4 Tips On How To Choose The Best Water Heater Singapore

Electric storage heaters, a reliable source of hot water, are a staple in many Singaporean homes. These electric water heaters, including models like the Rheem 65SVP10S and Ariston Andris Slim RS, offer a consistent and safe hot water solution.

This article delves into the benefits and challenges associated with electric storage heaters and broader categories such as water heaters in Singapore.

Statutory Requirements

It is crucial to engage a PUB Licensed Plumber for any installations or maintenance work on water heaters like the Ariston Andris Lux or the Rheem 85VP6S. These professionals ensure compliance with Singapore’s strict regulations, maintaining the safety and efficiency of your water heating system.

From 1 April 2018, it has been an offence to engage a plumber who is not licensed by PUB to carry out regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works. Unlicensed handymen are not permitted to replace or install a water heater.

Handymen without a license can perform the following simple plumbing tasks:

1. Replacing or removing any tap or mixer.
2. Replacing or removing any of the following accessories connected to a tap: a shower hose, a showerhead, a connecting hose with a spring-loaded self-closing nozzle, a connecting hose to a washing machine or dishwasher, or a flexible hose.
3. Replacing or removing any pipe between a stop valve and an instantaneous water heater.
4. Replacing or removing any parts of a flushing cistern, such as the flushing mechanism or any flexible hose after the ball valve.

Benefits of Electric Storage Heaters

Simplicity and Reliability: Electric storage heaters are straightforward in design and operation. They heat water to a preset temperature and store it until needed, providing a dependable hot water supply without the necessity for continuous heating.

Safety: Electric heaters are generally safer than gas heaters as they do not involve combustion or emit harmful gases. This absence of combustion significantly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, making electric heaters a safer choice in poorly ventilated areas.

Installation Flexibility: These heaters can be installed in various locations around the home, including under sink or in closets, without the need for venting systems. This flexibility makes them suitable for flats and smaller homes.

Prepared Infrastructure: All HDB units constructed after 2010 come with concealed hot and cold pipework, specifically designed for the installation of an exposed storage heater in the common bathroom. Moreover, these units are equipped with shower mixers in both bathrooms, making them ready for electric storage heater installation.

Market Overview

As of the end of 2023, approximately 351,180 condominiums and private apartments in Singapore are predominantly equipped with electric storage heaters—over 95%. The remaining units utilize gas heaters, with a few using heat pumps. Among the leading brands, Rheem is the top choice for private residential units, notably models like the Rheem EHG-50 and Rheem EHG-40, followed by Ariston, with popular models including Ariston PRO RS J and Ariston Andris2 Lux.

Leading Brands: Ariston is the top brand for HDB units, closely followed by Joven. For private residential units, Rheem leads the market by a significant margin, followed by Ariston and Joven.

Design Considerations

In Singapore, the choice of a water heater can greatly affect daily comfort. For instance, the Rheem 85VP20S is favored in homes requiring larger volumes of hot water, whereas the Ariston Andris 2 Lux-D Wi-fi is preferred for its advanced technology and connectivity. Smaller units like the Joven JSH25 and Joven JSH35 are ideal for less demanding applications, offering efficiency without occupying much space.

Typically, condos with two bathrooms are equipped with two or three storage heaters:

• Master Bathroom: These are usually fitted with a larger tank (50L, 55L, 56L, 68L, or 75L) designed to fill a bathtub quickly. Many owners choose to replace these with smaller tanks (25L, 30L, or 35L), which are adequate for a long shower.
• Common Bathroom: Primarily designed for showers, these are fitted with tanks ranging from 40L to 25L. In exceptional cases, such as in J-gateway, the common bathroom comes with an 80L tank.

Energy Considerations and Maintenance

While electric storage heaters are generally low maintenance, they do require periodic checks to ensure efficient operation. Models like the Rheem EHG-25S and the Joven JSH91 might need more frequent inspections due to their capacity and usage patterns.

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of models like the Ariston PRO R Slim and enhance their operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Electric storage heaters are a dependable choice for providing hot water in Singaporean homes. The safety, simplicity, and convenience of installation make them particularly attractive, although their energy consumption and maintenance requirements should be considered. Whether opting for a Singapore water heater like the Ariston Andris Slim2 Lux Wifi or a more robust model like the Rheem EHG40S, homeowners must weigh these factors carefully.