But a new, South African-developed geyser, which uses heat pump technology, promises not only to do away with leaks and bursts but also to produce water at a fraction of the cost of normal electric geysers. And it's got the backing of Nedbank and Massmart-owned hardware retailer Builders, among others.
The IHP Geyser is being billed as a potential gamechanger for South African homeowners. Developed by Johannesburg-based alternative energy company Power4Less, the geyser includes a 0.6kW "nano" heat pump with an average daily consumption of about 1.8kWh.
Its design is IP68 waterproof, allowing for flexible installation, and Power4Les claims it is leak-proof and burst-proof, too. The electronic anode contributes to an extended lifespan, and it promises up to only R7.12/day in electricity charges, a stark contrast to traditional geysers.
There's also a smartphone app to control the geyser. Installation typically takes around two hours. Notably, it's eligible for asset financing over 48 months.
The only downside is the steep upfront cost compared to regular geysers: currently priced at R24 500 at Builders, the IHP Geyser includes installation.