Most Singapore homes use electric water heaters, but many condos and landed homes, and some flats, also have town gas. If your home has gas, a gas water heater is worth considering. This guide compares the two and explains the safety rules that apply to gas.
Is a gas or electric water heater better for my home?
It depends mainly on whether your unit has a town gas supply: gas heaters are compact and can serve several points, while electric heaters work anywhere with electricity.
| Gas water heater | Electric water heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | A town gas supply to your unit | An electrical supply |
| Size | Compact | Storage tanks are bulky; instant units are compact |
| Hot water points | Can be piped to multiple points | Storage: several points; instant: usually one |
| Location | Often kitchen or service balcony | Bathroom, ceiling or wall |
| Who installs | City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker | Installer |
| Energy label | Check for the specific model | Labelled models show 1–5 ticks |
How does a gas water heater work?
A gas water heater burns town gas to heat water as it flows, or to heat a tank. City Energy notes that gas water heaters are compact, can be installed in the kitchen or service balcony, and can act as a central heater, with hot water piped to multiple points in the home (City Energy: FAQs).
How does an electric water heater work?
An electric water heater uses electricity to heat water, either in a storage tank or instantly as it flows.
Electric heaters come in two types:
- Storage: heats and stores water in an insulated tank, and feeds several outlets
- Instant: heats water as it flows, and usually serves one point
See storage vs instant water heater.
Who can install a gas water heater in Singapore?
Only City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW) may carry out gas installation works in homes.
Gas work is tightly regulated:
- For residential premises, gas installation works can only be carried out by City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW) (EMA: gas safety).
- Installing, replacing or removing a gas appliance, and altering gas pipes, all count as gas installation works (City Energy: gas safety tips).
- From 1 September 2025, LGSWs and professional engineers must carry out gas service work in line with the Singapore Standard SS 608:2024 Code of Practice for Gas Installation (EMA circular on SS 608).
- Renovations mustn't damage exposed or concealed gas pipes. Condo owners should get a layout plan from the estate management office before drilling or hacking walls (City Energy: gas safety tips).
- City Energy advises having gas pipes and appliances checked by an LGSW once every five years (City Energy: gas safety tips).
EMA publishes the list of licensed gas service workers.
What rules apply to electric water heaters?
For electric heaters:
- Storage tanks must be mounted on a sound wall or support.
- A working pressure relief valve should be fitted.
Is a gas or electric water heater cheaper to run?
Running cost depends on gas and electricity tariffs, how much hot water you use and the heater's efficiency. We don't quote a single figure because the numbers depend on your household.
For electric heaters, labelled models show a tick rating and estimated energy use (NEA: the energy label, NEA: MELS and MEPS). Compare the label figures of the models you are considering.
To estimate running cost, compare the estimated annual energy use (kWh) on the NEA energy label of each model and multiply by your electricity tariff.
How much space does each type need?
Gas units and electric instant units are compact; electric storage tanks are bulky and need a ceiling or wall position.
Gas - A compact unit, usually on the kitchen or service balcony wall - Needs a gas supply point and a flue or ventilation as specified - Hot water piped to the outlets
Electric storage - A tank in the ceiling, false ceiling or on a wall - Piping to the outlets
Electric instant - A compact unit in each bathroom
For typical installation charges, see our water heater installation cost guide.
See water heater installation cost.
Which water heater should I choose?
Choose gas if your unit already has town gas, electric storage if you have no gas and several outlets, and electric instant for one bathroom.
Choose gas if: - Your unit already has a town gas supply - You want a compact central heater serving several points - You're comfortable with LGSW servicing and checks
Choose electric storage if: - You have no gas supply - You want several outlets and have space for a tank
Choose electric instant if: - You have one bathroom and one or two users
Can I use Climate Vouchers on a water heater?
Yes, but only on 5-tick labelled water heaters from 1 April 2026.
Eligible households can claim S$400 in Climate Vouchers (S$300 plus S$100), valid until 31 December 2027 (Climate Friendly Households Programme FAQs). For water heaters, only 5-tick models qualify from 1 April 2026 (CFHP: water heaters), and vouchers can only be redeemed on eligible labelled products at participating retailers (CFHP terms and conditions). Check the label on the exact model before you buy.
See eligible appliances.
Which water heater models does Home Genie carry?
See the models we carry, with current prices and NEA tick ratings, in our water heaters collection.
For electric storage picks, see best storage water heater.
How do I stay safe with a gas water heater?
Use only City Energy or an LGSW for gas work, and never tamper with gas pipes or connections.
- Only use City Energy or an LGSW for gas work (EMA: gas safety).
- Never tamper with gas pipes or appliance connections.
- When you move in, City Energy encourages an inspection by City Energy or an LGSW (City Energy: gas safety tips).
- Know where your gas shut-off valve is.
What should I check before buying?
- Check whether your unit has a town gas supply.
- Count your hot water outlets and users.
- Check the space: kitchen or service balcony for gas, ceiling or wall for electric storage.
- For gas, engage City Energy or an LGSW.
- For vouchers, choose a 5-tick labelled model.
Is your current heater leaking? See leaking water heater: repair or replace.
What should I do when moving into a home with gas?
Transfer the gas supply to your account and have the installation inspected by City Energy or an LGSW.
If you're moving into a condo or flat with an existing gas water heater:
- Transfer the gas supply to your account.
- City Energy encourages having the installation inspected by City Energy or an LGSW, to make sure the previous occupant didn't modify it unsafely (City Energy: gas safety tips).
- Check the age and condition of the heater. If it's old, compare replacing it with gas or switching to electric.
Can I switch from gas to electric, or back?
Yes, but switching type is a bigger job than a like-for-like replacement.
Switching type is a bigger job than a like-for-like replacement:
- Gas to electric: the gas appliance must be removed or capped by City Energy or an LGSW, and electric storage may need new piping and a mounting point.
- Electric to gas: needs a gas supply and gas works by City Energy or an LGSW, with the required submissions before gas is turned on.
Get quotes for both the gas works and the plumbing or electrical works.
What are the key takeaways?
- A gas heater needs a town gas supply to your unit.
- Only City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker may do residential gas work.
- Gas heaters are compact and can supply multiple points.
- Electric storage suits several outlets; instant suits a single bathroom.
- Only 5-tick labelled water heaters qualify for Climate Vouchers.
Need it installed? Book an installation with Home Genie and we will confirm the price and a time slot with you.
Sources
- EMA circular on SS 608 (2025)
- EMA: gas safety
- City Energy: gas safety tips
- City Energy: FAQs
- NEA: the energy label
- NEA: MELS and MEPS
- Climate Friendly Households Programme FAQs
- CFHP: water heaters
- CFHP terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions
Is a gas or electric water heater better?
It depends on whether your home has a town gas supply, how many outlets you need, the space and your preferences. Gas heaters are compact and can serve several points. Electric heaters work anywhere with electricity.
Who can install a gas water heater?
For residential premises in Singapore, gas installation works can only be carried out by City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW).
Can a gas water heater serve multiple bathrooms?
City Energy says gas water heaters are compact, can go in the kitchen or service balcony, and can pipe hot water to multiple points in the home.
Do HDB flats have gas water heaters?
Some homes have town gas, but whether a gas heater is possible depends on the gas supply to your unit. Check with City Energy or a licensed gas service worker.
Can I use Climate Vouchers on a gas water heater?
The vouchers apply to 5-tick water heaters with NEA's energy label. Check whether the specific model carries the label and qualifies.
