Central vs. Individual Layout for Landed Homes: 6 Key Factors to Consider

hpi landed heat pump on balcony exposed conceal false ceiling gen 6

Individual vs. Central Whole-house Layout: 6 Things to Consider Before Building Your Home

central vs individual heater loop bath kitchen
Building a landed home with many bathrooms?

The first key choice is to decide your water pipe layout. Choose between a central heater layout or an individual bath heater layout.

Your contractor will not start work until you confirm this. The water pipes for each layout is different.

For this article, we estimate costs for a 6-member, 4-bath landed home with rain showers and no bathtub.

There are two main options.

1. Individual Storage
• Traditional option.
• One storage tank in each bathroom false ceiling.

2. Central Heat Pump
• Premium energy saving option.
• One central heater for entire home.
central vs individual hp electric storage table

1. Which Layout Gives You the Most Privacy?

false ceiling roof service access privacy
Individual heaters
• Fixed in false ceiling
• Service man needs to access ceiling
• Some risk of damage

Winner: Central heaters
• Fixed at roof, far from bathrooms
• Service man will not access your personal bath
• All messy works at roof area

2. Which Layout has a Lower Power Load?

Individual heaters
One heater is 3 kW.
If you have five heaters, that is 5 × 3 kW = 15 kW total load.

Winner: Central heaters
One heater is 3 kW. This 3kW serves the whole house.

A large central storage tank acts like a hot water bank. It heats and stores a big volume of hot water in advance. This way, it doesn’t need many heaters running at the same time.

That is why a central heater will reduce your power load.
central vs individual layout water heater

3. Which Layout Saves the Most Energy?

energy saving scale cost to run heat pump tankless storage central individual 2
Heat Pumps save much more energy with 80% lower running cost vs. traditional storage heaters.
When it comes to energy savings, your heater layout matters. A central layout opens up more possibilities. You get access to the most energy-efficient technology available today: Heat pumps.

Heat pumps are the #1 most energy-saving water heaters in Singapore, but there’s a catch. They are large-volume systems best used as a central units, not individual heaters.

Winner: Central heat pump heaters (5 ticks)
• Most energy efficient
• Uses free heat from the air to heat water
• Uses renewable energy
• Can save up to 80% on energy bills

Individual storage heaters (1 tick)
• Least energy efficient
• No real energy saving technology
• Higher running cost over time
AOS installed their 180L outdoor heat pump on my flat roof in Feb 2024. The AOS device gives more uniform temperature which we can preset compared to the solar. It is essentially a refrigerator sitting on the roof.

The Company is very capably staffed, every tech and administrator is well versed to address all queries and situations.
chia google review
Chia Pix
Google review
Have been using the heat pump water heater for 6 months. It's possible to use climate change voucher for it. Heating while in heat pump mode consumes about 220+w of energy but takes longer to heat up.

Its large tank is also good if multiple bathrooms use the hot water simultaneously. Overall, it's the best heater I've used and totally no complaints.
google review
Jian Da Han
Google review

4. Which Layout is Easier to Install?

cahp install team landed
Expert installation needed for larger, central layout heaters
Winner: Central Heat Pump Heaters
• Need expert handling, may need a crane
• Higher material cost
• But easier for you because messy works are far way, no indoor ceiling works

Individual Storage
• Cheaper and easier to install than central heaters, no need expert
• But you may be affected by indoor ceiling works
• Many bathrooms = more heaters = more works

5. Which Layout Costs Less to Maintain?

maintenance false ceiling individual heater
Winner: Central heater
• Cost to maintain $300 to $500
• Only 1 heater, far away at roof or aircon ledge
• If leaks, will not damage ceiling
• Frequency: every 3 years

Individual storage
• Cost to maintain $600 to 1200
• Many heaters, all above false ceiling
• Heater leak, may damage ceiling
• Frequency: every 3 years

central vs individual layout water heater
Central heaters are exposed to weather and dust, maintenance is compulsory.

6. Which Layout is a Better Option for Bathtubs?

Central water heaters placed at roof area allow for raised bathroom heights.
Bathtubs need a large volume of hot water, not only good water pressure. An individual storage heater usually requires 80 to 100 litres. This can cause a ceiling drop when fixed above a false ceiling. A central heater at the roof or aircon ledge, avoids this issue while giving you ample hot water a bathtub.

Winner: Central Heat Pump Heaters
• Strong water pressure: 10 L/min
• Large tank capacity without affecting bathroom ceiling height
• Better for high usage

Individual Storage Heaters
• Strong water pressure: 10 L/min
• Large tank needed for bathtubs
• May cause ceiling drop when installed above false ceilings

Conclusion: Which Heater Layout Should You Choose, Central or Individual?

individual storage vs central heat pump comparison
If you have the budget and are redoing your pipework, a central heat pump heater is the clear winner and our top choice. It offers the best technology and the lowest running cost.

