The true cost of a hot shower


Heating water for a household is a necessary expense, and the choice of heating method can have a significant impact on the cost of energy consumption. The three most common methods of heating water for households are using an electric geyser, a heat pump, and a gas boiler. Each method has its own pros and cons, and the cost of each method can vary depending on several factors. In this blog, we will compare the cost of heating water for a household using an electric geyser, a heat pump, and a gas boiler.

Electric Geyser An electric geyser is one of the most common methods of heating water in households. The cost of heating water using an electric geyser depends on the wattage of the geyser and the cost of electricity. The average cost of electricity in the United States is around 13.31 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). A standard 50-gallon electric geyser with a 4500-watt heating element would consume around 18 kWh of electricity per day if used for two hours. This would cost around $2.39 per day, or $71.70 per month.

Heat Pump A heat pump is an energy-efficient method of heating water that uses the heat from the air or ground to heat the water. The cost of heating water using a heat pump depends on the efficiency of the heat pump and the cost of electricity. A typical heat pump can produce up to four times more energy than it consumes, making it a more efficient option than an electric geyser. The cost of electricity for a heat pump can vary depending on the region, but the average cost of electricity in the United States is around 13.31 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). A heat pump can consume around 2.5 kWh of electricity per day if used for two hours, which would cost around $0.33 per day or $9.90 per month.

Gas Boiler A gas boiler is another popular method of heating water in households. The cost of heating water using a gas boiler depends on the efficiency of the boiler and the cost of natural gas. The average cost of natural gas in the United States is around $1.18 per therm. A standard 50-gallon gas boiler can consume around 0.67 therms of natural gas per day if used for two hours, which would cost around $0.79 per day or $23.70 per month.

Comparison Based on the above calculations, the cost of heating water for a household using an electric geyser is the highest, followed by a gas boiler, and a heat pump is the cheapest. A heat pump is the most energy-efficient method of heating water, which makes it a cost-effective option in the long run. However, the initial cost of a heat pump can be higher than that of an electric geyser or gas boiler. Additionally, the efficiency of a heat pump can be affected by the ambient temperature, and it may not be suitable for extremely cold regions.

Conclusion In conclusion, the cost of heating water for a household can vary significantly depending on the heating method used. An electric geyser is the most expensive method, followed by a gas boiler, while a heat pump is the cheapest option. While the initial cost of a heat pump may be higher, its energy efficiency can make it a cost-effective option in the long run. Before choosing a heating method, it is important to consider the upfront cost, efficiency, and operating cost of each option.