Aircon buying questions answered

Aircon buying guide: efficiency and running cost

The National Environment Agency (NEA) strongly encourages you to look for the Energy Label when buying a household aircon, in a shop or online. Most running-cost questions come back to what that label shows.

What do the ticks mean?

The Energy Label rates efficiency in ticks: 1 Low, 2 Fair, 3 Good, 4 Very Good and 5 Excellent. Portable aircons are rated only 1 to 2 ticks. NEA's buying tips say appliances with more ticks are generally more energy efficient. For how a 5-tick and a 3-tick model compare, see 5-tick or 3-tick aircon.

Is inverter always better?

The type alone does not tell you. The Energy Label covers both split type (inverter) and split type (non-inverter) aircons, and it shows each model's annual energy consumption in kWh. Compare that kWh figure across the models you are considering, not just the word inverter. The inverter or non-inverter aircon comparison explains the differences.

How do I compare two models' running cost?

Start with the annual energy consumption in kWh on each label. The label's annual energy cost uses fixed assumptions NEA states on the Energy Label, not your tariff. NEA's buying tips suggest looking at life cycle cost: purchase price plus annual energy cost multiplied by lifespan in years. The inverter payback calculator works through the comparison.

Size and type

Size is the next question, and it affects comfort as well as running cost. The Energy Label shows an aircon's size as its full load cooling capacity in kW, so you can check each model against the room.

What size aircon do I need?

NEA's buying tips say oversized units cost more to run and may not dehumidify well, while undersized ones do not cool or dehumidify adequately. A room with double ceiling height, a large window area, windows facing the sun (east or west) or extra heat sources such as bar fridges may need a larger unit. Start with the aircon BTU calculator.

Single split or multi-split?

NEA's buying tips say a multi-split system's total capacity is usually the sum of the rooms' capacities, but a smaller total may be enough if the rooms are not all cooled at the same time. For a detailed assessment, NEA says to consult your aircon supplier. The multi-split or single split comparison covers the practical differences.

Refrigerant and regulations

Two kinds of rules affect a new aircon: what refrigerant it may use, and how it is installed in an HDB flat.

Which refrigerant do new aircons use?

NEA says that since 2022, split-type household aircons (inverter and non-inverter, up to 17.6 kW) supplied in Singapore must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential of no more than 750. Goods supplied before then are not affected. Hydrofluorocarbons, commonly used as refrigerants, are potent greenhouse gases. Ask the supplier which refrigerant a model uses.

Does installing an aircon need an HDB permit or report?

A report, and sometimes a permit. HDB's guidelines require an installer trained by the Building and Construction Authority and an installation report to the HDB Branch within 14 days after installation. Flats with a 30 amp main switch need an electrical permit for a new 15A power point or 20A isolator. See aircon installation rules for HDB flats.

Installation and warranty

HDB holds flat owners responsible for the proper installation, safety and stability of their aircon, so the quote and the handover both deserve care.

What should the installation quote include?

A clear list of what is and is not covered, because price depends on the job. Ask whether it includes the piping run and insulation, the condensate pipe to a floor trap, rubber padding under the condensing unit, any new power point and the installation report to the HDB Branch. The aircon installation quote checklist lists what to confirm.

What should I check on handover?

Check the work against the quote before the installer leaves, and keep the warranty papers. Warranty terms are set by each brand. Daikin's terms, as one example, become void for, among other things, non-genuine parts or failure to follow Daikin's installation instructions. The new aircon handover checklist covers the rest.

Where to go next

If your aircon buying questions are answered, these pages cover the next steps. Installation price depends on the job, so check the cost guide before you collect quotes.

• Aircon installation to plan the job
• Aircon types if you are still choosing a system
• Aircon installation cost in HDB flats, the cost guide
• Aircon companies to compare companies in the directory

Questions