Geysers and Water Heaters – Is there a Difference?

Moreno Di Giacinto | modified: 18 May 2022

South Africans can generally look forward to warm weather and frequently high temperatures during the summer months. However, although our winters may appear relatively mild compared to European temperatures, the season’s mornings and evenings are often cold enough for many to swap their T-shirts and shorts for jerseys and track-suit bottoms. More significantly, it is invariably between June and August that we most appreciate our geysers and water heaters and the opportunity to warm up under a hot shower.   



Methods of maintaining thermal comfort have evolved considerably during recent decades. Much of that evolution has been driven by the need to conserve energy and find more sustainable ways to generate it. It is not enough to design electrical appliances that utilise power more efficiently. In addition, it has become vital to employ eco-friendly technology to minimise harmful emissions when manufacturing these items. Ariston is renowned worldwide for embodying these crucial principles in its water heaters. Or, should we call them geysers?



Although some consumers tend to regard these two terms as synonymous, others maintain they refer to different types of devices. It is logical enough to describe any system that produces hot water as a water heater. Typically, the heat source will either be an electric immersion rod or a gas burner. However, it is also possible to leverage the sun’s radiation during summer, using a solar collector to directly heat water in a network of pipes and avoid consuming too much electricity or gas. In practice, geysers could refer to the hot springs in Yellowstone Park. It is also a colloquial English term commonly used in the UK capital when referring to males. However, manufacturers, installers and suppliers generally use this word when referring to a heating system that includes an insulated storage tank. These should not be confused with tankless instant water heaters. 



In the immortal words of William Shakespeare: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. Likewise, regardless of what anyone may choose to call them, there can be no denying the many welcome benefits of the Ariston range of Heat Tech geysers. These products have gained widespread popularity in South Africa for many good reasons. High on the list of those reasons is the state-of-the-art technology that is helping users to reduce their energy consumption and monthly bills while providing superior heating performance. Furthermore, these South African-made units are explicitly built to optimum performance under local water and environmental conditions.



The storage tanks require efficient insulation to prevent heat loss and costly reheating cycles. Ariston’s Heat Tech geysers are well-known for their excellent heat retention. While most consumers appreciate the superior performance, they would prefer not to forego product durability and longevity in exchange. Steel water tanks are vulnerable to corrosion. The risk varies according to the chemical composition of the water, as in hard water regions, for example. The high quality 2mm thick steel Heat Tech tanks contain a 250-micron lining of enamel to combat damage due to corrosion. In addition, they have a sacrificial anode that serves as a preferential target of corrosion. Inspecting the anode regularly and exchanging it when necessary will ensure these water heaters remain corrosion-free and should continue to perform as specified for many years. The durable, resistant lining and protective anode enable the manufacturer to offer consumers an exceptional 5-year warranty on the inner cylinder.



If a consumer should experience a problem with and of the Ariston Heat Tech products, help is never far away. The company operates a nationwide network of assistance centres. Their trained and experienced technical staff will promptly respond to your requests for emergency services and routine maintenance and with the same professionalism responsible for making Ariston Heat Tech geysers the preferred choice of so many South African homeowners.



These quality products are also good news for installers. Their dual mounting system makes for convenient installation. The sacrificial anode is easily accessible for inspection and replacement, while thoughtful design features simplify servicing in general. In addition, the myAriston rewards programme offers the installer the chance of some extra cash. Whenever they install a selected water heater or geyser from Ariston, they receive points that, over time, will qualify them for a cash card to spend their well-earned rewards. 



You can learn more about the wide range of superior Ariston heating products or sign up for the rewards programme by clicking

here

.