Water Heater Buying & Maintenance Guide
A reliable water heater is essential for every home – whether you’re enjoying a warm shower on a cold morning or washing dishes with ease. But with so many options available, choosing the right water heater can be confusing.
Plus, proper maintenance plays a big role in ensuring long-lasting performance and energy efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to choose the best water heater for your lifestyle, and how to maintain it for years of reliable, energy-efficient use.
Why Choosing the Right Water Heater Matters
Your water heater isn’t just a household appliance, it’s a daily comfort essential. It’s what makes a cold morning bearable, helps with dishwashing, and keeps things running smoothly in busy households.
Picking the right one helps you:
- Get consistent hot water supply
- Save on electricity and energy costs
- Enjoy long-lasting performance
- Reduce maintenance hassles
Types of Water Heaters – Which One Fits Your Home Best?
Different homes have different needs. Here’s a quick guide to the most common water heater types:
1. Instant Water Heaters (Best for quick use and small spaces)
- Heats water immediately
- Perfect for small families or kitchen usage
- Compact and space-saving design
- Best for: Bathrooms with limited space
2. Storage Water Heaters (Great for families & long showers)
- Stores hot water for extended use
- Suitable for medium to large families
- Available in multiple tank capacities
- Best for: Homes where multiple people need hot water back-to-back
3. Gas Water Heaters (Ideal where electricity is unreliable)
- Uses LPG or natural gas
- Cost-effective and energy-efficient
- Ideal for areas with frequent power cuts
4. Solar Water Heaters (For energy-conscious households)
- Uses free solar energy to heat water
- Cuts electricity usage long-term
- Requires proper rooftop installation
Pro Tip for African homes: an instant water heater is often preferred for quick heating and lower energy costs, while storage heaters work best for larger households.
Key Things to Know Before Buying a Water Heater
1. Choose Capacity Based on Household Size
Family Size | Recommended Capacity |
1–2 People | |
3–4 People | |
5+ People |
2. Watch Your Power Bills
- Look for energy-efficient models (e.g., 5-star Bruhm water heaters).
- Instant heaters consume less energy compared to large storage tanks.
3. Think About Water Quality
- For hard water areas, choose heaters with anti-scale & corrosion-resistant tanks.
- Bruhm heaters come with durable, anti-rust coatings for longer life.
4. Safety Comes First
- Thermostat Control: Prevents overheating
- Auto-Cut Off: Shuts off heating when water reaches the desired temperature
- Pressure Release Valve: Protects against excessive tank pressure
5. Know Your Space Requirements
- Wall-mounted instant heaters are great for tight bathrooms.
- Storage heaters require more wall strength and installation support.
Water Heater Maintenance Guide - Keep It Working Like New
To avoid breakdowns or poor heating, a little upkeep goes a long way.
1. Flush the Tank Every Few Months
- Drain the tank every 3–6 months to remove sediment buildup.
- This improves heating efficiency and prevents scaling.
2. Check the Heating Element
- Over time, mineral deposits can damage the heater’s performance.
- Get it cleaned during routine service.
3. Check the Thermostat & Safety Valve
- Ensure the temperature setting is correct.
- Check the pressure release valve for proper functioning.
4. Replace Worn-Out Parts Early
- Don’t wait until something fails – replace old heating elements, anode rods, and thermostats in time.
5. Annual Servicing is a Must
- Schedule a professional service for your Bruhm water heater to keep it working like new.
Why Choose Bruhm Water Heaters?
At Bruhm, we design water heaters with African homes and conditions in mind. With advanced heating technology, energy-saving features, and long-lasting durability, Bruhm ensures you enjoy hot water whenever you need it.
Choosing the right water heater depends on your family size, budget, energy needs, and water quality. A well-maintained water heater ensures consistent performance, safety, and energy savings for years to come. Discover Bruhm’s premium range of water heaters for reliable, efficient, and long-lasting performance.
FAQs
Instant water heaters are best for small bathrooms as they are compact, quick, and energy-efficient.
Service your heater once a year to ensure actual safety, energy efficiency, and long-lasting performance.
A 10-litre heater is enough for 1-2 people, while 15-25 litres works well enough for 3-4 people.
Yes, over time. Hard water causes scaling, which reduces efficiency. Choose a heater with anti-scale protection.