The Ultimate Guide to Aircon Efficiency in Singapore (2025)

Singapore's year-round tropical climate means air conditioners work harder than almost anywhere else in the world. With rising electricity costs and increasing environmental awareness, optimising your aircon's efficiency isn’t just about comfort—it’s about saving money and reducing energy waste.

In this article, we discover some actionable tips to immediately improve your aircon’s efficiency and some professional maintenance secrets that can extend your aircon’s lifespan. In the end, we answer some frequently asked questions by Singaporean homeowners.

Importance of Aircon Efficiency

Aircons account for up to 60% of household electricity use in Singapore. Poorly maintained aircon units consume 30–50% more energy with lower cooling efficiency. Inefficient cooling can lead to frequent breakdowns and costly repairs.

On the other hand, an efficient aircon system offers several benefits, such as:

Lowers your monthly utility bills.
Reduces your carbon footprint.
Enables you to enjoy cooler, cleaner air.
Help you avoid unexpected repair costs.
Reduces mould, dust, and allergens in your home.
Properly maintained units last 2–3 years longer.

All these reasons show why it is important for you to ensure your aircon’s efficiency.

Why Is My Aircon Not Efficient? (Common Causes)

Singapore’s hot and humid climate forces aircons to work harder, leading to higher energy bills, weak cooling, and frequent breakdowns. The main causes of poor aircon efficiency include:

Dirty air filters & clogged condenser coils
Low refrigerant (gas) levels
Incorrect thermostat settings
Old, non-inverter aircon models
Poor insulation or air leaks in your HDB/condo

Keep reading to transform your aircon from an energy hog into an efficiency champion!

10 Ways to Improve Aircon Efficiency in Singapore

Whether you live in an HDB flat, condo, or landed property in Singapore, these locally-tested strategies will help you:

1. Set the Best Temperature for Energy Savings

Your aircon should work ideally at a specific temperature where it will cool your room and save energy as well.

The ideal temperature setting for an aircon is 24–26°C (NEA-recommended for optimal efficiency)
Even in extreme heat, avoid setting the temperature too low. For example, a setting of 18°C forces the compressor to overwork, resulting in increased energy bills.
You can use the "Auto" mode, as it adjusts fan speed based on the room temperature.

2. Clean or Replace Air Filters Monthly

If you want your aircon to work efficiently, it is important that you clean the air filters regularly.

Clogged filters reduce airflow by 15%, making your aircon work harder.
You can even clean your aircon filter easily. Take out the air filters and wash them with mild soap, rinse, and dry completely. Reinstall the air filters to improve the aircon’s efficiency.

3. Schedule Professional Aircon Servicing Every 3–6 Months

Although DIY aircon servicing and cleaning is important, you should also schedule professional aircon servicing to ensure deep and thorough cleaning.

Professional aircon steam cleaning removes mould & deep-seated dirt.
Aircon chemical wash cleanses the aircon, especially for grease buildup in kitchen aircons.
Gas top-up if cooling is weak (a sign of refrigerant leak).

4. Upgrade to an Inverter Aircon

An inverter aircon can offer great energy savings and efficiency compared to a non-inverter aircon.

Inverter aircon saves 30–50% energy as compared to non-inverter models.
Some of the best inverter brands in Singapore include Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Panasonic.

5. Seal Gaps & Improve Insulation

Leaving gaps and poor insulation is another common cause of lowered aircon efficiency.

Check window seals, door gaps, and duct leaks. Fill out and seal all the gaps.
Use thermal curtains to block heat from sunlight.

6. Use a Smart Thermostat or Timer

Leaving the aircon working for hours at a time reduces its efficiency.

Set an auto-off timer once the room is cool (e.g., 1–2 hours before waking up).
Opt for smart AC controllers (e.g., Sensibo) that adjust temperatures via Wi-Fi.

7. Keep the Condenser Unit Clean & Unblocked

Just as it is important to clean aircon filters, it is equally important that you keep the condenser unit clean and unblocked.

The outdoor unit must have at least 1m clearance for improved airflow.
Remove leaves, dust, and debris regularly from the outer condenser unit.

8. Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances Near the Aircon

Keeping heat-generating appliances near an aircon unit can also reduce its efficiency.

Fridges, ovens, and TVs increase room temperature.
Place them at least 3 feet away from the indoor AC unit.

