In Singapore’s weather, an aircon is a must in every home. There are so many aircon brands out there – how do you know which one to get for your home. This is why we wrote this comprehensive guide on buying an aircon in Singapore. First, here are the best aircon brands that you can get!
1. Mitsubishi Aircon
Mitsubishi Starmex aircons have been a top seller in Singapore for years. There are a few key reasons for their success. Firstly, Mitsubishi aircons are very energy-efficient. Their aircons are equipped with Mitsubishi Electric Advanced Inverter Technology that cools down the room fast and efficiently. You will often find their best-selling products endorsed with 5 ticks of energy efficiency. For the hot Singapore weather, having an energy-efficient aircon is essential for lower operating costs.
Secondly, Mitsubishi aircons are very durable. Having a long-lasting aircon will save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repair and replacing fees. While it is likely that a Mitsubishi aircon is priced slightly higher than its competitors, this price differential could save you much more over the next 5 to 10 years.
Another thing we love about the Mitsubishi Starmex aircon is that they are very quiet. Having a silent aircon is super important, especially in your bedroom. Additionally, many of their aircons have an air-cleaning system. This usually comprises of a Catechin and Plasma Duo air filter that eliminates bacteria, germs and also bad smells. A fresh, clean and quiet room is what you will get with a Mitsubishi aircon.
Cleaning and maintaining a Mitsubishi aircon is simple. It has a quick clean design that makes it easy for you to do some spring cleaning of its vents, filters and fan. With quick and simple maintenance processes, you can make your Mitsubishi aircon last even longer.
Here are some of the recommended Mitsubishi aircon models in Singapore
2. Daikin Aircon
When you are looking for an aircon brand in Singapore, either Daikin or Mitsubishi will undoubtedly pop up. Daikin is not just popular in Singapore but also all around the world in more than 150 countries. In fact, Daikin is the number one aircon brand in the entire world.
As a Japanese brand, quality is one of its core competencies. When you buy a Daikin aircon, you will get a quality product that will last for years at top efficiency. Daikin has invested more than $300 million into its R&D ventures to continually provide the highest-quality and technologically-advanced aircons to the world.
Currently, Daikin has the following product ranges for their aircons – SMILE Series, Super Multi NX, Super Multi HW, Ezi Series. Let’s dive into some of the benefits of their most popular residential aircon – the SMILE Series.
The Daikin SMILE series has every feature and benefit you want in a home aircon. It is rated at 5 ticks efficiency which will save you around 33% in electrical bills compared to a 3 tick model. It has super powerful cooling performance that will win the war against Singapore’s hot weather. The Daikin SMILE aircon is also perfect for your bedroom as it is super quiet at 19dB – quieter than a soft whisper. It is also equipped with the Intelligent Eye Sensor which senses your movement and send the cool air wherever you are. If you want the best aircon for your home – the Daikin SMILE is one to definitely consider.
Here are some of the recommended Daikin aircon models in Singapore
3. EuropAce Aircon
EuropAce is a pretty new entrant into the aircon market. However, their portable aircon have made a name for themselves with their excellent performance along with an affordable price tag. Now, you can even buy a split aircon system from EuropAce. Here are some reasons why an EuropAce aircon is a smart choice.
They are a reputable brand that has built a strong reputation for quality and affordable home appliances. From fans to air fryers, EuropAce products are popular among the budget-savvy Singaporeans. They are no longer just a newcomer to the scene but are close competitors of the big brands.
EuropAce aircons are relatively affordable, especially their portable aircon range. You can get a new EuropAce portable aircon for under $400 if there are discounts. That includes functionality like air purification and dehumidification. No wonder they see such a huge demand in Singapore.
Here are some of the popular Europace aircons in Singapore
- EuropAce 22000 BTU System 3 Aircon
- EuropAce 8000 BTU Casement Aircon
- EuropAce 1200 BTU 4-in-1 Portable Aircon
4. Midea Aircon
Although founded in 1968, Midea is a relatively new entrant to the Singapore market. So are their aircons any good? Based on both online and offline feedback, it has been pretty mixed. One thing that stands out for sure is their value-for-money positioning. You will find that Midea aircons are cheaper than brands like Daikin and Mitsubishi. If you want a more affordable aircon option, Midea would fit the bill.
There aren’t really any standout features for Midea aircons. That is expected given you are paying less for one. However, for day-to-day functionality, Midea aircons do decently well. One of their more popular models is the Midea window unit aircon. It is powerful, relatively quiet and also very affordable at just $560.
Here are some of the more popular Midea aircons in Singapore
5. Panasonic Aircon
Since 1955, Panasonic has been a giant in the consumer and home appliance segment. Beyond a wide range of appliances, Panasonic also has a reputation as a brand that is committed to constant improvement and quality. Their motto is “A Better Life, A Better World” which their products help to achieve. And one of those products is their popular aircon range.
