Gas Heater Vs Electric Water Heater: Which is cheaper?
Gas Heater Vs Electric Water Heater: Which is cheaper?
Introduction
In Singapore, just like anywhere in the world, homeowners need practical, cost-effective water heating options. With water heating essential for daily use, choosing between gas and electric storage heaters can significantly impact long-term expenses. To determine the most economical choice, this article examines not only hardware and installation costs but also ongoing operational costs, energy efficiency, and other factors affecting total cost over five years. By analyzing these combined elements, we aim to provide a clear cost comparison between gas and electric water heaters.
Chapter 1: Hardware Cost
Gas heaters provide on-demand heating, making them efficient and compact. They generally require a higher initial expense due to specialized installation requirements but save energy by heating only when necessary. Based on available models from City Energy Life, the following options are popular in Singapore:
Gas Heaters
- Life by City Energy L10WFE – SGD 450
- Macro MA-8NFL – SGD 262
- Macro MA-10FE – SGD 403
- Macro MA-10WFE – SGD 494
- Rinnai REU-10RFM – SGD 534
- Macro MA-20WOD – SGD 686
- Ferroli GS 20 OE TG(I) – SGD 688
- Rubine BENE 10FE – SGD 383
Electric Water Heaters (40L Capacity)
Electric water heaters maintain hot water at a preset temperature, meaning they consume more power to keep water hot. Here are available 40L models from Joven, Rheem, and Ariston:
- Joven JSH 40L
- Rheem EHG 40L
- Rheem EH40M
- Rheem 65SVP10S 38L
- Ariston INOX-40
- Ariston Pro R J 35L
- Ariston Pro RS 40L
Chapter 2: Licensed Installation Cost
The installation costs for both gas and electric water heaters in Singapore include a base price of SGD 600, covering essential tools, fittings, and labour. Additional charges may apply depending on specific requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each type.
Electric Storage Heater Installation
For electric water heaters, installation follows PUB and EMA standards and is managed by licensed plumbers and electricians to ensure compliance.
Base Installation Cost: SGD 600 (includes tools, fittings, and standard labour).
Scope of Work:
- Plumbing Works:
- Replacement of the existing electric water heater with a new
- Removal and replacement of hot and cold-water pipes up to one metre, with a SGD 150 surcharge for pipes like German PEX or Japanese
- Removal of the old tank off-site, with an additional SGD 100 if it’s 50L or more and located above the
- Assessment and possible reuse of existing wall/concrete
- Electrical Works:
- Supervised by an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), in- cluding inspection of the heater switch, connection box, and wiring.
- Replacement costs: SGD 50 for a heater switch, SGD 70 for a connection box, and SGD 150 for an
- The installation of a new heater point, if needed, starts at SGD
- Statutory Compliance: Adheres to PUB and SS636 standards, ensuring safe and compliant installation with no soldering for water pipes and use of lead-free materials for
Applicable Condominiums: Bartley Residences, The Interlace, Sky Habi- tat, D’Leedon, The Minton, Highline Residences, Seaside Residences, The Tril- inq, Sol Acres, Urban Vista, and others.
Gas Heater Installation
For gas heaters, installation must comply with strict safety standards (SS608:2015 for gas and SS636:2018 for plumbing) and is managed by licensed professionals.
ˆ Base Installation Cost: SGD 600 (includes necessary tools, fittings, and standard labour).
ˆ Scope of Work:
- Gas Work:
- Removal of the old gas union and valve, with installation of a new gas
- Gas pipework is limited to one metre around the heater, and any heater relocation over 200mm incurs a SGD 150
- A new section of gas pipe, if added, will be painted yellow, and testing follows Gas Supply
- Plumbing:
- Replacement of hot and cold water pipes up to one metre with stainless steel and a new brass stop
- All work is supervised by a PUB Licensed Plumber and includes assessment for safe reuse of existing
- Electrical Works:
- Supervised by an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), in- volving inspection and connection to the isolator or control
- Additional SGD 150 for isolator replacement and SGD 250 for new communication
- Safety Compliance: Compliance with SS638 for electrical installa- tions, including protective equipotential bonding and use of compli- ant gas installation
Applicable Condominiums: Austville Residences, City Square Residences, Cote D’Azur, The Garden Residences, Hillion Residences, Kovan Melody, Lakeville, Le Quest, North Park Residences, Woodhaven, and others.
Chapter 3: Running Cost
| Aspect | Electric Water Heater | Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Energy Consumption | 16.32 kWh | 11.24 kWh |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 5,956.8 kWh | 4,102.6 kWh |
| Annual Cost | SGD 1,191.36 | SGD 820.52 |
Chapter 4: Monthly Cost Computation
| Aspect | Electric Water Heater | Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | SGD 500 | SGD 700 |
| Installation Cost | SGD 600 | SGD 600 |
| Total 5-Year Sunk Cost | SGD 1,100 | SGD 1,300 |
| Monthly Sunk Cost | SGD 18.33 | SGD 21.67 |
| Monthly Running Cost | SGD 99.28 | SGD 68.38 |
| Total Monthly Cost | SGD 117.61 | SGD 90.05 |
Conclusion: Which is Cheaper?
| Heater Type | Monthly Sunk Cost | Monthly Running Cost | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater | SGD 18.33 | SGD 99.28 | SGD 117.61 |
| Gas | SGD 21.67 | SGD 68.38 | SGD 90.05 |
The gas heater has a lower total monthly cost of approximately SGD 90.05, while the electric water heater costs around SGD 117.61 per month. Over five years, this results in total savings of SGD 1,655 for the gas heater, making it the more cost-effective option in the long term.
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