishes, or simply washing your hands, a reliable and efficient water heater ensures a steady supply of hot water. But with an array of options on the market today, choosing the best water heater for your home can be a daunting task. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the different types of water heaters, their advantages, and how to determine which one is the right fit for your household.

From the space-saving tank-less water heaters that provide on-demand hot water to traditional tank-style heaters known for their reliability, we'll dissect the features and benefits of each. We'll also delve into eco-friendly options like heat pump and solar water heaters, exploring their energy efficiency and environmental advantages. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision and ensure that your home is equipped with the best water heater to meet your family's needs.

Crompton Arno Neo 15-L 5 Star Rated Storage Water Heater with Advanced 3 Level Safety

The Crompton Arno Neo 15-L 5 Star Rated Storage Water Heater is a reliable and energy-efficient water heating solution. With its 15-liter capacity, it caters well to small to medium-sized families. The standout feature is its advanced 3-level safety system, ensuring worry-free operation. Quick heating and a durable build are also commendable. While it's slightly pricier than some competitors, the energy savings and safety features make it a worthwhile investment.

Specifications

Capacity: 15 liters

Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 stars

Safety Features: Advanced 3-level safety

Heating Element: Copper

Rapid Heating: Yes

Warranty: Manufacturer's warranty included

ProsCons
Energy-efficient 5-star rating.Higher initial cost.
Ample 15-liter capacity.May not suit larger families.
Advanced 3-level safety system.Professional installation may be required
Quick heating. 
Durable copper heating element. 

Bajaj New Shakti Neo 25L Vertical Storage Water Heater (Geyser 25 Litres) 4 Star BEE Rated Heater For Water Heating with Titanium Armour, Swirl Flow Technology, Glasslined Tank(White), 1 Yr Warranty

The Bajaj New Shakti Neo 25L Vertical Storage Water Heater is a reliable and energy-efficient choice for water heating needs. With a 25-liter capacity, it suits larger families. The 4-star BEE rating signifies good energy efficiency. It boasts Titanium Armour for durability, Swirl Flow Technology for even heating, and a Glasslined Tank for longevity. While it offers excellent features, the one-year warranty might seem short to some users. Overall, it's a sturdy and efficient water heater, ideal for medium to large households.

Specifications

Capacity: 25 liters

Energy Efficiency Rating: 4 stars

Heating Element: Titanium Armour

Technology: Swirl Flow

Tank Coating: Glasslined

Warranty: 1 year

ProsCons
Generous 25-liter capacity.Relatively short one-year warranty.
Good energy efficiency with a 4-star BEE rating.May not be suitable for smaller households.
Durable Titanium Armour.Slightly larger size may require more installation space
Swirl Flow Technology for even heating. 
Glasslined tank for longevity. 

Havells Water Proof Immersion Water Heater HB 15 1500 Watt (White Blue)
The Havells Water Proof Immersion Water Heater HB 15 is a simple yet effective solution for heating water. With a 1500 Watt power rating, it quickly heats water in a bucket or container, making it ideal for travelers or those with limited hot water options. Its waterproof design ensures safety during use. However, it lacks the convenience of a built-in thermostat or auto-shutoff feature. If you're seeking a portable and budget-friendly water heating solution for small-scale use, this immersion heater is worth considering.

Specifications

Power: 1500 Watts

Waterproof Design: Yes

Color: White Blue

ProsCons
Portable and easy to use.Lacks built-in thermostat for temperature control.
Rapidly heats water in buckets or containers.No auto-shutoff feature.
Waterproof design for safety.Limited to small-scale water heating needs

AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 Storage 15 Litre Vertical Water Heater (Geyser) ABS Body BEE 5 Star Superior Energy Efficiency|Enhanced Durability Blue Diamond Tank Coating|Suitable High Rise Buildings

The AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 Storage Water Heater offers exceptional performance with a 15-liter capacity and 5-star BEE rating, making it highly energy-efficient. Its ABS body ensures durability, while the Blue Diamond Tank Coating enhances longevity and protects against corrosion. It's well-suited for high-rise buildings, providing consistent hot water supply. However, the initial cost may be a bit high, and installation could be more complex. Overall, it's a top choice for those seeking superior energy efficiency and long-lasting performance in a water heater.

