Before you buy: planning aircon installation
Before you buy, settle the timing and where each unit will go. Then see the aircon installation page to compare companies.
How many days does a multi-split installation need?
Often a day. The time depends mainly on the piping: longer runs, more fan coils and new trunking all add work. Ask the installer how long your layout will take before you book, and check whether someone needs to be home for the whole job.
Should I install before or after renovation works?
Before painting, where you can. Piping and trunking are easier to run before the walls are painted, and any touch-ups can be done in the same round of works. Agree the fan coil positions with your renovation contractor and the installer together, so the routes suit both jobs.
Do I need to measure the aircon ledge?
Yes, it helps. HDB's renovation guidelines say the aircon ledge is only for the condensing unit, and condensing units cannot be placed along the common corridor. Measure the ledge, or ask the installer to, before you choose an outdoor unit, so the system you buy fits the space.
Rules for flats
Before booking, read our guide to HDB aircon installation rules.
Who checks that the installer is trained?
You can check yourself. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says only trained air-conditioning unit installers certified by BCA can install an aircon unit outside or projecting from a building. Owners can check BCA's list of trained installers, so ask for the installer's name before the job and look it up.
Can the piping run outside the flat?
No. HDB's renovation guidelines say all aircon piping must run internally, pipe joints must be insulated and condensate must discharge into a floor trap in the flat. The guidelines also say there must be no hacking through reinforced concrete, so agree the piping route with the installer before work starts.
Can old brackets be reused?
Have them inspected before you decide. HDB's home care guide says to check that brackets are fixed to concrete or brick walls only, not timber frames, and that they are stainless steel, free of corrosion and rust. Ask the installer to check the old brackets against these points.
Electrical and refrigerant
The electrical supply and the system you choose both shape the job. For price, which depends on the job, see the aircon installation cost guide.
Who wires the aircon point?
A Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) does. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says electrical work at home should be carried out or supervised by an LEW. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. Ask the installer who will do it.
Does NEA limit which refrigerants new aircons can use?
Yes, for split-type household units. The National Environment Agency (NEA) says split-type household aircons supplied in Singapore since 2022 must use a refrigerant with a global warming potential (GWP) of no more than 750. Goods supplied before then are not affected. Ask the supplier which refrigerant your model uses.
What does the Energy Label tell you?
The label rates efficiency, which helps you compare models. NEA says Energy Labels show 1 to 5 ticks, and more ticks means more energy-efficient. The label covers household aircons and other appliances, and only registered models may be supplied in Singapore. Compare models of a similar capacity side by side.
On installation day
Leave time at the end of the job to walk through the whole system with the installer.
What should I check before the installer leaves?
Test each fan coil in cooling mode, one at a time. Check that the drainage works with no drips indoors, that the piping insulation is complete and that every remote works. Use the new aircon handover checklist as you go, and ask for any fault to be fixed before the installer leaves.
Should I keep the installation report?
Yes, ask for a copy. BCA says the trained installer submits the installation report no later than 14 days after completion. Ask the installer to confirm once it has been submitted, and keep your copy with your warranty papers for future servicing.
How soon should the brackets be checked?
At least every 6 months. BCA says owners must check aircon supports, such as stainless steel brackets and concrete ledges, for corrosion or damage at least every 6 months, and have the trained installer inspect them during routine servicing. BCA also says badly corroded brackets should be replaced with new stainless steel ones.
NEXT STEP
See aircon companies in the directory with their published prices, the areas they say they cover and their sources.
Compare aircon companiesWhere to go next
If you are still choosing a model, the aircon buying questions page answers common questions about picking one. For sizing, the BTU by room size guide and the aircon BTU calculator help you match capacity to each room before you ask for quotes. For price, which depends on the job, see the cost guide in the electrical section above. When you do ask companies to quote, give each one the same details: the number of fan coils, the rooms they serve, the outdoor unit position and any renovation timing.
Questions
Do tenants need the owner's consent for a new aircon?
Yes, in practice: get the flat owner's written consent before any work starts. The owner's obligations under HDB's renovation guidelines remain, so the owner should know who is installing. Agree in writing who pays, who arranges servicing and what happens to the system when the tenancy ends.
Can an aircon be installed during renovation works?
Yes. Ask the installer and your renovation contractor to agree the order of works, since piping and trunking are easier to run before painting. HDB's renovation guidelines still apply during renovation: all aircon piping must run internally and there must be no hacking through reinforced concrete.
Does a new aircon need a new trunking route?
Not always. If the new fan coils go where the old ones were, the installer may be able to follow the existing route. A new layout, extra fan coils or a different outdoor unit position usually needs a new route. Ask the installer to show you the planned route before work starts.
Can the installer remove my old aircon?
Yes, if it is part of the job you agree. Ask whether removing and disposing of the old unit is included in the quote, since the price depends on the job (see the cost guide above). The old system's refrigerant gas should be recovered by trained technicians, so ask how the installer handles it.
How long should I wait before using a new aircon?
Test it on the same day, while the installer is still there. Running each fan coil in cooling mode with the installer present means any fault, drip or remote problem can be sorted out on the spot. After that, use it as normal, and call the installer if anything changes.
Can a fan coil go above the bed?
Yes, it can, but avoid a spot where any drips would land on the bed. Ask the installer to suggest a position that keeps the bed clear of drips and direct airflow, and agree it before they drill.
Practical guidance for planning a home job in Singapore. Company prices come from the HomezyPro directory, each linked to its source; rules and safety points link to the agency or manufacturer that sets them. This is not a site inspection, a quote or professional advice for your home.
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