Choosing an air conditioner in Singapore can be a really complex process, considering the number of units offered on the market. Aside from the air cooling features and energy efficiency, the air conditioner’s size and placement also matter. Whether you are buying a window unit or a split system air conditioner, finding the best air conditioner type and size will give you the best functionality and energy efficiency. If you are wondering what size of air conditioner is best for your home, this guide is for you.
In this ultimate guide to air conditioner sizes in Singapore, we will talk about the different air conditioner sizes, capacities, aircon BTU, and types that you can install in your home.
What is an Aircon BTU?
Before anything else, let’s talk about this term that we’ll use in this guide. In technical terms, an air conditioner's size does not describe the unit’s physical measurements but refers to its capacity.
When shopping for an air conditioner in Singapore, you will come across the acronym BTU. An aircon BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a unit of measurement used to indicate how much energy your air conditioner uses to remove heat from a space within an hour. The higher the BTU of the aircon, the faster it can cool a room. Air conditioners with higher BTU ratings are also better equipped for cooling large spaces.
What Size of Air Conditioner Do You Need?
An air conditioner is a long-term commitment that can impact your comfort and spending. To enjoy the best of your air conditioner’s functions while saving on your electricity bills.
Generally, an air conditioner that is too small for your room will have a hard time cooling it. The maxim "the bigger, the better" does not apply to air conditioners either. In fact, an AC unit that is too big will cycle off too quickly, resulting in a cool yet humid space. This is because an air conditioner is supposed to remove humidity while cooling the area. If it does not run long enough, you’ll end up experiencing a cool yet clammy space. To prevent these, your air conditioner size must fit your room requirements.
So, how much BTU do you need? Here are some things that you should consider when selecting the size of your air conditioner.
Room Size
The primary factor to consider when buying an air conditioner is the size of your room. As a rule of thumb, the larger the room, the higher the BTU requirement will be. Here are some general BTU ratings for common room types in Singapore.
|
Room Size |
HDB Aircon BTU Requirement |
|
Common HDB room, study room |
9, 000 BTU |
|
HDB main room, small lounge |
12, 000 BTU |
|
4-room flat living room |
18, 000 BTU |
|
5-room flat living room, open-concept living room |
22, 000 to 24, 000 BTU |
As seen on the table, a larger room will require a larger air conditioner, or BTU. For instance, an aircon in your living room could require twice the BTU that your bedroom will need.
Aside from the general size of your HDB room, the ceiling height, configuration, and surroundings can also affect its air conditioner BTU requirement. Rooms with higher ceilings and those located in areas that are more exposed to the sun will call for more cooling power.
Room Location
Is your area shady or sunny? As we mentioned earlier, areas that receive more heat will require air conditioners with higher BTU ratings. This is because rooms with higher temperatures and humidity will require the air conditioning unit to work harder. If your room is exposed to a sunny area, increase your BTU requirement by 10 percent.
Number of Occupants
The number of people occupying the room will also affect the air conditioner's BTU requirement. People release body heat, which can increase the temperature within the room. If there are more people sharing your space, consider getting an air conditioner with a higher BTU rating. This also applies to living rooms, which often accept more visitors.
Number of Appliances
Appliances also release heat when used. If you have lots of heat-releasing appliances in your room, especially the kitchen, increase your air conditioning BTU requirement. Lighting is also a factor to consider.
Why Does Size Matter?
Considering the price of an air conditioner in Singapore, it is tempting to buy the smallest AC unit. However, an air conditioning unit that is too small is not always the most economical choice as we have to also consider your HDB room size or apartment size.
Air conditioners that are too small or too big offer their own sets of issues. AC units that are too small will only work harder to keep up with the temperature requirements, while a unit that is too big is overkill. The following are some of the drawbacks of an oversized or undersized air conditioner:
Air conditioner that is too small:
- Spends a long time to reach the proper temperature
- Requires the unit to work at its maximum capacity to produce the desired output
- May dry out the air too much with its maximum capacity
- Wears off more easily than a right-sized air conditioner
- Increases your power usage
Air conditioner that is too big:
- Cools the air very fast but may not tackle humidity
- Increases your power consumption
- Goes through a lot of wear and tear
- Provides an extra cooling that will only go to waste since the room does not require much cooling capacity
Conclusion
It's always a wise idea to do your research before investing in anything for your home, especially furniture pieces and air conditioners that are meant to last for many years. In the end, you don’t want to end up buying an air conditioner that will only increase your power consumption without giving you the best results. Thankfully, many air conditioners in Singapore are designed to fit common HDB room sizes.
Split air conditioners in Singapore are offered in a variety of BTU levels, from the standard 9, 000 BTU air conditioner for smaller spaces to 24, 000 BTU for living rooms and open-concept areas. At Megafurniture, we offer multiple air conditioner systems to offer you combinations that will fit your room’s requirements.
Ready to buy your new air conditioner in Singapore? Browse through our collection of high-quality air conditioners from the best AC brands in Singapore. Shop your air conditioner at the best price in the convenience of your home.