When it comes to water heating in South Africa, choosing the right geyser can make a significant difference to your utility bills, energy efficiency, and overall household convenience. At Marvelous Gas Installations, one of the most common questions we get asked is: Should I install a gas geyser or stick with an electric one?

In this post, we dive deep into the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both systems to help you make the smartest choice for your home.

1. Understanding the Basics

Electric Geysers are the traditional choice in many homes. They use a heating element inside a water tank to heat up and store hot water.

Gas Geysers, on the other hand, heat water on demand using a burner fueled by LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), without storing it.

2. Cost Comparison

Installation Costs:

  • Electric geysers are usually cheaper to install.
  • Gas geysers require a certified installer and compliance certificate, which can increase upfront costs.

Running Costs:

  • Electric geysers are energy-intensive and significantly increase electricity bills.
  • Gas geysers, although dependent on gas prices, are generally cheaper to run, especially during load-shedding.

3. Energy Efficiency

Gas geysers heat only the water you use. This “on-demand” system prevents energy waste from heating unused water, making them highly efficient.

Electric geysers run on timers and thermostats, often using electricity even when hot water isn’t needed.

4. Water Usage and Heating Time

  • Gas geysers provide instant hot water with no waiting time for the tank to fill.
  • Electric geysers take time to heat up, especially during high demand.

This makes gas ideal for larger families or homes with high hot water usage.

5. Load-Shedding Compatibility

With power outages being a regular challenge in South Africa, gas geysers are the clear winner. They operate independently of Eskom, giving you reliable hot water even during load-shedding.

6. Safety and Maintenance

Gas systems must be installed and maintained by certified professionals, and regularly inspected for leaks and efficiency.

Electric geysers also need maintenance but are generally seen as slightly lower risk if poorly maintained.

Marvelous Gas Installations provides:

  • Full installation by certified gas installers
  • Regular maintenance services
  • Fast fault detection and repairs
  • Gas compliance certificates

7. Environmental Impact

Gas geysers are considered more environmentally friendly than electric geysers due to lower CO2 emissions, especially when paired with solar or hybrid systems.

Electric geysers, unless powered by renewable energy, contribute significantly to fossil fuel-based power generation.

8. Which Is Right for You?

Choose a Gas Geyser if:

  • You want lower monthly bills
  • You need hot water during load-shedding
  • You have high daily hot water usage

Choose an Electric Geyser if:

  • You have low hot water demand
  • You prefer a low-cost installation
  • You rely on solar or backup power

9. Make the Switch with Marvelous Gas Installations

We make the transition to gas safe, simple, and cost-effective. Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting an existing one, we provide expert advice, compliant installations, and support tailored to your needs.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how a gas geyser can upgrade your lifestyle.