Why "Sustainability" Matters in Singapore Homes
In Singapore, everything is increasing in price. Rising costs affect groceries to household utilities. We will want to save on whatever we can, especially during renovations or if we are moving to a new house.
Singapore's Green Plan 2030 aims to fight climate change by reducing our carbon footprint. In a few years, we will see a greener and more sustainable future. Going green will also keep prices low as Singapore adopts more advanced technologies. Already, cars that run on fuel or diesel are fully phased out.
There are exciting developments with water heaters too. Today, I'll introduce the most sustainable water heater in Singapore – the heat pump. The heat pump helps you save more every day, while using renewable heat in our air.
What Makes a Water Heater Sustainable?
Uses less power
• Green heaters like heat pumps use surrounding heat in the air to heat up water. They rely on a small fan that draws heat in, running at 210 watts.
• Normal electric heaters have to create heat through high power heating elements to give you hot water. This element runs at 3000 watts.
• At a lower wattage, the heat pump is more sustainable.
Life span
• Some heaters are coated with special tank linings like Blue Diamond technology. This gives the heater a 10-year lifespan.
• Normal tank heaters in Singapore only last 5 years.
I got an AOS 80L micro heat pump recently to replace my electric heater.
My electricity bill has been reduced by a lot and I have never run out of hot water since the installation due to the large tank. Highly recommended!
My electricity bill has been reduced by a lot and I have never run out of hot water since the installation due to the large tank. Highly recommended!
Shawn Lee
Google review
We purchased a heat pump water heater. The installation was professionally done, and in efficiency mode (the best choice for our needs) there's a big improvement (reduction) in our monthly electric bills compared to a conventional electric water heater.
Timothy Sipples
Google review
How Sustainable is a Heat Pump Compared to a Solar Heater?
Heat pumps can work 24/7, solar cannot.
• Heat pumps draws heat from surrounding air. There is always heat in the air. So, it can produce hot water any day or night, rain or shine.
• Solar heaters must have sunlight to work. It starts to drain a crazy 1500 to 3000 watts at night or on cloudy days.
Heat Pumps are not reliant on backup heating, solar is.
• Heat pumps only need a minimum of 15ºC to work. With Singapore's humid climate and average temperature of 30ºC, the heat pump works all year round at a low energy cost.
• During nights or cloudy days, the solar heater falls back on backup heating that runs at 3000 watts.
• That is why heat pumps are more sustainable than solar heaters.
What About Heat Pump vs. Tankless Heaters?
Below, we compare the energy usage of the heat pump to the Tankless BathBox, another sustainable option.
Family size matters.
With 1 person, the BathBox is more sustainable than the heat pump. It has almost no heat loss.
But with 3 people and more, that is where you will start to observe the faster return on investment (ROI) in your energy bills. This is also why the heat pump is recommended for families of 4 and above.
In addition, a heat pump offers stronger water pressure than a tankless BathBox. If you want a sustainable yet high quality shower for your family, the heat pump is a great choice. In fact, it is the #1 choice for landed homes.
What Would it Look Like For Your Bills?
In Singapore, we all care about saving as much money as we can. This is where the heat pump truly shines. It is 75% more energy saving, and lowers your household’s expenses.
The above shows an estimate of what your household monthly bills would look like with a regular storage heater compared to a heat pump.
Over the years, the lowered utility bills would add up, leading to long-term energy savings, and better ROI.
In addition, the heat pump runs on free air heat, which is renewable energy. This makes the heat pump even more sustainable in the long-run compared to a regular heater that runs on electricity.
Few years back I read an article on Straits Times on the advantages of heat pump over solar water heater.
When I bought a landed house, I decided to engage AOS Bath to install AOSmith integrated heat pump to supply hot water to all 5 bathrooms in my house.
My electricity bill is low and I am happy that I am able to use renewable energy.
When I bought a landed house, I decided to engage AOS Bath to install AOSmith integrated heat pump to supply hot water to all 5 bathrooms in my house.
My electricity bill is low and I am happy that I am able to use renewable energy.
R Ravi
Google review
Have been using AO Smith heat pump water heater (model HPW-80) for the past 9 months. Whole family are very happy with the steady supply of hot water.
No more long wait for water to heat up. I am happy I no longer burn a hole in my pocket with the high electric bills.
No more long wait for water to heat up. I am happy I no longer burn a hole in my pocket with the high electric bills.
Kok Hon
Google review
Common Mistakes When Choosing a "Sustainable" Water Heater
Before you start thinking, "I need to go and get a heat pump now!", Wait. The heat pump is not for everyone. Here are some things that you need to know.
Although it is true that heat pumps can help you save more, it is recommended for families of 4 and above. With the higher usage of a bigger family, the ROI of a heat pump would be higher.
Heat pumps are also more suitable for bigger homes. If your bathroom area is too tight, you might not be able to fit a heat pump.
Before you jump into making a big purchase, do consider the above carefully. Just because something is sustainable, does not mean you have the best conditions for the most ROI.
Don't spend more than you save!
Conclusion
In the end, choosing a heat pump isn’t just about saving on energy bills. It is a meaningful step towards environmental sustainability.
With a sustainable heater, your household produces less greenhouse gas, helping to ease climate change while playing a part in cleaner air and water.
The lowered energy costs are just an added perk you get for a positive contribution to the environment.
Sustainability FAQ
What is the best place to install the heat pump?
For the heat pump, the best location to install it is next to the aircon compressor to make full use of the hot air being produced.
If the area is inaccessible, the heat pump can be installed like a regular storage heater.
How sustainable are heat pumps for the environment?
Heat pumps absorbs heat from surrounding air, making it rely on renewable energy.
It then uses a small amount of electricity to turn this absorbed air heat into energy that gives you hot water.
This makes the heat pump a sustainable alternative than a regular storage heater.
How much do heat pumps help you save?
As the heat pump uses renewable energy from surrounding air, it reduces your energy usage by 75%. That means a 75% decrease in your energy bills!
Need some advice?
If you want to:
1. Count your ROI
2. Get job site view to:
• upgrade to a heat pump
• change your solar heater
• change from gas heater to heat pump (for better water pressure)
Drop us a message and we will be happy to assist you.
Learnt something new? Share it!
Facebook
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
