Can you move your aircon to a new home?

Can you relocate an aircon?

Yes, you can move an existing aircon to your new flat, as long as the system works well and suits the new layout.

A relocation is three jobs in one. The installer dismantles the system at your old home, transports the units and reinstalls them at the new address. Many firms quote it as an aircon dismantle and reinstall job, and the price depends on the job: the number of units, the pipe lengths and the access at both homes all play a part.

Most installers fit new copper piping and new insulation at the new home rather than reusing the old pipes. The old pipes were cut for the old layout, and the new rooms usually need a different route. What you carry over is the indoor units, the outdoor unit and the remote controls.

If you plan to move your aircon to a new house or flat, ask the installer to check the system before moving day. A unit that is noisy, leaking or cooling poorly now will not get better after the move. To compare with fitting a new system, see the companies listed for aircon installation.

When moving it makes sense

Moving your aircon makes sense when the system is fairly new, works well and fits the new home. Go through these checks with your installer before you agree to the job.

• Age and condition. A system that is a few years old and cools well is usually a good candidate. An older one that needs frequent repairs may not be.
• Room sizes. Each indoor unit should suit the size of the room it will cool. A unit from a small bedroom may struggle in a large living room.
• Outdoor unit. The condensing unit has to fit the aircon ledge at the new home, with space for the pipes and for servicing.
• Refrigerant type. Check the label on the outdoor unit to see which refrigerant the system uses.

The National Environment Agency (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 (GWP) of no more than 750. Goods supplied before then are not affected (NEA).

If your system is an older one that runs on R22, read about old R22 aircons before you pay to move it. If it fails more than one of these checks, compare the relocation quote with buying new.

Dismantling: pump down the gas

A careful dismantle keeps the refrigerant in the system and the pipe connections clean. The job usually runs like this:

1. Pump down the gas. The technician runs the system and pumps the refrigerant back into the outdoor unit.
2. Switch off the power. The installer switches the aircon off at the isolator before disconnecting anything.
3. Remove the units and cap the pipes. The indoor and outdoor units come down, and the open pipe ends are capped to keep out dust and moisture.
4. Transport the outdoor unit upright. The condensing unit travels upright and secured, so it cannot tip over in the van.

NEA says refrigerant should be recovered by trained technicians. It also notes that the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) offers the Certificate of Competency in Residential Air-Conditioning System (Refrigerant) course for household aircon technicians (NEA). Ask whether the technician handling your gas has been trained.

Reinstalling in an HDB flat

HDB says air-conditioners must be installed by an air-conditioning condensing unit installer trained by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), and an installation report goes to the HDB Branch within 14 days after installation (HDB). Ask your installer to confirm their training and who will submit the report.

HDB's guidelines also cover where each part goes. Condensing units cannot be placed along the common corridor, and the aircon ledge is only for the condensing unit. All aircon piping must run internally, pipe joints must be insulated and condensate must discharge into a floor trap in the flat. There must be no hacking through reinforced concrete (HDB).

Whether you need a permit depends on your flat. HDB says flats with a 40 amp main switch, and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or Home Improvement Programme (HIP), do not need a permit for aircon installation but should still follow the guidelines. Flats with a 30 amp main switch have separate requirements (HDB). If you are not sure which applies, ask HDB or your installer.

For more on these rules, see our guide to HDB aircon installation rules.

Check the brackets and the old home

Before the outdoor unit goes back up, look at what it will sit on. HDB's home care guide asks you to check that brackets are on concrete or brick walls only, not timber frames, and that stainless steel brackets are free of corrosion and rust (HDB). If the brackets at the new flat look worn, ask the installer about replacing them.

At the old home, the move leaves trunking, brackets and holes in the wall. Agree with the buyer or landlord, in writing, whether these stay or go and who patches the holes. Add it to your moving house checklist so it is settled before handover.

Questions