By the Urban Chill technical team · Updated
The short answer
As a rule of thumb, a 50-litre water heater suits one or two people, an 80-litre heater suits three or four, and five or more people need 100 litres or a second heater. Villas with bathrooms far apart often do better with one heater per bathroom than one large tank.
What size water heater do I need?
Start from the number of people who shower in the same morning or evening:
- 1 to 2 people: 50 litres
- 3 to 4 people: 80 litres
- 5 or more people: 100 litres or more, or a heater per bathroom
- Bathtub users: size up one step, because one bath can empty a 50-litre tank
One big heater or several small ones?
Most Dubai apartments have one heater per bathroom, often above the false ceiling. That keeps pipe runs short, so hot water arrives quickly and less heat is lost on the way. In villas, a single large tank far from an upstairs bathroom means a long wait for hot water. Several right-sized heaters are often the better design.
Does a bigger heater cost more to run?
Yes, a bigger tank keeps more water hot, so it loses a little more heat over the day. The difference is small compared with running out of hot water. The bigger saving comes from setting a sensible thermostat temperature and keeping the element free of scale with an annual service.
Related: Annual water heater service
How much does each size cost installed?
Urban Chill fixed prices for standard electric heaters, + VAT, including a new safety valve and removal of the old unit:
- 50 litres: from AED 699
- 80 litres: from AED 899
- 100 litres and above, or premium brands: quoted per model
Related: Water heater installation in Dubai · Water heater prices in Dubai
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a 50L heater with an 80L one?
Usually yes, if there is room and the mounting can carry the extra weight. An 80-litre tank is bigger and heavier when full, so we check the space and fixing points first.
Vertical or horizontal water heater?
It depends on where it goes. Vertical heaters suit cupboards and walls. Horizontal heaters fit above false ceilings, which is common in Dubai apartments.
Do you help choose the size?
Yes. We recommend a size at no extra cost before you commit to a new heater.
About the author
Written by the Urban Chill technical team, who carry out AC maintenance, painting and commercial kitchen hood cleaning across Dubai. Questions about this guide? Message us on WhatsApp.
Get the right size, installed
Tell us how many people live with you and where the heater goes. We'll recommend a size and give a fixed price.