9. Use Ceiling Fans to Improve Air Circulation

To improve the aircon efficiency, it is crucial that there be effective air circulation in the room.

Use fans to help distribute cool air faster, reducing AC workload.
Set the aircon fan to clockwise rotation in cooling mode.

10. Know When to Replace an Old Aircon

Like every electrical appliance, an aircon has a lifespan after which it must be replaced to ensure optimal performance. The typical lifespan of an aircon unit is 7–10 years (older units consume 40% more energy).

Signs you need a new aircon:
- Frequent repairs
- Uneven cooling
- Rising electricity bills

Aircon Efficiency Comparison: Inverter vs. Non-Inverter

Inverter aircons are more efficient for Singapore’s climate.

Feature	Inverter Aircon	Non-Inverter Aircon
Energy Use	Adjusts compressor speed (saves 30–50%)	Runs at full power, then turns off
Cost (Singapore)	$800–$2,500+	$500–$1,500
Best For	Long-term savings, HDB/condo use	Budget buyers and for rarely used rooms

Practical Tips for Maximum Aircon Efficiency

Set the temperature at 25°C.
Use "Auto" mode in the aircon.
Clean air filters monthly.
Service your aircon every 6 months.
Upgrade to an inverter if your unit is old.

By following these steps, you can cut energy costs by 20–40% while keeping your home cool!

Need an Aircon Efficiency Check in Singapore?

At 338 Aircon, we help homeowners lower energy bills with a wide range of services, such as:

Professional servicing (steam cleaning, gas top-up)
Efficiency diagnostics (thermal leak checks)
Affordable inverter aircon installations

Contact 338 Aircon and call us at +65 8855 4141 for a free consultation! Servicing all areas in Singapore: Tampines, Bishan, Jurong, Punggol & more.

338 Aircon Servicing Singapore provides an extensive range of Aircon Services including Aircon Servicing, Aircon Repairs, Aircon Installation of the best aircon brands, Chemical Overhaul, Gas Top-up, Aircon Leaking Water, and Aircon Not Cold Fix, and more. We have a team of professional technicians who are equipped with vast knowledge and experience in the Aircon industry.

We have over 15 years of experience in dealing with aircon works and have completed thousands of aircon works for both residential (Landed, Condo, and HDB) and commercial. We are a highly recommended Aircon Company in Singapore, with many delighted customers and reviews over the years on Google and Facebook.

WhatsApp us at +65 9222 4141 for a transparent quotation and honest pricing for all your aircon needs or Call us at +65 9222 4141. We offer a fast and efficient service to serve any of your aircon needs!

FAQs: Aircon Efficiency in Singapore

What’s the best temperature for an aircon in Singapore?

A temperature of 24–26°C is ideal for Singapore’s climate. Every 1°C increase saves 3–5% energy. A temperature below 23°C makes the compressor work 40% harder, lowering the aircon’s efficiency.

How much electricity does an aircon use per hour in Singapore?

Aircon Type	Estimated Cost/Hour*
1HP Non-Inverter	0.25–0.35
1HP Inverter	0.15–0.25
2HP Inverter	0.30–0.45

*Based on SP Group's 2024 tariff rates

How often should I service my aircon for peak efficiency?

For basic cleaning, aircon servicing should be carried out every 3 months (DIY filter wash). However, for professional servicing, opt for a steam/chemical wash every 6 months.

How often should I clean my aircon filters?

Basic aircon filter cleaning should be done every 2 weeks (especially for pet owners/smokers)

For deep cleaning, you wash the filters with mild soap every month.

Inverter vs non-inverter: Which saves more money?

Although an inverter may have a higher price as compared to a non-inverter AC, it helps save money in the long run.

Inverter savings: 30–50% on electricity bills
Payback period: 1–2 years (making it worth the investment)

Does turning the aircon on and off waste energy?

Yes! Frequent cycling of the aircon strains the compressor. Use "Dry" or "Fan" mode if you want to take short breaks from the aircon.

Why is my aircon using so much electricity?

Common causes of an aircon consuming too much electricity include:

Dirty filters/coils
Refrigerant leak
Old unit (10+ years)

Should I leave my aircon on all day to save energy?

No! Although inverter aircons are efficient, turning them off when they are not required saves more energy.