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Due to Singapore’s year-round heat and humid weather, having air conditioning in the home is a necessity for added comfort. But if you’ve ever looked at your utility bill and wondered how much of it comes from your aircon use, you’re not alone. Air conditioners are among the biggest contributors to household energy consumption, and understanding how they use electricity can help you manage your costs more effectively.
Understanding Aircon Usage in Singapore
Air conditioners play a central role in keeping indoor environments livable in Singapore’s hot climate. With temperatures often hitting 30°C or higher and humidity levels soaring, it’s common for aircon units to run for many hours each day—sometimes even 24/7.
This level of usage means that air conditioning can account for a significant portion of your monthly electricity bill. On average, households in Singapore spend around $30 to $45 per month just to run air conditioning. The hourly cost ranges from $0.30 to $0.45, depending on several variables.
Types of Air Conditioners in Singapore
The kind of air conditioning unit you have makes a big difference in how much electricity it uses. These are the most common types of air conditioners in Singapore:
- Split Systems: These types of air conditioners have indoor units and outdoor compressors, mostly it is popular for residential use.
- Window Units: Typically found in older flats. Compact but less energy-efficient.
- Portable Air Conditioners: Used occasionally for flexibility, but they tend to use more energy.
- Central HVAC Systems: Common in larger homes or office buildings, distributing cool air via ducts.
Among these, split units are generally the most efficient for home use. Older systems or improperly sized units (too big or too small for your space) may lead to unnecessary energy consumption.
The Cost of Operating Aircon in Singapore
It is no secret that using an air conditioner can increase your monthly electricity bill. But you might not be able to truly calculate how much the cost is every month, as the total cost will largely depend on current electricity rates in Singapore and how energy-efficient your aircon unit is.
But if you want to have a rough cost estimation, you can use this explanation. A standard aircon generally consumes 1,200 watts per hour. Thus, if you want to estimate your daily energy usage, you need to first check the wattage of your unit. Afterward, you can multiply it by the number of hours you use it each day and divide by 1,000 to convert it into kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Example: 1,200 watts × 8 hours (aircon average daily use in home) = 9,600 watt-hours
This means your usage for air conditioners is around. 9.6 kWh per day. With average electricity rates ranging from $0.30 to $0.45 per hour, this can lead to monthly costs of approximately $30 to $45. However, your actual spending may vary depending on how frequently and how long you use the aircon.
Key Factors That Influence Aircon Electricity Use
Cooling Capacity and Efficiency
The size (measured in horsepower or kW) and energy efficiency rating of your aircon directly affect how much electricity it uses. A 1.5 HP unit, for example, typically consumes around 1,200 watts per hour.
Older units, especially those over 10 years old, tend to be less efficient. Consider upgrading to a model with more “ticks” on the energy label—Singapore’s rating system, where more ticks mean better efficiency.
Temperature Settings
Each degree you lower your aircon below 25°C can increase energy usage by 3% to 5%. Setting your thermostat to around 24–25°C is generally a good balance between comfort and energy savings. In fact, setting the temperature to 24°C instead of 18–21°C can cut your energy use by up to 24%, according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Usage Duration
The longer you run your air conditioner, the more electricity it consumes, leading to higher utility bills. That’s why being mindful of how many hours your aircon runs each day is important, not just for cost savings but also for your overall well-being.
Limiting usage can help reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. Additionally, giving your body occasional breaks from cold air can be beneficial for your health, especially for those prone to respiratory issues or dry skin. Instead of running the aircon continuously, consider using it only when needed—such as during the hottest part of the day or while sleeping—and turning it off or switching to a fan when the temperature is comfortable.
How to Save Electricity While Using Aircon
Reducing your aircon’s energy consumption doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With a few strategic changes, you can keep your home cool while lowering your electricity bills.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Keeping your air conditioner in top condition starts with regular cleaning. Filters should be cleaned or replaced every month, as dirty filters force the system to work harder, increasing energy use. It’s also important to schedule a professional inspection and cleaning from a reputable company such as Luce.
Luce skilled technician can check the refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and inspect the electrical components to ensure your air conditioner unit is running efficiently.
Smart Usage Habits
Being wise when using air conditioners is the ultimate key to reducing electricity usage. Set the temperature to 24–25°C for a comfortable yet energy-saving setting. Take advantage of timers to switch off the unit when you’re asleep or away from home. During the day, keep curtains or blinds closed to block out sunlight and reduce indoor heat. You can also use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air, which allows you to keep the thermostat slightly higher without losing comfort.
Upgrade Your Aircon
If your aircon is outdated, consider switching to an inverter model with a higher energy efficiency rating. Choosing the correct size for your room is equally important—oversized units may cool too quickly and turn on and off frequently, which wastes energy.
You might also want to invest in a smart thermostat, which can adjust temperature settings based on your daily routine to optimize power usage automatically.
Conclusion
So, how much electricity does your aircon use in Singapore? The answer depends on several factors: the type of unit, how often you run it, your temperature settings, and how well you maintain it.
For most households, air conditioning costs $30 to $45 per month, but that number can go up if you’re not careful. Hopefully, by understanding how your aircon system works and following some smart usage and maintenance tips, you can enjoy a cool home without sweating over your power bill.
