Unlock Warmth: Troubleshoot Your Gas Heater with Top 3 Expert Solutions!

Facing Gas Heater Challenges?

We've identified 3 common concerns that homeowners in Singapore may encounter with their gas heaters, along with potential solutions.

1. Gas heaters have low water pressure

Why does this only happen in Singapore and not overseas?

In many other countries, gas heaters typically run on natural gas and employ advanced technology. In contrast, gas heaters in Singapore utilise town gas, which has a smaller market presence. Consequently, gas heaters in Singapore tend to have less sophisticated technology and lower performance levels.

Here is an example:

Town Gas Heater (Singapore)

  • Technology

    Low tech models due to small international market presence.

  • Fewer Protection Features

    Basic tech, internal alarm, no external notification features.

  • Small Suction Fan

    Must be installed outdoors, further away from the shower point. Longer time to get hot water.

  • Limited Burner Performance

    Low water pressure, results in inconsistent hot water temperature.

  • 5 Year Average Life Span
  • Low Noise Control

    Can hear heater in operation at yard.

Natural Gas Heater (overseas)

  • Technology

    High tech, advanced models due to large international market presence.

  • Advanced Alarm Protection

    High security measures against gas leaks, can link direct to fire department.

  • Powerful Suction Fan

    Can be installed indoors, closer to the shower point. Short time to get hot water.

  • High Burner Performance

    High water pressure, consistent hot water temperature.

  • 10 Year Average Life Span
  • Advanced Noise Control

    Silent operation <40dB.

Low water pressure results in cold-hot-cold temperature. Why?

Water heaters fall into two categories:
  1. Instant heaters, which are pressure reducing
  2. Storage heaters which are non-pressure reducing
Gas heaters in Singapore are generally categorised as instant heaters, which reduce water pressure.

When using an instant gas heater, fluctuations in water temperature can occur. For instance, if someone in the kitchen turns on the hot water while you are showering, both of you will experience a drop in hot water pressure.

➡️ A drop in hot water pressure will cause your shower to get colder.

➡️ When another hot water source like the kitchen tap gets turned off, hot water pressure increases and your shower gets hotter.

A typical household has several hot water users. If someone is using the kitchen or another bathroom at the same time, these hot water pressure changes will cause the cold-hot-cold temperature fluctuations.

Solution:

To address this issue, consider replacing your gas heater with a storage heater, which provides higher water pressure and greater temperature stability.

2. Excessive Cold Water Wastage

Gas heaters often require installation at a distance from indoor areas due to safety concerns related to gas leaks.

As a result, it takes a considerable amount of time for the hot water to reach the shower head. This means that you need to run the cold water out of the pipes before hot water finally reaches you.
gas heater review

Solution:

Shift your heater indoors, closer to the shower point. Note that relocating your water heater while you are living in the house can be both messy and costly. It is advisable to do this if you are planning to do a renovation. 

3. Gas heaters are expensive

The price of a gas heater ranges from $180 to $1800. It is advisable for owners not go for the cheapest model unless they are single users as the water pressure is lower. The higher the price, the better the water pressure.

Solution:

One way to bring down your cost is by switching to a storage heater. Storage heaters have been around for longer, and their widespread use has brought its average cost down.

This transition is a practical and cost-effective alternative that may help you avoid substantial upfront expenses. Here's how to get it done: How to convert gas to storage heater.

In conclusion..

As water heater specialists, we offer both gas and electric options in the international market. 

With this knowledge, we aim to provide you with a balanced perspective on the operation of both types of heaters in Singapore.

I hope you found the potential solutions for addressing these challenges useful! 

Gas Heater FAQ

Are gas heaters more energy saving than electric heaters?
The operational costs of gas heaters are comparable to those of electric heaters. Substantial savings become evident when using renewable energy heaters, such as: A comparison on energy saving water heaters may be found here.
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, we specialise in water heater conversion services. Slide us a DM for more information.

WhatsApp us at 87682661.

Other related articles:

Gas vs. electric heaters

Gas heaters are also pressure reducing systems. If showers in both bathrooms are running at the same time, users will feel a flow rate drop.

Convert: gas to storage heaters

Useful step by step guide which walks homeowners through the procedure and costs of making the switch from gas to storage.

The instant-storage heater

The fastest storage water heater in Singapore which can perform like an instant heater to produce hot water in 0 minutes.

Avoid These 6 Warranty Pitfalls at All Costs

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.

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.

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!
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.

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!!
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!!

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.
Heaters are one of the hardest appliances to troubleshoot.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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!