Key Points for Choosing a Water Heater: Gas vs. Electric Water Heaters
As autumn and winter approach and temperatures drop, the demand for hot showers increases. Choosing an efficient water heater is essential to enjoy a continuous supply of hot water during the cold winter months. This article will introduce different types of water heaters and provide selection tips to help you understand your needs and select the suitable water heater!
Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters can be mainly divided into two categories: Gas Water Heaters and Electric Water Heaters.
Domestic Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters use LPG or natural gas, offering the advantage of instant heating without the need for water storage, thus continuously supplying hot water. According to regulations, new gas water heaters must be sealed (balanced) types, with air and exhaust pipes connected to the outside wall, drawing fresh air for combustion and expelling exhaust gases outdoors to ensure safety and prevent carbon monoxide hazards.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are divided into “Instantaneous Water Heater” and “Storage Water Heater”. Instantaneous Water Heater can provide hot water on demand; however, some models require a high power supply (e.g., three-phase power) and stable water pressure, making them unsuitable for all households. In contrast, Storage Water Heaters have lower power requirements, making them suitable for most families. However, they take time to heat water, and their limited hot water supply often creates a rush for showers.
Four Tips for Choosing a Gas Water Heater
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Hot Water Supply Rate
The hot water supply rate (hot water output speed) is a crucial indicator of gas water heater performance, typically expressed in liters per minute at a temperature rise of 25°C. Ensure the chosen heater can meet the demands of both the kitchen and bathroom simultaneously. If you need to fill a large bathtub and supply hot water to the kitchen at the same time, consider models that can supply at least 12 liters per minute.
↑ The TGC Temperature-modulated Superslim Gas Water Heater ST16SD has a hot water supply rate of up to 16.9 liters per minute, sufficient for a family of four to use hot water simultaneously in the bathroom and kitchen.
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Energy Efficiency
Models with high energy efficiency can help save energy and reduce costs.
↑ The TGC Temperature-modulated Gas Water Heater NJW12RM1 has a Grade 1 energy efficient label and features an ECO mode, which reduces water flow with a single button press—no additional energy-saving showerheads are required.
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Installation Environment
The installation environment for water heaters varies. For instance, the wall opening size for the water heater in the bathroom depends on the building's design. Ensure that the selected heater fits the installation requirements before purchasing.
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↑ The TGC Temperature-modulated Superslim Gas Water Heater NSW14HD is specially designed for Hong Kong bathrooms, breaking traditional size limitations for wall openings, and allowing for flexible installation in most bathrooms, making it easier to replace traditional water heaters with slimmer models.
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"GU" Mark
When selecting a gas water heater, ensure the product has the "GU" mark, which is the approval mark from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) for gas safety. This mark ensures the safety and reliability of the product, giving you peace of mind during use.
Safety Tips
- All installation, replacement, and maintenance work for water heaters must be performed by licensed professionals to ensure safety. Users should also contact a registered gas contractor every 18 months for a regular safety check of all gas appliances in the home.
P.S. Towngas will arrange a registered and fully qualified gas technician to visit users’ home at regular intervals of 18 months to carry out a safety inspection, which includes a check of all your gas installations, external service risers and installation pipes.