Rs 3,000 cr Indian water heater industry set for 6-8% growth annually: Ariston Thermo

As a leader in the sector, Racold has been at the frontline of innovation, revolutionising the way people experience hot water solutions. The brand has been a significant player in this journey where they have expanded their reach globally and established a strong base in key markets.

When talked about their technological advancements, Racold has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the geyser industry, said Vikram Raman, Vice-President, Marketing and E-Commerce, Ariston Thermo India Pvt Ltd.

In an exclusive interview to Bizz Buzz, he said right from intelligent temperature control systems to smart connectivity features and enhanced safety measures, Racold has represented the blend of innovation and practicality. When it comes to investment opportunities, Racold is not just limited to residential appliances alone but also diversifies itself to various commercial segments such as hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and industries who are increasingly embracing advanced water heating solutions nowadays.

How is the water heater industry in India? What is its size and future projections?

The water heater industry in India is on a robust growth path, with expectations to expand significantly in the coming years. Currently valued at Rs 3,000 crore, the industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6-8 per cent. This growth is primarily fuelled by the increasing demand in the residential sector, coupled with the rise in per capita income and the overall growth of the country's GDP. The market has also seen a surge in online sales, which has become a significant channel for distribution, especially in the post-pandemic era.

Is there any growth in demand in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh following encouraging trends in the realty sector?

The demand for water heaters in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is indeed growing, which correlates with the positive trends observed in the real estate sector. Rapid urbanisation has been a significant factor contributing to this increased demand for home appliances, including water heaters. As more residential and commercial establishments are developed, the need for water heating solutions rises, particularly in urban areas where centralised heating systems are less common. This pattern of growth is expected to continue, reflecting the overall expansion of the water heater market in India.

What are the salient features of new-generation heaters? Do they have a star rating for energy efficiency like other ACs and other appliances?

The new-generation water heaters come with a host of advanced features designed to provide convenience, efficiency, and safety. For instance, models like the Omnis DG Wi-Fi feature voice control capabilities, allowing users to interact with their heaters using Alexa or Google Assistant. They also boast artificial intelligence-based ECO functionality for reduced energy consumption and a digital display with touch control for ease of use.

In terms of safety and hygiene, some heaters incorporate silver ion technology to prevent bacterial growth, ensuring a clean supply of hot water. Additional functionalities like auto-power-off and auto-diagnosis help maintain safe operation by monitoring the heater's performance and shutting it off automatically if necessary.

Regarding energy efficiency, yes, water heaters do have star ratings similar to other appliances. The energy ratings are as per the guidelines set by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency). These ratings help consumers identify the most energy-efficient products, which can lead to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

What are the standout features of Racold’s newest water heater models?

Crafted with precision and built to last, Racold’s cutting-edge water heaters provide energy efficiency, quick heating, and dependable performance. Some of our newest products, including storage water heaters and instant water heaters, come with a range of advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, digital touch control systems, microprocessor-based chipset auto-diagnosis functionality, triple-layer safety, rapid heating, and much more.

For instance, the recently launched Omnis DG Wi-Fi enables customers with smart features like voice control, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. The Racold NET App further provides remote control for customers, be it from the comfort of their homes, or while they are away. It is also equipped with children care mode, which ensures a safe hot water temperature for your children. The Altro i+, a new instant water heater from our brand, offers lightning-fast heating and extensive customisation options suitable for both bathing and kitchen application and comes with a smart LED ring that indicates if your hot water is heating or ready for use. Equipped with differentiating features across its product range, Racold’s water heaters provide optimal performance, ensuring a superior, reliable and convenient experience, and exemplifying Racold’s unwavering commitment to providing the best hot water solutions in India.

Can you highlight the key benefits that consumers can expect from using Racold water heaters?

A frontrunner in India’s water geyser industry for the last six decades, Racold has established itself as a revered brand by listening to and delivering solutions that are fine-tuned to customers’ needs and expectations. In changing times, energy usage has emerged as a key concern, and our entire product range encompassing electric geysers, heat pump water heaters, solar geysers, and gas water geysers are designed for energy efficiency and high performance.

Driven by innovation with features like smart bath logic, our water heaters provide customers with the ability to personalise their shower experience. Our instant water heaters are ingrained with high-powered heating elements, allowing customers to skip the wait and plan ahead. Our geysers incorporate features such as safety plus, ensuring three levels of safety along with intelligent power-saver features like auto off and eco mode.

The features offered by Racold’s water heaters are designed to add comfort and convenience to a consumer’s everyday life.

How does Racold ensure user-friendly design in its water heaters for ease of installation and maintenance?

Racold has consistently raised the bar in providing the best water heater solutions for over 60 years, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies for unmatched performance and efficiency. Reflecting a deep understanding of contemporary lifestyles evolving with widespread technology usage, our products seamlessly integrate into customers’ smart home ecosystem. Our products such as the Omnis DG Wi-Fi are integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, enabling personalisation of showers for users and controlling through other smart devices such as Alexa and Google Assistant, or even smartphones using the Racold NET app. Our geysers are equipped with auto-diagnosis features, allowing the geyser to perform self-checks and detect any potential issues or malfunctions. Our products ensure efficient and safe operation, enhancing convenience and delivering optimal performance.

Are there any specific safety features incorporated into Racold products to ensure a secure user experience?

Racold geysers’ safety plus feature ensures enhanced protection with 3 layers of safety with a thermostat, cutout, and safety valve for a worry-free hot water bathing experience. Additionally, the advanced auto-diagnosis feature ensures a secure and hassle-free user experience. Through continuous self-checks, our geysers identify and address any potential issues or malfunctions, guaranteeing a proactive and preventive approach to maintenance. At Racold, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just water heating solutions – our commitment lies in providing a secure, convenient, and intelligent experience for our users. The fusion of auto-diagnosis, smart monitoring, and adaptive heating technologies not only elevates the functionality of our products but also underscores our dedication to setting industry benchmarks in safety and performance.

In terms of product diversity, what options does Racold offer to cater to different consumer needs and preferences?

At Racold, we provide holistic water heating solutions for all kinds of customer needs. This includes a diverse range of storage water heaters, instant water heaters, tankless instant water heaters, heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters, and gas water heaters. These water heaters come with advanced features, superior performance, enhanced aesthetics, unparalleled quality, utmost safety, true energy efficiency, and lasting durability. With this extensive and diverse range, we outshine as providers of the best hot water solutions, for both household use and commercial application.