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Home Improvement Tips

Can a Geyserwise Device Help You Save Electricity While You’re Away?

Managing your geyser when going away? A Geyserwise lets you set holiday mode and timers. Book a vetted plumber or electrician on Kandua.com.

Suzette Meyer
Written by
Suzette Meyer
4
min read

Going away for a week or two? A geyser that keeps heating water with nobody using it, will keep adding to your electricity bill for no reason.

A Geyserwise controller makes it easier to manage costs. Booking a Kandua Professinal to help you with the installation is easy. Click here to book.

Need to save on your electricity bill?

Going away for a week or two? A geyser that keeps heating water when nobody will using it, is adding to your electricity bill for no reason.

A geyser controller, such as a Geyserwise, puts you in charge of when and how your geyser heats.

It isn’t only for holidays. Once it’s installed by a professional, the same timer and temperature settings help you manage your geyser’s electricity use all year round.

What Is a Geyserwise and How Does It Work?

A Geyserwise is a controller wired into your geyser’s electrical supply. The control panel sits indoors, so you can see and change settings without climbing into the roof or opening the DB board.

Depending on the model, a Geyserwise controller can:

  • Show the water temperature in your geyser
  • Heat the water on a timer, at the times of day you choose
  • Let you set the temperature you want
  • Switch the element on by hand when you need extra hot water
  • Show a warning code if it picks up a fault

Some models also connect to an app on your phone, so you can check or change settings from wherever you are. Book a vetted plumber or electrician for Geyserwise installation and repairs on Kandua.com and have it set up before you lock up.

What Is Geyserwise Holiday Mode?

Many Geyserwise controllers have a holiday mode. It is designed for times when nobody is home, so the geyser is not kept hot for water no one will use. What holiday mode does exactly depends on the model, so check the manual for yours, or ask the person who installs it to show you before you leave.

Why Does This Matter When You Are Away?

There are two reasons: running costs and peace of mind.

  • Electricity. Reheating water nobody will use adds to your bill.
  • Faults. A dripping overflow pipe or a leaking geyser can carry on for days before anyone notices. Coming home to a damp ceiling is the last thing you want after a holiday.

A Geyserwise panel shows you at a glance that the geyser is set the way you want before you lock up.

What Should I Check on My Geyser Before Going Away?

A few quick checks can save you a nasty surprise:

  1. Look at the overflow pipe outside. Constant dripping could be a sign of a problem with a valve.
  2. Check the ceiling below the geyser for new stains or damp spots.
  3. Check your Geyserwise display, if you have one, for any warning codes.
  4. Set holiday mode, or switch the geyser off at the DB board.
  5. If you have an app model, make sure it is connected before you go.

If anything looks wrong, have it checked before you leave rather than after you get back.

"Before you head off on holiday, I always advise clients to do a quick visual check. Look at your drip tray and the overflow pipe outside. If there’s a constant drip, your pressure control valve might be failing. Leaving that unchecked for three weeks could lead to a burst geyser and a flooded ceiling while you're at the coast. It takes two minutes to check, but it saves you thousands in damages." – David, a vetted plumber from Brackenfell

Can I Install a Geyserwise Myself?

This is not a DIY project. A Geyserwise controller is wired into your geyser’s electrical connections, and any alteration to fixed electrical wiring requires a professional to ensure it works safely. The right model also depends on your setup, whether that is a standard electric geyser or a solar system. A vetted plumber or electrician can confirm which model suits your home and install it correctly.

How Does Kandua Help?

Kandua connects you with vetted plumbers and electricians for Geyserwise installation and repairs.

From as little as R450 call out you can get a professional plumber an electrician near you to come out and assist you.

Going away soon? Book Geyserwise installation and repairs with a vetted plumber or electrician on Kandua.com. We’ve got you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I manage my geyser while I am away?

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A geyser controller such as a Geyserwise lets you set holiday mode or a heating timer from an indoor panel, or from your phone on app models. A vetted plumber or electrician can install one and show you how it works before you leave.

Does an electrician have to install a Geyserwise?

‍

Yes. Because a Geyserwise connects to your home's main DB board and alters fixed wiring, South African regulations require a registered electrician to handle the electrical connections. Plumbers often supply and install the system, but they will typically work with a registered electrician to wire it safely and ensure your electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and home insurance remain valid.

Will I have hot water as soon as I get home?

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Not straight away if the geyser was off. The water needs time to heat up again, and how long that takes depends on your geyser. On app models, you could switch the geyser on before you arrive home.

Does Geyserwise work with a solar geyser?

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Some Geyserwise controllers are designed for solar geyser systems. Ask your installer to confirm which model is right for your setup.

Can I control my Geyserwise from my phone?

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Some models can, through an app. Others are controlled from the panel only. Ask your installer which type you have.

What should I do if my Geyserwise shows an error code?

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A warning code could be a sign of a fault with the geyser, the element or the sensor. Note the code and have a vetted plumber or electrician check it, ideally before you go away.

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Suzette Meyer
Written by
Suzette Meyer
Lead content strategist

Suzette Meyer is the lead author and content creator for Kandua.com, South Africa’s #1 marketplace for home services. Suzette has made it her mission to help homeowners with advice on all aspects of home repair, maintenance and improvement, including how to choose the right Pro and how to make smart upgrades that improve your resale value or save costs.

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