Why are Gas Water Heaters Becoming So Popular?
Gas water heaters have become more popular in some Singapore BTO and resale HDB renovations over the last decade, although storage heaters are still very common. The growing interest is driven by several practical benefits:
1. Unlimited Hot Water
The biggest reason is convenience.
A storage heater only contains a fixed amount of hot water (for example, 25L or 35L). If several family members shower one after another, the tank may run low and need time to reheat.
A gas heater heats water on demand, so:
- No waiting for reheating.
- Long showers are possible.
- Multiple family members can shower consecutively.
This is particularly attractive for families with children or multigenerational households.
2. Smaller Bathrooms and Service Yards
Modern BTO flats often have:
- Smaller service yards.
- Lower bathroom ceilings.
- More built-in cabinetry.
A gas heater eliminates the need for a bulky storage tank above the bathroom ceiling, freeing up space and making renovations easier.
3. Better Support for Rain Showers
Many homeowners now install:
- Rain showers.
- Thermostatic mixers.
- Hotel-style bathrooms.
A properly sized gas heater can provide a continuous supply of hot water, which suits these luxury-style fittings.
4. Potentially Lower Running Costs
If a household uses a lot of hot water, gas can be more economical because:
- Water is heated only when needed.
- There is no standby heat loss from keeping a tank hot.
The actual savings depend on usage patterns and local gas and electricity tariffs, but high-usage households may see lower operating costs.
5. More Homeowners Are Cooking With Gas
Some BTO owners choose piped gas for:
- Gas hobs.
- Gas ovens.
- Gas water heaters.
Since gas service is already being installed, adding a gas heater becomes more attractive.
6. Better Technology Than Before
Older gas heaters had a reputation for:
- Temperature fluctuations.
- Pilot lights.
- Reliability issues.
Modern units from brands such as Rinnai, Paloma, and Joven offer:
- Electronic ignition.
- More stable temperature control.
- Better safety features.
- Higher efficiency.
Why Storage Heaters Are Still Popular
Despite the trend, storage heaters remain the default choice for many BTOs because:
- Lower installation cost.
- Simpler plumbing.
- No gas pipe routing required.
- Good compatibility with two-bathroom layouts.
- Familiarity among contractors and homeowners.
The Main Trade-Off
For a typical Singapore family of four in a 4-room or 5-room BTO, both systems can work well. The increasing popularity of gas heaters is largely due to homeowners wanting a more “hotel-style” shower experience with continuous hot water and cleaner bathroom designs without a large tank hidden above the ceiling.