Specifications

Capacity: 15 liters

Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 stars

Tank Coating: Blue Diamond

Body Material: ABS

Suitable for High Rise Buildings: Yes

ProsCons
Excellent energy efficiency with a 5-star BEE rating.Higher initial cost.
Durable ABS body.Installation may be more complex
Blue Diamond Tank Coating for enhanced longevity. 
Suitable for high-rise buildings. 

Havells Instanio 3-Litre 3KW Instant Water Heater (Geyser) White Mustard, Wall Mounting

The Havells Instanio 3-Litre Instant Water Heater is a compact and efficient solution for on-demand hot water. With a 3KW power rating, it quickly delivers hot water when needed. Its compact size and wall-mounting feature save space, making it suitable for small bathrooms or kitchens. The white mustard color adds a touch of style. However, the 3-liter capacity may not be sufficient for larger families, and it lacks advanced features like a digital display. For small households or as a secondary unit, it's a convenient and budget-friendly choice.

Specifications

Capacity: 3 liters

Power: 3KW

Color: White Mustard

Wall Mounting: Yes

ProsCons
Compact design saves space.Limited 3-liter capacity.
Quick hot water delivery.Lacks advanced features.
Stylish white mustard color.Not suitable for larger families.

DigiSmart 2000-Watt Water Proof/Shock Proof Immersion Water Heater (Black) with 1 year warranty

The DigiSmart 2000-Watt Immersion Water Heater is a practical and budget-friendly option for heating water in buckets or containers. Its waterproof and shockproof design ensures safety during use. With a 2000-Watt power rating, it heats water quickly. However, it lacks temperature control and an auto-shutoff feature, which can be inconvenient. The one-year warranty provides some assurance, making it suitable for travelers and those seeking an affordable and portable water heating solution for basic needs.

Specifications

Power: 2000 Watts

Waterproof and Shockproof: Yes

Color: Black

Warranty: 1 year

ProsCons
Budget-friendly option.Lacks temperature control.
Waterproof and shockproof for safety.No auto-shutoff feature.
Rapidly heats water in buckets or containers.Limited to basic water heating requirements

Crompton Gracee 5-L Instant Water Heater (Geyser), Wall Mounting

The Crompton Gracee 5-L Instant Water Heater is a space-saving and efficient solution for immediate hot water needs. Its 5-liter capacity and instant heating technology ensure a quick and continuous supply of hot water. Designed for wall mounting, it saves floor space in bathrooms or kitchens. While it offers convenience, the smaller capacity may not be suitable for larger households with higher hot water demands. Additionally, it lacks advanced features like digital temperature control. For smaller families or as a secondary unit, it provides reliable hot water on demand.

Specifications

Capacity: 5 liters

Mounting: Wall Mounting

ProsCons
Instant hot water for immediate use.Limited 5-liter capacity may not meet high-demand needs.
Space-saving wall-mounted design.Lacks advanced temperature control features.
Suitable for smaller households. 

V-Guard Divino 5 Star Rated 10 Litre Storage Water Heater (Geyser) with Advanced 4 Level Safety, White

The V-Guard Divino 5 Star Rated 10-Litre Storage Water Heater is a reliable choice for efficient water heating. With a 5-star rating, it ensures energy savings and has a 10-liter capacity, suitable for medium-sized families. Its advanced 4-level safety features protect against overheating and pressure build-up. The white design adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom. While it excels in safety and efficiency, it may not be ideal for larger households with higher hot water demands. Nevertheless, it's a sturdy and efficient water heater offering peace of mind.

Specifications

Capacity: 10 liters

Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 stars

Safety Features: Advanced 4-level safety

Color: White

ProsCons
Excellent energy efficiency with a 5-star rating.May not meet the needs of larger households
Advanced 4-level safety features.Higher initial cost compared to some models.
Suitable for medium-sized families. 

Havells Monza EC 15 L Storage Water Heater, Metallic Body, 2000 W, 4 Star, With Free Flexi Pipe and Free Installation, Warranty: 7 Yr on Inn. Container; 4 Yr on Heating Element; 2 Yr Compre., (Ivory)

The Havells Monza EC 15 L Storage Water Heater is a feature-packed and reliable choice for your water heating needs. With its 15-liter capacity, it's suitable for medium-sized families. The metallic body adds durability, and the 2000 W heating element ensures quick hot water supply. Its 4-star energy rating reflects its efficiency, helping you save on electricity bills. Havells sweetens the deal with free installation and a flexi pipe. The impressive warranty of 7 years on the inner container, 4 years on the heating element, and 2 years comprehensive coverage showcases its robust build quality. If you seek a dependable and long-lasting water heater, the Monza EC is a top contender.