That said, not every home can support a central system. If you have space limits or a budget, the right choice is the one that works best within your constraints.

Winner: Central heat pump heater
• 100% privacy from service teams
• Best technology, lowest running cost
• Easy to maintain, no risk of bathroom leak damage

Individual storage heaters
• If there is no aircon ledge or space for a central heater
• Budget-friendly upfront option

Central vs. Individual FAQ

How many people use central vs individual heaters in Singapore?
In the 1960-90s, almost everyone used individual storage heaters. They were the only option and easy for contractors to install. A central system was not ideal because heat pumps didn’t exist. One big electric tank would have been too expensive to run.

By 2000s, things changed. With the rise of heat pumps, about 90% of new landed builds switched to central systems. Heat pumps offer 80% lower energy use and cleaner bathroom design. They also protect your privacy.

In 2020s, new technology shifted the trend again. High-pressure tankless systems entered the market. They offer a better shower experience than old instant heaters. Tankless heaters give you up to 30% energy savings. They are popular due to their small size, and zero maintenance. Most popular with families with a simple setup of hand showers and no bathtubs. They are an attractive alternative to central systems.
Only central heat pump systems offer a true ROI because they run on renewable energy. That is, free heat from the air. Normal heaters use electricity or gas to create hot water.

For a landed home with five bathrooms, the typical ROI is about 5 years. After that, you are enjoying low-cost hot water for the rest of the heater’s lifespan.

An AOS heat pump should last over 10 years. This is due to its strong, patented Blue Diamond tank. This durability has ranked AOSmith as the #1 Water Heater in USA. Reliability is one of the key reasons AOS is a top global brand for tank water heaters today.
A central heat pump can be installed on the roof, first floor, or the air-con ledge. All are good options. Because it is a tank system, water pressure remains strong no matter where you place it.

Most choose to install it next to the air-con compressors. This area is already designated for outdoor equipment. It also keeps the unit out of sight and is easy to access for servicing.

Need some advice?

No need to stress about layouts, heater types, or sizes. Just send us your floor plan, and we’ll work it out for you. It’s simple, fast, and completely no-obligation.

Reach out if you:
• Have a floor plan and want expert guidance
• Don’t know how to mix and match heaters
• Want to find the best heater size for your home

Send us your floor plan on WhatsApp and get your personalised recommendation today!
AOS WhatsApp

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Avoid These 6 Warranty Pitfalls at All Costs

3 year onsite full warranty aosbath water heater

Beware of a Too-Good-to-be-True, Ultra Long Warranty!

Don’t be me. I learnt this the hard way buying my Samsonite luggage. Buying a "lifetime" warranty seemed like the best deal. Until I brought it in to change a part that fell out.

Then they pulled out this crazy list of terms and conditions that made me give up.

For appliances like water heaters, the concept is the same. Not all warranties are equal. Understand this before you buy. Know what to look out for. This will save you precious time and emotional frustration.
Samsonite luggage warranty broken

1. Keep Your Eyes Peeled for a 'Full Warranty'. This is the Best Type of Warranty and Very Rare. Go for FULL Coverage Whenever Possible.

Full warranties are scarce and hard to find.

Good news is... 'hard to find' does not mean it is impossible to find.

You want this Full Warranty because it protects you more than it protects the company. That is the idea right?

You want to be fully covered to be exempt from paying for hidden costs. This needs to cover everything from labour, parts cost and transport. A full onsite warranty.

The only thing that is not covered are installation faults. But it is fair to exclude this from coverage. If your installer damaged the product because of his lack of skill.. then you go after the installer.
prism 3 year full warranty

2. Don't Just Get Full Coverage... Get the LONGEST Possible Full Coverage.

When buying stuff at Harvey Norman, they always ask if you want to upgrade your warranty and add 2 to 5 years to it.

While it's always tempting to think, Nahhhh. I've already spent $5k on this fridge!! Why would I want to top up YET another $800 bucks for incidents I cannot forsee??

WELL. Life is about planning for incidents you cannot forsee. And from personal experience, Extended warranties have saved my wallet more than half the time. So grateful for buying the extension for the last few big-cap electronic purchases. I put my faith there!
harvey normal extended warranty facebook post
In Singapore, the average lifespan of a heater is 5 years. This means many heater companies will give you a 1 Year Full warranty.

Better brands last longer, so they go up to 3 Years Full warranty.

