Independently Tested
In August 2003 geyserduvet commissioned Mr Andrew Bennett, MSc (Mechanical Engineering), to conduct independent tests on the efficiency of geyserduvet and pipeduvet at UCT's Mechanical Engineering laboratory.
Mr Bennett tested our product extensively on a new 150 litre, electrical hot water geyser. Two tests were conducted: a standing loss test (i.e. no water was drained from the geyser) and one that mirrored normal household-type use. The electrical usage was monitored and compared to results from the geyser without the geyserduvet and pipeduvet fitted. The difference gave a financial indication of the benefit of the product.
In a controlled environment and simulating the usage of hot water by a typical family of four, the test produced a forecast saving of 524 kWh per year, equivalent to a saving of approximately R460 p.a. (based on early 2009 Cape Town prices), year after year.
Our own research has found that the saving is substantially higher, as families typically do not have a new geyser, the ambient temperature does not remain at a constant 20°C and hot water usage varies dramatically.
Savings
Payback on investment in a geyser blanket is well within a year. Further savings can be achieved during installation by turning the thermostat setting down, insulating all exposed hot water piping and by turning off the geyser during long periods when not in use (like when you leave for work). Geysers can be turned off manually or by fitting a timer switch.
Cape Town Example |
Potential annual saving |
||
Based on a forecast saving of 524 kWh |
2010 | 2011 | 2012
|
Domestic High (91.17c/kWh) |
R477.73 |
R600.99 |
R756.64 |
Domestic Low (106.37c/kWh) - |
R557.38 |
R701.18 |
R882.79 |
Lifeline (80.34c/kW.h) |
R420.98 |
R529.59 |
R666.76 |
| Eskom electricity price hike | 2010/11 |
2011/12 |
2012/13 |
Sources (on 16/11/2010): |
|||