6 Facts To Consider When Buying A Water Heater

man hand extend note heater store

1. Water pressure

Water pressure is crucial in determining a suitable heater for your home. Low-pressure heaters include electric instant, gas, and multipoint models. Meanwhile, high-pressure heaters consist of electric storage, heat pump, and solar.

Note that water pressure in Singapore fluctuates based on the area’s elevation. The Water Supply Department ensures a minimum water pressure for HDB but there are many other high rise and privately owned units that don’t fall under their purview.

If your water pressure is below 2-3 bars, opt for a high-pressure heater. This will allow you a more comfortable shower experience.
rain shower head water flow

2. Energy efficiency

Solar and heat pump water heaters are energy-efficient. They both use renewable energy sources. Solar water heaters absorb sunlight and convert it to heat. Meanwhile, heat pumps get heat from the surrounding air to warm water.

Heat pumps are a highly efficient option for water heating in Singapore. They have an 80% heating efficiency compared to solar water heaters, which offer only 50% efficiency. For Singapore’s climate, definitely choose heat pumps for greater money-value.

A family of 4 can save up to $700 each year with a heat pump. They consume much less energy than traditional electric or gas water heaters.
hpi landed house balcony install

3. Family’s usage patterns

Your household’s usage patterns are also crucial in selecting a water heater. For instance, if everyone in the family needs hot water all at once, opt for a heater that can keep up. This applies during peak hours like the morning rush. Size your heater correctly, and you never have to wait. Take This Quiz Now!

If you are planning to get a bathtub, choose a high performing digital heater which can multiply your hot water volume.

For most families of up to 4 members, the AOS Bath Gen 6 Digital Water Heater is one of the most popular choices. With its speed heating and hot water multiplier technologies, you can enjoy the full benefits of your rain shower!

4. Space requirements

When considering which water heater to buy, keep in mind the space available in your home. Don’t commit until you are sure there is sufficient space to install the water heater. Take measurements and get the help of a heater specialist.

If you are replacing an old heater, choose a similar-sized replacement to fit within the existing space and configuration.

5. Pricing and budget

The water heater is expected to last you over 10 years, so invest wisely. In Singapore, the average heater’s lifespan is only 5 years! So while it is true that you can get a super cheap heater online, it is no longer that affordable if you have to replace it too often.

Never scrimp on installation. You want your heaters to be installed by a water heater specialist at the very least. All major mishaps regarding water heaters in Singapore have occurred not due to product failure, but because of poor installation. Get a qualified installer for the highest wattage item in your household and keep your family safe.
cost calculator hand

6. After-sales service

Prompt and reliable support makes a difference after buying your water heater. Imagine a situation where your hot water suddenly stops working, leaving kids or elderly family members in the lurch? Quick after-sales service can swiftly restore the hot water supply.

At AOS Bath, our sales and service hotline are the same. This means you can immediately speak to our specialists to service your water heater.

Some suppliers can take over a week to respond to service requests, which is inconvenient. But our specialists are ready to address issues with your unit so you can get it up and running in no time.

Conclusion

A water heater is a long-term investment that requires careful planning. We hope these points can help you make an informed decision.

Q&A

How often should I service my water heater?
You should perform a tank flushing once every 3 years. A safety check is also important to ensure your heater is working in good condition
We recommend hiring a professional. Do not try to install the heater on your own unless you are a trained professional. Incorrect installations usually render your heater warranty void.
Due to hygiene concerns, trading in your old water heater is not an option. In addition, the condition and maintenance history of a pre-owned heater is uncertain. This makes it difficult to assess its remaining lifespan and reliability. It is better to dispose of your old water heater and invest in a new one.
Yes. Do remember to engage your designer or contractor to run the necessary drainage points, pipes and power source to your desired location.

Aircon Ledge Installation: Can you do it in Singapore?

aircon ledge

For HDB, its a no! Condos, maybe.

HDB regulations generally prohibit installing heaters, including water heaters, on the aircon ledge, though some condos allow it.

HDB flats typically require water heaters to be installed within the unit, such as in the service yard or bathroom. If you're a resident, you should verify specific regulations with your contractor or the HDB directly to avoid non-compliance.

If in doubt:
• Contact Town Council or MCST directly
• Consider indoor placement, the safe option

Worst case:
• You may be asked to dismantle heater at your own cost

Why this rule exists:

Safety:
• HDB regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the building and its residents.
• This means preventing installations that could be hazardous
• These installations may block essential building functions

Compliance:
• Improper installation can lead to issues with the building's structure
• Some walls are not meant to be drilled
• For condos, aesthetics are important as well as potential fire or gas leak hazards.
Installation Team did an outstanding job in the installation of my storage heater. Patient and very tidy. Did not tarnish the looks of my condo unit at all. Really appreciative of them as I was initially hesitant to swap out my gas heater for fear of having unsightly pipes and trunking due to wiring and piping. Absolute joy and pleasure. I am glad i made the switch. Thank you once again AOSbath.
elwin leong
Google review
Have been enjoying this AOS Gen 6 digital header (50L) for about 5 months. Both temperature and pressure are much more stable compared to gas heater. The technical team were very professional and provided with very useful advice and hassle free delivery and installation.
Qiang Hu
Google review

Condo, aircon ledge installations

Who should do it:
• Get a qualified installer
• Aircon ledges need specialised servicemen, who can work with safety harnesses
• Be prepared this will take extra time and cost!

Pros:
• Free up inside space
• Messy works outside

Cons:
• Takes longer to get hot water as heater is far away
• High heat loss, if tank is exposed to wind and rain
• May be hard to access and maintain

Exception: replace gas heaters

• For condos where gas heaters are already at the aircon ledge
• Specially designed aircon ledges
• 95% chance of approval of storage heater

Easy guide
How to convert Gas to Storage
My condo 5yr old gas heater failed me suddenly and chanced up AOS electric water heater through google search.

Quoted a reasonable price, much cheaper than gas heater. Neat and good job done by AOS technician within 2hrs. Recommended to those who wanted to switch from gas to electric water heater 🙂
Elvis Wong
Google review
When my instant gas water heater stopped working, I started looking around for an electric storage heater. After much research, I decided on AOSmith from AOS bath. Highly recommended.

The AOSmith was a much needed upgrade. Hot water was always available rather fast and water temperature remain relatively stable. Very very good experience! Installation was a breeze thanks to Suruj and Rana.
Alex Ang
Google review

Aircon ledge FAQ

What is the best place to install the heater?
All heaters has a dedicated location. Some are above false ceilings, some are meant to be installed inside bathrooms.

There should also be a dedicated power source and suitable mounting wall close by. Shifting your heater away from the dedicated location may require you to shift water pipes and electrical points.
About 10% of heaters installed in Singapore are at air-con ledges. Most of these are gas heaters in condominiums. These heaters have already been pre-installed by developers when the condo was built.
You will need to do lots of piping and electrical work. It is best to do this only when your house is under full renovation.

It is also important to check your ceiling height space to ensure there is enough space to fit a heater tank. If your condo was originally fitted with a gas heater, the ceiling height space may be shorter than others.

Need some advice?

Reach out to us if you:
• Have questions about gas heater replacement
• Need help to assess if your aircon ledge is suitable

We will be happy to guide you through the steps. It is easy!

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