If your home situation is long-term, aim for 3 years. You save more in the long run going for quality and the longest possible warranty coverage.
li ying review 3 year warranty vs 1 year

If I don't Have a 'Full Warranty'... What am I Getting?

If what you have on your hands isn't a full warranty... You may have a partial warranty.

In that case, you have to be extra careful.

Partial warranties cover only certain parts

3. Now Hang On Tight, Don’t Fall off Your Chair... We’re Coming to the Most Well Kept Secret About Partial Warranties..

Of course a partial warranty sounds appealing!! Who doesn't like the sound of a 10-year warranty? But they are misleading and even a tad dishonest.

Let me let you in on a secret. A 10-year warranty on a heating element might seem like a great deal.. but the industry secret is that the heating element rarely fails. It’s the other parts like wires and thermostats that will need repair sooner. If these aren’t covered, you could end up paying out of pocket for repairs.

Usually, companies who play this game are not interested in servicing you. They are excited to find out if you’ve exceeded your 1-year warranty. Then they can slap on some charges for back end sales. It's a horrible way to do business.

Be wary of those partial warranties!!
aos heating elements scaled new
Heating elements are hardly ever replaced.. in all my years of being in the heater industry, I’ve only seen elements break down less than 5 times!!
partial full warranty 10 years troll shopkeeper mr lim

4. Trust me on This, for Heaters.. Always Buy Local. Forget That Awesome Deal You Saw on Taobao.

Absolutely NO taobao for water heaters!! It will be the worst decision ever.

You need a local warranty. If there's a problem.. there is no way you can fix it yourself. You are not superman!!! Even if you ARE Superman, you have no Time!!

When you buy local, you're actually buying access to a valuable local support network.

I've heard horror stories of unapproved heaters bought online that fail at the worst times. Imagine: Chinese New Year no hot water?!! Your wife and kids are giving you pressure? Now good luck getting support over taobao chat.

Actually, at that point you’ll need more than luck to survive.

Don't ruin things for yourself. Always buy local when it comes heaters. Thank me later.
water heater old rusty leak tank
Heaters are one of the hardest appliances to troubleshoot.
Kah Leng Khew review aftersales fast

5. Hidden Costs Here, Hidden Costs There, Hidden Costs EVERYWHERE!

If normal transport charges are $100+... Why are you getting charged $250????

I've heard this happen to people who are still locked in under their 'warranty period'. They can't go to a 3rd party to repair or their warranty may be void. It's a minor wire repair but they have to cough up hundreds $$$$$.

They are stuck in what we call a ‘bo-pian’ or no-choice situation.

It is downright dreadful, but sad to say.. This kind of back-end sales tactic has happened before and will happen again.

Out of frustration, some even decide to change their whole heater to another brand. It’s a good move because you avoid dealing with dishonesty.

On the other hand, it’s very expensive…

You can avoid this heartache by doing some homework. Buy from a reputable company.
ken A google review charges warrantyreplacement other brand

6. Whenever Possible, Buy Direct from the Main Distributor

When I bought my first Dyson.. I went to a Reputable department store along Orchard Road. They were running a promo I couldn't resist.

Things went fine as long until my Dyson stopped working.. then the nightmares began. I got thrown around department after department of red tape.

Need to check invoice.
Need to look up sales person.
Oh.. Must send to HQ for inspection.
Now we need to order special parts.

It was a simple problem but so many layers of people and paperwork. Drove me nuts.
me customer service admin country sales brand dept people paperwork
dyson showroom warranty
From that I learnt my lesson, always buy direct.

Now I get my Dyson from the main distributor. Their turnover is fast. I have absolute confidence I'm getting the latest version free from bugs and defects.

If they have issues with a model, they are upfront and transparent with me. Because I am their direct customer, they will take care of me first.
Response is also much faster!!

Sometimes, they also waive charges. Now, I'm not saying to go in with the expectation of free service. Everyone has to earn a fair wage. But I can feel the difference in the quality of customer service.

Same idea with water heaters. Want faster service? Buy direct.
yi fang customer review google 3

7. Are You Serviced By a Bot or a Human Being?

Of course you can tell. Everything is different when it's a real person on the other end of the line.

Service is faster.

Arrangements are flexible.

You get accurate answers.

Because a real person understands your needs. A bot doesn't.
jayashri venketasubramanian google review responsive prompt ready

Conclusion

Singaporeans and hot water have a special relationship. We take it for granted when it is there, but we go crazy when deprived of it!!

Understanding your water heater warranty can make or break your hot water experience.

Hope the tips I’ve shared here on warranties will help you in some way!