About a month ago we moved to Kunming, and have been "enjoying" the dubious benefits of solar hot water. However with the recent cold snap, we have asked our landlady of we can install an electric hot water unit. We have had a look at some in Carrefour so far, but also want to know of any other places which can supply and install an electric hot water unit. Also anything you can tell us about the merits of the different brands is also appreciated. Unsurprisingly, we are looking to do this pretty soon! So any help is appreciated!

Thanks,
Hamish

A great place to check a good variety of water heaters is at B & Q, a British do it yourself home center near the site of the Horiticultural Expo in northeast Kunming (www.bnq.com.cn/website/BnqEnglish/default/map_kunming.asp). Take No. 47, No. 68, No. 69, No. 71, No. 72 or No. 146 buses to the last stop and walk back about 300 meters. Though most Chinese brands are probably adequate, quality control in Chinese products are spotty. Take a look at Ariston (a fully imported Italian brand) or AO Smith (a fully imported American brand). You'll find sizes ranging from 40 liters on up. You can also find "on-demand" or "tankless heaters" that can be very efficient and easy to install, but remember that they only work well when the incoming water supply is not ice cold. Many other places sell water heaters like Sunning Appliance and Gome Appliance, but at B & Q you will probably find someone who speaks English and you can arrange for installation.

Ahmet, you are a STAR! Thanks so much. It's too late to go there today, but I will make the trip there tomorrow.

Thanks again, Hamish