Steibel Eltron conducted a test that compared the cost of heating water using a conventional electric geyser to a gas geyser.
They have kindly allowed us to publish their test in which they heated 200 liters of water a day to 55C using an electric geyser as well as a gas geyser in the same environment.
They did this every day for a month and then compared the costs.
They found that it cost more to heat water using gas than a conventional electric geyser.
This test is only comparing the offerings based on quantitative measures. I would think that if you start considering self imposed constraints in case of using gas it may turn out differently. If you use gas and then change behaviour to use hot water for shorter intervals, you may end up having saving on water and energy.
Additionally you could also combine solar with gas and then you would not be caught without hot water. With unreliable electricity one is also prepared to pay a premium. So this test in my view does not fully take into account user needs. If you also take into account that geysers only last 3 to 4 years you would be better off to go for gas solar combination.
Hi Gert
The good thing about this test is that it at least attempted to understand the cost of heating water using gas vs electricity in a systematic way.
The more facts people have at their disposal the better.
Perhaps you could devise another test to cover your scenario and publish the results? We would be very glad to list it here.
The question that I can really get an answer to:
To heat an average size room today – gas heater vs an oil (7-9 fin) heater? which costs less to run?
sorry: can should be can’t get an answer to
Hi Al
Electricity is probably cheaper – if you look here you will see our cost comparison for different fuels.
https://powersaving.co.za/alternative-power/comparison-of-fuel-prices/
I have a 200Lt geyser – The kids bath at night (one bath) and we shower daily in the morning (generally not together). Other than that there is no major hot water use.
Would it be more cost efficient to use a 20Lt Gas Water heater than the Geyser? Electricity priced through Tshwane Municipality.
Your case study test was great.
Thanks
Branden