How Much Does Your Geyser Cost You? A Look at Real Costs and Better Options

Winter electricity bills are hitting hard this year. Your geyser might be the culprit you haven't thought about. That 3kW geyser running in your home can eat up 40% of your electricity bill-that's about R9 every hour it's heating water, according to The Citizen.

Why Your Electric Geyser Is Such a Power Hog

Most people don't realise that their electric geyser doesn't just heat water when they need it. It's constantly working to keep that tank hot, switching on and off all day and night. During winter, when the water coming into their house is freezing cold, their geyser has to work even harder.

Many families leave their geysers running nonstop because it's convenient-but that convenience comes with a hefty price tag on their Eskom bill. 

Read more: Homeowner advice: Watch out for water damage

Simple Ways to Cut Your Geyser Costs Right Now

You don't need to replace your whole system to save money. Try these practical steps first:

Get a geyser timer installed.

Set it to only heat water when your family needs it - maybe an hour before morning showers and again in the evening-no point heating water at 2 am when everyone's asleep.

Wrap your geyser in a blanket.

 These insulation blankets keep the heat in longer, so your geyser doesn't have to work as hard to maintain temperature. It's like putting a jersey on your geyser.

Turn down the thermostat.

 Most geysers are set too hot anyway. Drop it to around 55°C - you'll still get perfectly hot showers but use much less electricity.

Keep up with basic maintenance.

 A well-maintained geyser runs more efficiently. Get an accredited supplier  to check it occasionally and clear out any sediment that builds up over time.