Your phone rings at 7am and you take a call from a disgruntled tenant in your rental property. They tell you that they went to take a shower before work but there’s no hot water. They’d like you to send an emergency plumber asap. You then spend the next couple of hours searching for an available plumber who then hits you with a large bill later that day.

This repair is a costly and time-consuming situation for you. However, you understand the importance of keeping your tenants happy. You vow to replace your aging water heater systems and make sure you have the optimal product in your properties so that hot water is guaranteed at all hours of the day. 

Here’s how to ensure you have a fully functioning, safe and suitable water heater that will provide the needs of your tenants. 

worker repairing water heater

Understanding Different Types of Water Heaters

There are several types of water heaters available from water pump suppliers in the UAE, so you need to choose a product type that suits your property and its tenants. Here are the options. 

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Tank water heaters are the standard, traditional style of water heater. They consist of a large insulated tank that is permanently filled. Cold water enters the tank at the bottom, is heated and then rises through convection currents. Soon, there is a tank full of hot water ready to use. As the hot water is used, more cold water can enter the tank for heating. 

The appeal of this system is its simplicity, familiarity, and cost effectiveness to install. Tanks range in size from around 50 litres to 400 litres, meaning there is one to suit all sizes of property and household. However, the tank can take up valuable space.

Tankless water heaters use a heat exchange system that rapidly heats cold water as it passes through, meaning no tank is necessary. A small unit must be fitted onto a wall, in a cupboard or attic. A tankless water heater is more costly to purchase and install, although it can help lower your tenants’ energy bills.  

Electric vs. Gas Heaters

Electric water heaters heat via an element inserted into the water tank, whereas gas water heaters have a burner at the bottom of the tank. 

Tankless water heaters can also run on gas or electricity. Electric tankless water heaters have low efficiency so tend to struggle with high demand. Gas tankless water heaters are more efficient but are complex equipment, making them more costly to install and maintain. 

To compare gas and electric tanked water heaters, here’s what to bear in mind:

  • Electric water heaters are safe, clean and easy to use, which is likely to please your tenants. 
  • Electric units tend to have lower installation costs, improving the profitability of your rental property.
  • Electric water heaters do not need to be vented through external pipes, making them simpler to install.
  • Gas water heaters sometimes require relighting, which may result in a callout from tenants. 
  • Gas units have lower operating costs, which will lower energy bills. 

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters are an exciting addition to the water heater options available to you and are perfectly suited to UAE weather conditions

Roof-mounted panels use energy from the sun to heat water contained within the unit. Units are available in a variety of sizes to suit different households, holding between around 100 and 250 litres of water.   

Note that all new buildings in Dubai are expected to meet 50-75% of their water heating requirements through solar power, depending on whether a swimming pool is in situ. 

If you have a roof on your rental property to use, solar water heaters are worth considering. They are not only eco-friendly, but are also low maintenance and will drastically reduce energy costs for your tenants.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater

Be sure to consider the following before you choose which water heater to install. 

  • Property Size and Number of Tenants: If you have multiple occupants or bathrooms, you will need to ensure the tank size meets their needs. Will several people wish to shower in a short stretch of time? 
  • Energy Efficiency: Think about your budget in relation to energy consumption. If your tenants are responsible for bills, you can advertise the benefits of a more efficient water heater when letting your property. If you cover the energy costs for the property yourself, you can increase profitability with a more energy-efficient system. 
  • Water Heater Placement and Space Considerations: The type of property you own and the space within it will influence your choice. Do you have space for a large tank or rooftop solar water heater?
  • Initial Costs vs. Long-Term Value: To maximise profits on your rental unit, you should seek to balance the upfront costs of a new water heater with energy savings, maintenance costs and the longevity of the system.

Regulations and Standards in the UAE

There are key government regulations for water heaters in residential properties so you must ensure compliance with these, whatever system you install. The regulations protect the rights and safety of your tenants.  

Both imported and UAE-manufactured water heaters must comply with the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) requirements. Other regulations are implemented by the different Emirati authorities, so you should seek professional advice from property managers to make sure your rental property is compliant.  

Maintenance and Durability

Regular maintenance will improve the longevity and efficiency of your water heater, thus reducing costs in the long term. You should research the durable models, check warranty coverage and use a reputable installer. Once installation is complete, schedule regular checks. 

The Right Water Heater Impacts Tenant Satisfaction

Having reliable hot water available in your property affects tenant retention and rental value

By installing a high-quality water heater, you can reduce tenant turnover and seek higher rents. On the flip side, temperamental or failing hot water heaters can result in complaints from tenants, missed rents from unoccupied rooms or whole properties, and costly repairs. 

It is wise to make a smart choice upfront and install a water heater that is safe, reliable, long-lasting and meets the needs of your property and its tenants. 

We hope you found this blog post about How To Choose The Right Water Heater For Your Rental Property In The UAE, useful. Be sure to check out our post Water Heater Installation Repair and Replacement Services for more great tips!


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