I was using a Thermoking water heater for the past 8 years and 2 weeks bad it again stopped working. Blame the hardness of water for this which corroded the outer body and was the main cause of replacing the inner heating element every winter season.
I was wondering whether to buy an Instant water heater or to again go with a storage heater knowing the water related problem. However taking into consideration the family size of 6 people and also the fact that the gas availability is also a problem in our area. I finally made up my mind of buying a storage heater.
Next came the biggest decision of buying a locally made heater or go in for energy efficient branded heater. I dont know how much of difference does it actually make when the branded ones claim 30% less power consumption but I feel it is a good adline to attract buyers. More so the ones like me who are more conscious of brand and quality product.
After reading various reviews on mouthshut and doing some comparison on the net. I finally zeroed in on Bajaj and Usha Lexus. What clinched the deal was Usha had a variable temprature controller which Bajaj was lacking. This feature is especially good when you need a lukewarm water in summers for washing clothes or taking a shower as against a boiling water at 70 deg. Doesnt really make sense to waste so much power for no reason.
Let me start with the pros first:
Variable Temprature Controller
A special paint finish to protect against corrosion.
A built-in pressure relief valve regulates pressure level inside the geyser.
An automatic thermal cut-out cuts off electricity if the thermostat fails.
Stainless steel tank.
Non-corrosive hardware.(Dont know what does this mean!)
Certified by BIS as per IS: 2082.
Okay enough of specs, let me get down to practicality:
While getting it fixed, the geyser fitted perfectly in the old hooks of my old geyser. It was such a relief coz otherwise I would have to get my bathroom tiles drilled again and fill in the existing ones with a rough coat of cement. The plumber was amazed to find the exact fitment and it was a nice surprise.
The heating time was pretty fast in comparison to my old heater.
It is more in diameter than in height which gives some more headspace in the bathroom for a tall person like me.
Now the cons:
The heater has started making some strange noise while heating. It sounds as if something is cooking inside or a small genset is running inside for water heating. I have never heard such strange sounds in any other geysers and im planning to call the support people to check whats wrong in it.
The inlet and outlet valves are not fixed. The nuts are loose and while tightening them I had to hold one end and the plumber fixed the other. Why on earth there was a need to keep them loose. This has not been done on any other geyser.
Overall, I am kind of satisfied with the purchase. With just one problem of noise which im hoping to get it rectified soon.