Tiny details matter.
Imagine splurging on a rain shower set, only to find that the hot water pressure in your bathroom isn’t sufficient to give you that relaxing shower experience you were hoping for. Booooo.
Well, that could actually be due to the water heater you’re using.
To avoid this and more, we headed down to the Life by City Energy showroom to find out some of the most commonly overlooked considerations when buying a water heater. Here are some tips that Francis, a water heater expert from City Energy, shared with us:
1. Long-term energy savings matters more than the price of your water heater
Fact: water heaters are the third highest energy-consuming household appliance, after aircons and fridges.
So, don’t just look at the upfront cost of the appliance when choosing between different water heaters. Look at how energy-efficient it is as well; the more energy-efficient it is, the less energy it will use – and the lower the cost of your electricity bills in the long run.
And trust us, electricity bills from a water heater can really add up over time!
For instance, a study by NEA shows that a gas water heater offers the lowest annual energy cost*, followed by electric instant water heaters and electric storage water heaters that cost $110 and $190 more in utilities each year respectively.
*Average statistics based on a family of four
Source: City Energy, formerly known as City Gas
2. Water heaters and their environmental cost
Aside from energy costs, a study by the National University of Singapore showed that using a gas water heater saves 80% in carbon emissions (AKA cost to the environment) than the electric storage water heater.
It’s no wonder then that 70% of new private condos with piped town gas are now installed with gas water heaters.
But did you know? Piped town gas is not a new concept in Singapore. In fact, City Energy has been providing homes and businesses across the country with energy needs for over 160 years!
3. The water heater you use impacts water pressure, which affects your shower experience
Going back to the issue of water pressure we started with: as a crash course, electric instant water heaters work by putting water through heating rods, while electric storage water heaters heat water in a tank before supplying it to your shower. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, use a burner and heat exchanger.
This in turn affects the time it takes to heat up the water, as well as water pressure:
| One unit of | Multiple water points | Continuous supply of hot water | Water pressure suitable for rain showers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric instant water heater | Only for some brands | Yes | No |
| Electric storage water heater | Yes | No | Yes |
| Gas water heater (all instant) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
So, if you like to take long hot showers, use a rain shower or own a bathtub, a gas water heater is your best bet.
Water pressure aside, a single gas water heater can continuously supply hot water to multiple water points throughout your home. Beyond a second bathroom, this includes your kitchen sink, should you need hot water for extra help in degreasing pots and pans.
4. Check for built-in safety features to ensure peace of mind
Gas water heater sold by Life by City Energy, installed in a kitchen
With massive e-commerce sales like 11.11, it can be tempting to get cheaper water heaters online, but it’s best to get yours from a trusted retailer to ensure it’s safe for use!
At Life by City Energy, all water heaters come with 25 built-in safety features. Each has also been tested according to European safety standards for safety, reliability and durability.
5. For a minimalist bathroom aesthetic, gas water heaters are your best bet
Gas water heaters are installed in your kitchen, service yard or aircon ledge*.
This makes it great for those who prefer their water heaters to be a minimalist aesthetic for their bathroom (plus, Life by City Energy carries a wide range of gas water heaters, including the new Life heaters in 6 colours).
*Aircon ledge installation is only applicable for private properties. Installation in HDB flats is usually done in the service yard or kitchen.
Do note, however, that gas water heaters are best installed during your home renovation process, as this is the period when gas and water piping works are completed. Life by City Energy provides free installation for all HDB flats with any gas water heater purchased.
Speak to an expert to make an informed choice
That said, the list above definitely isn’t exhaustive and everyone has different needs/requirements when it comes to a water heater. Ultimately, it’s still best to speak to an expert like Francis, so as to make an informed purchase decision.
Visit Life by City Energy’s showroom conveniently located at #03-77/78, Plaza Singapura to do so, or their website via the button below to find out more.
Limited time offer
From now to 30 Nov 2024, enjoy up to $250 off gas water heaters at Life by City Energy, along with a 1-year extended warranty and a free Möwe Smart Socket (worth $26) with every modulated model purchase.
Existing homeowners looking to switch to a gas water heater may also do so with City Energy. Upgrade from an electric to gas water heater at only $600 before GST, with full installation included. T&Cs apply.
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