How to buy a water heater: capacity, type, installation
Capacity: how many litres you really need
The most common mistake is buying a water heater by eye. One person who only showers is usually fine with a small tank. A family that uses a bathtub or bucket baths and runs a washing machine should look at 25 litres and up, or more if hot water is used at several points at once. Before you write your request, count how many people there are and which points need hot water: shower, bathroom, kitchen, washing machine.
Types of water heater
- Electric storage — the most common, vertical or horizontal, wall-mounted or floor-standing.
- Instant (tankless) — heats water on the spot, without a tank, but needs strong wiring.
- Indirect heating — works from a boiler and has a coil inside; rare in homes, more common in larger buildings.
- Combined — can heat from a boiler and from an electric heating element.
- Gas and heat pump — for those who have piped or cylinder gas, or want to cut electricity use.
In flats with a limited power supply, an instant heater may not be practical: check this in advance with an electrician.
Details that affect price and life
The tank may have an enamel coating or be made of stainless steel. A dry heating element (one that does not touch the water) usually lasts longer and gets less scale, while a wet one is simpler and cheaper. Ask about the magnesium anode and when it needs replacing. Price also depends on power, Wi-Fi control and the brand. Check that the heater carries the ISI mark.
What to put in your request
- Heater type — storage, instant, indirect.
- Capacity — for example, 25 L.
- Installation — vertical or horizontal, wall or floor; limits on height and width.
- Power — in kW, if you know what your wiring can take.
- Features — stainless steel, dry heating element, Wi-Fi.
- Brand — Ariston, Racold, Bajaj, Havells, if you have a preference.
- Installation work — with or without removing the old one.
- City and budget.
Example: “I need a new 25 L electric water heater, vertical, wall-mounted, dry heating element, Racold or Ariston preferred. I need installation and removal of the old one. Hyderabad, 3rd floor, flat. Budget up to ₹20,000.”
How searching works with BlaBlaPrice
You write one request in your own words, and sellers of home appliances and plumbing equipment reply with offers in the chat. Each offer shows the model, the price (or what it depends on) and the delivery and installation terms. Sellers can see where their offer stands and try to offer you a better deal. The best offer by content is shown first, and seller reviews help you choose between similar ones. You give your phone number only to the one you choose. The idea is explained on the How it works page.
How to compare offers
Compare capacity, power and the type of heating element, not just the brand name. Ask what installation includes: water connection, safety valve, brackets, electrical line. Ask about the warranty on the tank and on the electronics separately. It is also worth browsing plumbing and heating, especially if you plan to link the heater to a boiler.