Specifications

Capacity: 15 liters

Body Material: Metallic

Heating Element: 2000 W

Energy Efficiency Rating: 4 stars

Warranty: 7 years on the inner container, 4 years on the heating element, 2 years comprehensive

ProsCons
Ample 15-liter capacity.None mentioned, based on available information
Energy-efficient with a 4-star rating. 
Free installation and flexi pipe included. 
Durable metallic body. 

AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 Storage 15 Litre Vertical Water Heater (Geyser) ABS Body BEE 5 Star Superior Energy Efficiency|Enhanced Durability Blue Diamond Tank Coating|Suitable High Rise Buildings

The AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 Storage Water Heater is a reliable and energy-efficient choice for water heating. With a 15-liter capacity and a 5-star BEE rating, it's perfect for small to medium-sized families. The ABS body ensures durability, and the Blue Diamond Tank Coating enhances longevity while preventing corrosion. It's suitable for high-rise buildings, guaranteeing a consistent supply of hot water. While the initial cost may be slightly higher, the energy savings and long-lasting performance make it an excellent investment.

Specifications

Capacity: 15 liters

Energy Efficiency Rating: 5 stars

Body Material: ABS

Tank Coating: Blue Diamond

Suitable for High Rise Buildings: Yes

ProsCons
Excellent energy efficiency with a 5-star rating.Higher initial cost.
Durable ABS body.Installation may be more complex for high-rise buildings
Blue Diamond Tank Coating for enhanced longevity. 

Best 3 features for you

Products Feature 1Feature 2Feature 3
Crompton Arno NeoAdvanced 3-level safety system.Quick heating.Durable copper heating element
Bajaj New Shakti NeoGenerous 25-liter capacity.Good energy efficiency with a 4-star BEE rating.Durable Titanium Armour.
Havells Water Proof Immersion Water HeaterPortable and easy to use.Rapidly heats water in buckets or containers.Waterproof design for safety.
AO Smith HSE-SHS-015Durable ABS body.Blue Diamond Tank Coating for enhanced longevity.Suitable for high-rise buildings.
Havells Instanio 3-Litre 3KW Instant Water HeaterCompact design saves space.Quick hot water delivery.Stylish white mustard color.
DigiSmart 2000-Watt Water Proof/Shock ProofBudget-friendly option.Waterproof and shockproof for safety.Rapidly heats water in buckets or containers.
Crompton Gracee 5-L Instant Water HeaterInstant hot water for immediate use.Space-saving wall-mounted design.Suitable for smaller households.
V-Guard Divino 5 Star Rated 10 Litre Storage Water Heater Advanced 4-level safety features.Suitable for medium-sized families.Elegant white design.
Havells Monza EC 15 L Storage Water HeaterAmple 15-liter capacity.Durable metallic body.Energy-efficient with a 4-star rating.
AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 StorageExcellent energy efficiency with a 5-star rating.Durable ABS body.Blue Diamond Tank Coating for enhanced longevity.

Best overall product
Based on the products discussed, the best overall product is the "AO Smith HSE-SHS-015 Storage 15 Litre Vertical Water Heater." It offers a great balance of features, including a 5-star energy efficiency rating, durability with an ABS body, and suitability for high-rise buildings.

Best value for money

The best value for money product among the discussed options is the "Havells Monza EC 15 L Storage Water Heater." It provides a good combination of capacity, energy efficiency, durability (with a metallic body), and comes with free installation and a generous warranty, making it a cost-effective choice for most users.

How to buy water heater in India

To buy a water heater in India, first, determine your needs (storage or instant) and capacity. Research reputable brands, consider energy efficiency, and set a budget. Check warranties and after-sales service. Visit retail stores or shop online for price comparisons. Look for deals and discounts. Arrange installation through the seller or manufacturer if needed.

FAQs on water heater

The best type of water heater for residential use in India often depends on your specific needs. For smaller households, an instant (tankless) water heater can be efficient. However, for larger families, storage water heaters are generally more suitable due to their higher capacity.
Look for a water heater with a high BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star rating. In India, higher star ratings indicate better energy efficiency. For the best energy savings, aim for water heaters with 4 or 5-star ratings.
Yes, safety features are crucial. Look for models with advanced safety measures such as thermostat control, pressure relief valves, and shockproof and waterproof designs. These features help prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.
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