Singapore has observed an increase in the utility costs, especially electricity. In 2024, the regulated electricity tariffs increased from 28.2c per kWh to 29.8c per kWh, reporting a 5.7% increase. This has led households in Singapore to start looking for alternatives to conventional electricity.
Furthermore, Singapore has targeted to become more energy efficient, reducing emissions by 36% by 2030. Thus, this initiative has prompted Singapore households to consider more energy-efficient solutions.
These aspects have impacted home water heating. Home water heating usually requires electricity, making it both costly and energy-consuming. This blog will explore energy-efficient alternatives to electric water heaters for Singapore homes.
Why Energy Efficiency Matters in Water Heating
A typical water heater uses 4000 watts of energy if it is used for 3 hours a day. Therefore, electric water heaters are major consumers of energy, accounting for a large percentage of a household’s electricity usage. Thus, it has become important to start considering energy-efficient solutions in water heating.
Lower Utility Bills
Since electric water heaters are significant energy consumers, they also generally contribute to higher utility bills. This is also exacerbated by the increasing costs of electricity in Singapore. Therefore, it has become important to look for energy-efficient systems that cut down the utility costs.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Household appliances that consume a significant amount of energy also contribute the most to carbon emissions. Furthermore, these harm the environment through air pollution and climate change.
However, the comfort of water heaters is necessary during the colder seasons. Therefore, an energy-efficient water heater can promote environmental friendliness while also not sacrificing comfort.
Increased Home Value
Singapore is undergoing a shift towards energy efficiency with a net-zero target in 2030. Thus, energy efficiency commands an increase in the value of homes. Homes with energy efficiency have shown higher rates of premiums. These houses also show an increased market appeal.
Additionally, since water heaters have become critically important to modern households, an energy-efficient solution to this can help drive property values up.
Top Energy-Efficient Water Heating Options
Energy efficiency has become important in considering household appliances. Now, the question becomes more relevant whether energy-efficient alternatives exist to electric water heaters in Singapore, which can be commonly used in households.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat Pump water heaters use electrical energy and move heat between two points, and do not generate heat directly. Thus, they can be up to twice or thrice more efficient compared to conventional water heaters.
To understand how these water heaters work, think of them more like a reverse refrigerator. This is because it pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it at a greater temperature.
Heat pump heaters are suitable for indoor fitting and can have higher initial costs than conventional ones. However, they save a lot more in the long run.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters harness the sun’s rays for heating water. Since it uses sunlight, a renewable energy source, it is considered more energy efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly compared to conventional water heaters.
It is further important to note that solar water heaters are not only effective in areas with a lot of sun, but can also be used in any climate, as long as sunlight is present.
Tankless (on-demand) Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand, or instant water heaters provide hot water when required. In this case, you get hot water right when you turn the hot water tap on because the cold water is passed through a heat exchanger unit, which immediately heats the water.
While this process does not lead to excess energy being wasted, the output of this type of water heater is limited. Hence, it can only be used in smaller households where the demand for hot water is low.
Comparing Water Heater Types
When considering what the best choice is to replace an electric water heater in Singapore households, the following table can be useful:
| Features | Electric water heater | Heat pump water heater | Solar water heater | Tankless water heater |
| Energy Consumption | High | Low | Low | Moderately low |
| Process | Using electricity to directly heat water | Applying electricity to transfer heat between two spots | Utilizing sunlight to heat water | Instantly heating cold water by passing it through a heat exchange unit |
| Output | High | Moderate to High | High | Low to Moderate |
Table: Comparison of the water heater systems
Choosing the Right System for Your Home
Now that you are aware of all the options for making your water heater more energy efficient, you have to think about which would be the ideal choice for your household.
Evaluate Your Household Hot Water Demand
You need to consider the size of your household, as in members living and their hot water demand. For a larger household, the tankless water heater will not be a good choice. In that case, you will have to consider a heat pump-type or a solar water heater.
Check Climate Compatibility
The climate is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a water heater. If you live in an area that is very prone to cloudy weather conditions and has less consistent exposure to the sun, a solar water heater will not be an appropriate solution to your energy-efficient heating needs.
Analyze Installation Space & Cost
Some water heaters save installation space, and some save costs. A major example of this is the heat pump water heater. It will save installation space, but the costs of installation can be high. Thus, if you are looking for cost-effective installation options, you cannot choose this type of heater.
In Summary
With Singapore moving towards a more energy-efficient economy and the utility costs in the country rising, you need to consider replacing your electric water heater, a major energy consumer.
Heat pump water heaters, solar water heaters, and tankless water heaters are viable alternatives. However, to choose one, you have to consider the costs, the climate, and the output.
Save Energy on Your Water Heaters Today!
If you are looking to upgrade your water heater system, look into some of the energy-efficient options today! Look into heat pumps, solar, and tankless water heaters, and find the ideal choice for your home! There are reputable vendors in Singapore that you can consider to aid you in this process.
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