Storage Water Heater Buying Guide – How to Choose the best Storage Water Heater

With varying climatic conditions and chilly winters in many regions across India, having a steady supply of hot water is not only a luxury but a necessity, which makes electric storage water heaters an integral part of Indian homes. Choosing a storage water heater for your home might seem an easy task, but with a plethora of options available in the market, choosing the right one that meets your needs can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a comprehensive buying guide covering essential factors to consider when purchasing a storage water heater in India.

Tank Capacity – Assess your Hot Water Needs

The hot water requirements will be different for a nuclear family from a joint one, hence, it’s important to decide the most suitable tank capacity when buying a storage water heater. Oversized heaters may lead to unnecessary energy consumption, while undersized ones may not meet your hot water needs adequately. In a household of 2 to 3 members, a storage water heater with a tank capacity of 10-15 litres is ideal. However, if you prefer showers over bucket baths, you should consider a 25-litre storage water heater. Another thing to consider is the climatic conditions. If you reside in a region that experiences extremely cold winters, it is advisable to opt for a large-capacity water heater to have more hot water supply at your disposal.

Tank Body Material and Heating Element

It’s extremely important to check the tank body material as it’s the tank that holds the water and so it needs to be sturdy and corrosion resistant. We have water heaters today that come with Nano-Polymer coated tanks which ensure longer tank lifespan and are ideal for use with hard water which is primarily the reason for faster corroding of the tank. Another key thing to look at is the heating element and make sure that it’s corrosion resistant. You can go for storage water heaters that come with thicker magnesium rods and nickel coated heavy copper heating element which are highly resistant to corrosion. If you are looking for a sturdy water heater, you might want to consider Orient Electric Maverick which is an elegant and feature-loaded storage water heater. Specially designed to suit the modern bathroom interiors, Maverick is BEE 5-star rated and comes equipped with Nano-Polymer coated tank for durability and nickel coated heavy copper coated heating element for better heating. Its magnesium anode rod ensures enhanced tank life while the 5-Level Safety Shield with a multifunction valve provides enhanced safety.

Do you live in a high-rise apartment?

People living in high-rise buildings often face leakage issues with their water heaters. One of the reasons why this happens is the fact that high water pressure can potentially damage the inner tank of a water heater. Therefore, you should always make sure that the water heater you pick comes with high pressure bearing capacity. Water heaters in high-rise buildings must be capable of handling varying water pressures, arising on account of the height and distance from the water source, to ensure consistent and efficient performance. A good example in this regard is Orient Electric Enamour storage glassline water heater which has a pressure bearing capacity up to 8 bar making it suitable for use in high rise buildings.

Look for Star Ratings

With growing awareness around energy efficiency, more and more people are opting for energy efficient appliances to lower their electricity bills and carbon footprint. Water heaters are rated on a scale of 1-5. The more the number of stars, the more energy efficient a water heater is. Aside to power consumption, it is also important to check the amount of time taken by a water heater to raise the water temperature by certain degrees, which will help you make an even better buying decision. Also, in water heaters, poor insulation between the tank and the outer body can result in heat loss and result in higher energy usage. Therefore, you must crosscheck that the unit you choose uses high quality insulation material. Orient Electric offers an extensive range of BEE 5-star rated storage water heaters in different capacities and designs to suit every need and style.

Convenience is a Key Consideration

Technology is impacting all aspects of our lives which has led to a rise in demand for smart home appliances and water heaters are no exception. Now you don’t need to hop out of your warm, cozy bed on cold winter mornings just to switch on your water heater. You can easily get an IoT-enabled water heater which will give you the freedom to operate it from anywhere, anytime via mobile apps or with voice assistants. You can simply schedule your IoT water heater to turn on and off at desired temperatures for a perfect bathing experience every time.

Convenient…isn’t it?

Take for example Orient Electric Aquator IoT glassline storage water heater which comes equipped with IoT technology, giving you the freedom to operate it from anywhere, anytime via Orient Smart mobile app. It is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant thus taking convenience a notch higher. You can simply schedule it to automatically switch on and off at desired temperatures for a perfect bathing experience every time. It also allows you to monitor power consumption on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Other salient features include Ultra Diamond Glassline coated tank that ensures 40% longer tank lifespan, shock-proof body, digital display, PUF insulation for better heat retention, multifunction valve for enhanced safety and pressure bearing capacity of up to 8 bar.

In addition, you can also consider other advanced features such as digital displays, remote controls, and timer, which provide added convenience and functionality. While these features may heighten the usage experience, you should evaluate whether such functionalities are required for your specific needs and if they fit well within your budget.

Prioritize Safety

Safety should always be a top priority when selecting any electrical appliance for that matter. When buying a storage water heater, do not forget to look for essential safety features such as shock-proof body, thermal cut-out, and pressure release valve. The thermal cut-out automatically shuts off the heating element when the water reaches a certain temperature, preventing overheating and potential accidents. The pressure release valve helps release excess pressure from the tank, safeguarding against potential explosions.

Aesthetics Matter

Consumers today are seeking best-in-class products that offer them pride of ownership and aesthetics is one key aspects. While the functional aspects of a water heater, such as energy efficiency and capacity, are essential considerations, the importance of aesthetics should not be underestimated. Water heaters today are available in a variety of alluring designs and finishes and you can choose the one that goes with your bathroom interior. To this end, Orient Electric has an eclectic mix of storage water heaters in alluring designs that will seamlessly blend with your contemporary kitchen or bathroom interior.

Warranty and after-sales service

The last thing anyone needs during winter is a broken water heater. Check the warranty period offered by the manufacturer, as well as the availability of service in your area. A good warranty ensures that you are covered in case of any manufacturing defects or issues that may arise. The best way to avoid any issues is to get a water heater from a trusted brand. Not only are branded water heaters reliable and safe, but they're also backed up by a credible warranty and excellent after-sales support.

Consider price and budget

While we do not emphasize cost to be the sole deciding factor, it is important to consider your budget before you begin your search for a good storage water heater. You can compare prices online and offline and watch out for deals and discounts. Brands usually come up with exciting discounts and deals during festive seasons and other important occasions. Do keep in mind that investing in a high-quality, energy-efficient water heater will result in long-term cost savings and an enhanced overall experience.

Choosing the right storage water heater requires careful consideration of factors such as tank capacity, energy efficiency, heating element, safety features, aesthetics and convenience, and after-sales service. A water heater is an important investment and therefore we suggest you consider all the said factors when buying one for your home.