Gas water heaters rely on piped gas to generate a flame to heat the water. Electric water heaters use electrical elements to generate heat. This main difference affects their performance, efficiency, and installation requirements.
Gas has a lower carbon footprint compared to electricity. In Singapore, we get electricity by burning gas at a power station. Gas powered heaters skip this stage and have a lower carbon footprint.
However, electric water heaters have improved in efficiency over the years. Their efficiency goes up with features like renewable heat pump technology. Heat pumps have an even lower carbon footprint than gas heaters.
For entry level HDB models, both types of heaters are affordable at around $300+. High end storage options for HDB go up to $1000.
Condo gas heaters are more expensive than storage heaters. They are around $1000 as they have higher water pressure. Storage heaters remain in the $200-1000 range, similar to HDB models.
Don’t overlook installation costs. Gas water heaters require extra water pipes as they are further from the bathroom.
If you are using a low flow rate HDB gas heater, running cost will be about the same as electric because water flow rate is low.
The running cost of a condo gas heater seems to be higher than a storage heater because water flow rate is high.
On some gas ads, it seems you can save more with gas heaters. This is is not accurate because the ad omits water temperature. Once we include water temperature, we can see the cost of running a gas heater is about the same as storage.
You’ll never really know, until you start using and measuring the cost on your own. The next best thing to do is check out online reviews.
Gas heaters have a faster recovery rate than storage heaters. This means you can get hot water continuously.
Storage heaters can produce water for limited time period. E.g. 16 min
Tip: Storage tank users must size tank correctly to get enough hot water
On Singapore’s colder rainy days, storage heaters continue to deliver very hot water. Gas heaters will register temperature changes from hot-cold-hot.
Want to know long a new heater takes to heat up? Find out more here.
Storage heaters are a pressurised system, so you can get better hot water pressure. This is good for rain showers and 2-bathroom usage. Gas heaters will reduce water pressure and it is best to use 1 bathroom at a time.
Want to understand why? See how these heaters are built to find out more.
It depends on the heater flow rate. Rain showers require 10 lit/min.
Make sure you get at least 10 lit/min from your heater for a good shower experience.
Gas water heaters may need more maintenance due to components like burners and vents. Electric water heaters have fewer moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance needs.
Most storage and gas models have an average lifespan of around 5 years.
A good storage heater brand can last over 20 years.
The quality of every local model is different. It is best to read reviews before buying.
Gas heaters must be at the yard for safety reasons so it may take longer to get hot water. A storage heater delivers hot water faster as it is closer to the shower.
The decision to go for a gas or electric water heater depends on many factors. Understand your family’s needs. Consider installation, running costs, hot water demand and performance. Reading reviews from other users in Singapore can also help you make the best decision.
Electric heaters give out higher temperature and water pressure. Go for this if you want the steam effect.
Installing a pressure pump in your home may increase your water pressure but this is not legal in Singapore. This is because a pressure pump can draw water pressure away from your neighbours.
If all your neighbours are experiencing water pressure problems, it is advisable to contact your Town Council or MCST for a better solution.
Yes. You should always switch the heater off after use to conserve electricity. Otherwise, use a built-in timer, available with digital heaters.
The instant-storage heaterThe fastest storage water heater in Singapore which can perform like an instant heater to produce hot water in 0 minutes.
Convert: gas to storage heatersUseful step by step guide which walks homeowners through the procedure and costs of making the switch from gas to storage
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How do you determine which is the best size for your family?
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