How Long Water Heater/Geyser to Heat Up? A Quick Overview

A water heater/geyser is an appliance we use all the time but often take for granted. It gives us hot water for showers and washing dishes, and when it is working well, we usually do not think about it much.

But when something goes wrong, that’s when we start paying attention. One important thing to consider is how long your water heater/geyser takes to heat up the water. Or, more importantly, how long it should take. Let’s explore that!

Types of water heaters/geyser and heat up times

Water heaters come in different types, and each one heats water at its own pace. Knowing how they work can be really useful, especially when you need hot water quickly for things like showers. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Gas Water Heater/Geyser

Gas water heaters/geyser usually take about 30 to 40 minutes to heat up the water in the tank. While this might sound slow, the water stays hot and ready for whenever you need it. So, unless you’re using hot water constantly, you’ll have warm water available when you turn on the tap.

How fast the hot water gets to your faucet or shower depends on how well your pipes are insulated and how far the water has to travel. If the distance is short, you will get hot water in seconds or a few minutes. For even quicker heating, an instant gas geyser is a great choice because it heats water on demand, so there is no waiting time.

Electric Water Heater/Geyser

Electric water heaters/geyser take about twice as long as gas heaters to heat up water, usually around an hour or more to get the tank fully hot. This is because electric heating elements warm up more slowly than gas burners. The heating element is on the side of the tank, and since heat rises, it doesn’t spread through the water as fast as a gas burner would from the bottom.

Because they heat water more slowly, electric water heaters often have smaller tanks compared to gas heaters. If you need hot water more quickly, a semi-instant electric geyser is a better choice since it heats water faster than regular electric heaters.

What impacts a water heater's/geyser heating speed?

The time it takes for a water heater to warm up depends on several factors. Here's a straightforward guide to what affects your water heater's/ geyser heating time:

Settings: Water heaters/geysers have different settings that can be complicated. If your water heater is not heating correctly, it might be due to wrong settings. You might need a professional to check and fix these settings.

Size of the Water Heater/geyser: It comes in various sizes. Larger tanks hold more water and can provide more hot water. For example, most gas water heaters hold between 40 and 50 gallons (181-227 liters). A bigger tank can affect how quickly the water heater warms up the water and how much hot water it can give in the first hour.

Temperature Increase: The "temperature rise" is the difference between the cold water entering the heater and the hot water coming out. In colder areas, where incoming water might be as cold as 60°F (15°C), it takes longer to heat up compared to warmer places where the water might start at 80°F (27°C). The bigger the difference between the incoming and desired water temperature, the longer it will take to heat the water.

Type of Fuel: Gas water heaters/geyser usually heat water faster than electric ones because gas burns hotter than electricity. Some people use instant water heaters, which are cheaper but generally take longer to heat water compared to gas or electric models.

Maintenance Issues: Regular cleaning is crucial. If you don’t clean your water heater, sediment and limescale can build up and make it less efficient. In homes with hard water (water with high levels of minerals like calcium and iron), this build-up can be worse and slow down heating.

Pipe Diameter: Larger pipes can carry more water but might mean it takes longer for the water heater to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Distance from the Appliance: If the water heater is far from your shower or other water-using appliances, the water might be cooler by the time it reaches you. Placing the heater closer to where it’s needed can help make the water warmer.

Why electric water heater/geyser take long to heat?

If your hot water heater isn’t working properly or takes too long to heat water, here are a few common reasons and what you can do:

Distance: The distance between your water heater/geyser and the faucet or shower can affect how quickly hot water reaches you. The farther the water has to travel through pipes, the longer it will take to get hot.

Low Volume Restrictor: Some fixtures, like showers, have water-restricting devices that slow down water flow. If you think this might be the problem, contact a plumber to check if a restrictor is installed in your faucet or shower.

Replacement Needs: If your water heater/geyser is old, it might be time for a replacement. Most water heaters last about ten years. If yours is nearing that age and not working as well, consider getting a new one.

Sediment Accumulation: Over time, sediment can build up inside your water heater tank, which can slow down heating. Flushing the tank can help solve this problem. You can do it yourself or hire a plumber to do it for you.

Too Small Heater: If your water heater is too small for your household’s needs, it might be time to upgrade to a larger tank. In some cases, adding a second water heater might be a good option. Ask your plumber about the best choices for your situation.

Increasing the heating speed of your system

To get hot water faster, you can try these options:

Install a Hot Water Recirculating System: This system helps deliver hot water more quickly by keeping it circulating between the heater and your tap. It also sends unused hot water back to the tank. You can set it to run on a timer or thermostat to make your heater more efficient.

Switch to a Instant water heater: Instant water heaters/geyser heat water on demand, so you get hot water faster than with a semi-instant geyser. They have become more affordable, so check with your plumber about the benefits and options available.

Get a Bigger Tank: If your current tank is too small for your household, upgrading to a larger one might fix the problem. Talk to your plumber to choose the right size for your needs.

Hot water recovery time

When you run out of hot water in your electric water heater tank, it takes time for the heater to refill and heat up more water. This waiting time is called the recovery period and only applies to tank heaters, not tank-less ones.

Several factors affect how long it takes for an electric water heater to recover. These include the size of the tank, the type of fuel used, and the temperature of the incoming cold water. It naturally takes longer to heat very cold water.

If your hot water heater isn't performing well, there are ways to make it more efficient. Contact a professional plumber to check your electric water heater if you're having issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how long your water heater or geyser takes to heat up depends on its type and a few key factors. Gas heaters usually warm up in about 30 to 40 minutes, while electric heaters take longer, around an hour.

Things like the size of the tank, the temperature difference, and regular maintenance can affect how fast you get hot water. If you want hot water more quickly, you might want to switch to an instant water heater or a larger tank and keep your system well-maintained.

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