Buying guide
Heat pump vs electric geyser
An honest comparison for Pretoria and Centurion households — including the cases where a heat pump is the wrong call.
Side by side
| Factor | Electric geyser | Heat pump |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost | Highest — element converts 1kW to 1kW of heat | Roughly a third, because it moves heat instead of making it |
| Recovery speed | Fast but expensive | Slower per hour, designed to run on a schedule |
| Lifespan | Element replaced every few years | 10–15 years with annual servicing |
| Upfront cost | Low | Higher, offset by monthly savings |
| Maintenance | Element and anode | Annual service: coil, gas, electrical, controller |
| Load shedding | Heavy draw when power returns | Lower draw, schedules around supply |
When a heat pump is not worth it
If the property is used a few days a month, if hot water demand is tiny, or if there is nowhere with enough airflow to mount the unit, a heat pump will disappoint. We will say so on the phone rather than sell you one.
Brands we would install
FAQs
How much can a heat pump save versus a geyser element?
A correctly sized heat pump uses roughly a third of the electricity of a resistive element, so most households see a meaningful drop in the hot water portion of their bill.
Can I keep my existing geyser tank?
Usually yes. A retrofit conversion keeps the tank and adds a heat pump, which is the cheapest way in.
Do heat pumps work in Pretoria winters?
Yes. Gauteng ambient temperatures stay well within operating range; the unit just runs longer on cold mornings, and a working defrost cycle handles the rest.
How long is the payback?
For a household using hot water daily, payback typically lands within a few years, sooner for larger families and commercial sites.
Want the numbers for your house?
Call 069 268 0988 with your household size and geyser size.