Looking to save cost on aircon unit in Singapore? With temperatures often crossing 30°C and humidity staying high all year, most homes here depend on air conditioning to stay comfortable. But if your electricity bill keeps climbing, it may be time to make some smart changes.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or a long-time resident tired of sky-high utility bills, with these tips, you will learn how to save cost on aircon unit effectively.
1. Choose an Aircon That Fits Your Home Size
Not every aircon suits every home. In Singapore, many HDB flats have 2 to 4 rooms, and some people still install powerful units meant for bigger spaces. If your room is small but your aircon is too strong, it wastes energy.
For example, a 9,000 BTU unit works well for a small bedroom. A 12,000 BTU unit may be better for a living room. Choosing the right size helps your aircon cool the space efficiently, and this alone helps you save cost on air conditioner operation month after month.
2. Service Your Aircon Every 3 Months
If your aircon is not cleaned regularly, dust builds up inside. The unit works harder, uses more power, and cools less. I once delayed servicing my own aircon for 8 months. When the technician opened it, the filters were black, and my power bill had jumped by 20%.
Get your aircon serviced every 3 to 4 months. For homes with kids or the elderly, even every 2 months is ideal. Hiring experienced professionals like LS Aircon Servicing Singapore ensures the unit is cleaned properly, inside and out. They offer you aircon relocation, Gas Top Up, and general services in Singapore.
Clean filters and coils can improve energy efficiency by up to 30%. Over time, that’s real savings.
3. Set the Right Temperature – 25°C is Enough
Many people in Singapore turn their aircon down to 18°C or 20°C, thinking it will cool the room faster. It doesn’t. Instead, it overworks the system.
Set your aircon to 25°C. That’s the sweet spot. It’s cool enough for comfort and gentle on your unit. I made this change in my own home and saw a drop of about SGD 40 in my monthly bill.
If you still feel warm, use a standing or ceiling fan to help circulate the air. The air will feel cooler without needing extra energy from the AC. It’s a simple step that helps save costs on AC unit operations all year.
4. Install Curtains or Window Films to Block Heat
Singapore homes often get a lot of direct sunlight, especially in the afternoons. That sunlight heats up your room and makes your aircon work harder to cool it down.
Use blackout curtains or UV window films to block heat. You can get these at local shops in places like IMM or online platforms like Lazada or Shopee. I installed heat-blocking film on my west-facing windows last year, and the room became noticeably cooler. The aircon didn’t have to run as long.
This small home upgrade makes a big difference in saving costs on aircon units during sunny months.
5. Use a Smart Aircon Controller
Smart aircon controllers help you use your unit wisely. They allow you to turn your AC on and off using your phone. Some can even recognize your behaviors and adjust the settings for you.
Products like Sensibo and Ambi Climate are common in Singapore and easy to install. You don’t need to change your aircon; rather, just connect the controller to your Wi-Fi.
I use one in my home. It turns off the AC if I forget to leave the house. It also adjusts the temperature at night so I don’t wake up freezing. These smart tools are a one-time investment that can help save cost on aircon unit in Singapore consistently.
6. Don’t Let the Air Leak Out
Many older flats in Singapore have small gaps around windows or doors. Cool air can escape through these gaps, and hot air comes in. That forces your aircon to run longer.
To fix this, install door seal strips or window seals. You can find these in hardware stores or Daiso. They’re cheap, easy to install, and they make your aircon work better.
Try this test: Close the room, turn on the aircon, and check after 30 minutes. If the room doesn’t feel cool enough, there might be leakage. Plugging these gaps will help save costs on air conditioner performance with minimal effort.
7. Upgrade Old Units with Inverter Models
If your aircon is over 8 years old, it may be time to replace it. Older models use more power and take longer to cool.
Newer aircon systems, especially inverter types, are more energy-efficient. Depending on the amount of cooling required, they adjust their speed. This saves power and minimizes wear and tear.
Brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Panasonic offer 5-tick inverter systems in Singapore. Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but over time, you’ll save cost on aircon unit with lower bills and fewer repairs.
8. Turn Off When Not in Use
Sometimes, we forget to turn off the aircon when leaving a room. Or we let it run all night without a timer. This wastes power.
Use the timer or sleep mode function. Set the unit to turn off after 4 or 5 hours. If you wake up and feel warm, you can turn on the fan.
My family made this small change and saved over SGD 300 per year. It’s a simple habit that works well, especially if you’re looking to save costs on an AC unit without investing in new equipment.
Conclusion
Living in Singapore means using the aircon almost daily. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with high bills. With simple steps like choosing the right-sized unit, servicing regularly, sealing air leaks, and using smart controls, you can save cost on aircon unit in Singapore without giving up comfort.
Make small changes today, and you’ll feel the difference in your wallet and your room tomorrow.
