Singapore Households Can Slash Carbon Emissions by up to 80% for Hot Showers with Gas Water Heaters as National Labelling Scheme Hits Milestone.

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Singapore, 5 November 2025 — Singaporean families can now cut the carbon footprint of their hot showers by as much as 80%, thanks to gas water heaters—just as the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) expanded Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) for water heaters marks its seventh month. Over 200 models are now registered, with gas water heaters dominating the top ranks for energy efficiency.

Raising the Bar for Efficiency and Lower Emissions.
Since 1 April 2025, all household water heaters sold in Singapore have needed a valid energy rating label—just like air-conditioners and fridges. More than 75% of certified gas models now achieve 4 out of 5 ticks for efficiency, far outpacing electric storage heaters (where just 2 out of 68 registered models meet the same benchmark). The data underlines why water heaters are Singapore households’ third-biggest energy spend, after cooling and refrigeration.

A study found a striking contrast: electric storage heaters can produce around 400 kg of carbon emissions per user annually, compared to only 80 kg for gas instant heaters—a fivefold difference. By April 2026, water heaters that don’t meet at least a one-tick efficiency standard will be pulled from sale, further pushing the market towards sustainability.

Big Carbon and Cost Savings for Every Home.
Switching from a one-tick electric storage model to a four-tick gas instant heater could save a household up to $1,200 over the heater’s lifespan. For heavy hot water users, the savings (and emissions reductions) could be even greater. Nationwide, a wholesale switch from electric storage to gas instant models could eliminate the equivalent of 1.4 million trees’ worth of carbon per year, or take over 300,000 cars off Singapore’s roads.

Gas instant heaters cut energy waste by heating water only when needed and avoid the standby losses of storage tanks. They’re more responsive, save space (with tankless, wall-mounted designs), and provide a strong, consistent hot water flow—even for rain showers and back-to-back use.

Fast Uptake Among Developers and Households.
City Energy, Singapore’s sole provider of piped town gas, reports 70% of new condo developments with gas connections now choose gas water heaters—up 210% since 2020. Today, over 210,000 homes, or about 14% of households, use gas water heaters, a number still on the rise as building design, developer priorities, and homebuyers’ efficiency awareness grow.

Real Benefits, Real Voices.
Developers highlight both the energy and space-saving benefits, with new home buyers increasingly demanding appliances that meet the toughest standards. Homeowners praise the instant and endless hot water, low utility bills, and the feel-good factor of cutting emissions—without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

One user at The Waterview Condo explained: “We chose a gas heater for its easy maintenance and quick heating, but knowing it cuts our household carbon footprint makes us feel even better.”

Innovating for the Modern Home.
City Energy’s own brand, Life by City Energy Gas Water Heaters, offers a sleek, space-saving option for HDB flats and modern homes. With features like smart app integration, stable temperatures, built-in safety mechanisms, and quieter operation, even multi-bathroom homes can enjoy reliable, efficient hot water.

Looking Ahead: Good Energy for Singapore.
As MELS continues to guide purchasing decisions and phase out inefficient products, it supports Singapore’s ambition to be a low-carbon, energy-efficient nation. City Energy, with its expanding suite of household and EV charging solutions, is committed to driving this transformation—exploring innovations like green hydrogen to further cut emissions in the years ahead.