Currently, one of their top-selling aircon is the Panasonic Deluxe Inverter XS Series. Panasonic aircons do not just cool down your room – they make the room cooler and better. Panasonic views good air quality as an essential in any home as it relates to your health. It uses Nanoe-G technology to remove dust, PM2.5 particles and purify the air. Even when you are out, you can keep just the air purifier on so that you come home to fresh and clean air. It is this commitment to making your life better that makes Panasonic aircons a great addition to your home.
Here are some of the more popular Panasonic aircons in Singapore
6. LG Aircon
Life is indeed good with an LG aircon. With new models coming out whenever there are new innovations, you’ll get the best technology with an LG aircon. LG split inverter aircons are popular, especially their Health+ series.
The LG Multi-Split Health+ Series offers a comprehensive solution to cooling your home and also protecting you at the same time. The LG aircon can filter, deodorize, eliminate, ionizing and clean itself. Germs, bacteria and dust will not stand a chance. LG’s inverter aircon system is also designed to be extremely energy-efficient. You can expect up to 60% energy savings that will make you smile when you see your monthly utilities bill. If you like a sleek-looking aircon that does its job well, an LG aircon will suit your home perfectly.
7. Fujitsu Aircon
Fujitsu developed their first aircon way back in 1965. They are one of the pioneers of the modern aircon. They have continued their innovation and improvement through the years as can be seen by the current Fujitsu ASYG range of split aircons.
The Fujitsu ASYG aircons are slim, sleek and powerful. It can ramp up it motors at the start so that your room cools down faster. You can also activate the low noise mode to reduce the sound emitted by the compressor. If you like a more eco-friendly option, you can also choose the economy operation mode. Fujitsu is a solid all-round choice for a home aircon.
You may be interested in these articles!
- The Best Portable Aircons For Singapore’s Hot Weather
- The 13 Best Ceiling Fans to Beat Singapore’s Hot Weather
- The 8 Best Humidifiers in Singapore | Buying Guide
- The 8 Best Air Coolers in Singapore to Keep You Cool
- The 8 Best Air Purifiers For Singapore To Fight The Haze
Where to buy an air conditioner in Singapore?
Lazada
Buying an aircon online can be cheaper than buying it from a physical retail store. After all, an aircon is not really a product that benefits from looking at it in real-life. Every brand and model has its features and specifications clearly stated online. If you buy an aircon from Lazada, do sign up for the Liveup program so that you can get rebates from your purchase. Additionally, there are often offers and discount coupons available not only during sales period but throughout the year. For more information about any aircon brand or model, you can contact the individual store to ask for further information. They are usually very responsive and knowledgeable. Best of all, you don’t have to head out in the hot weather to buy an aircon. You can do it all in the comfort of your own home.
You can find aircon brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, EuropAce, Midea and Panasonic on Lazada. Click here to check out the latest offers for aircons on Lazada!
Gain City
Gain City is a popular destination for aircon buyers because of their expertise in aircons. Besides selling aircons, they also provide aircon servicing and repair services, which may be a convenient choice for consumers. They offer 1-year, 2-year and even 3-year service packages which you can tag onto your aircon purchase.
You can find aircon brands like LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Daikin, EuropAce, Midea, Mitsubishi in Gain City outlets.
Courts
Courts is a household name in Singapore for furniture and home electronics. It is no surprise that they are one of the most popular destinations to buy an aircon from. With outlets in almost any part of Singapore, you can be sure to find a Courts store near you. For more choices, you can also visit the Courts Megastore.
You can find these aircon brands in Courts – LG, Fujitsu, Daikin, EuropAce, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Midea, Panasonic and Trentios.
Best Denki
With a total of 11 stores in Singapore, Best Denki is another popular household appliances retailer. You will be able to find most aircon brands here. Some of the brands that Best Denki carries include Daikin, EuropAce, Fujitsu, Hitachi, LG, Mitsubishi and Panasonic.
Aircon Buying Guide: Everything you need to know
We all use aircons, but we may not know the factors for choosing the right air conditioner for our home. Sometimes, we just listen to the retail salesman and assume everything he or she says is right. Well, they may be right, but the best way to know is to arm yourself with some information for cross-reference. Here are some of the most important things you should know!
What is BTU (British Thermal Units)?
BTU stands for British Thermal Units. In terms of air conditioners, BTU figures show much much BTUs it can add or remove from the air per hour. So is a higher BTU always better? Generally yes, the higher the BTU, the more powerful an air conditioner is. That means it will be able to cool down the room faster.
However, a higher BTU may not always be better. If your aircon has much more BTU than necessary to cool down a room, it will power off frequently after the room is cooled. When done excessively, it will affect the lifespan of the aircon.
How much BTU to cool a room?
So how much BTU should your aircon have to cool down a room efficiency and effectively? It all depends on the size of your room or space. You should also take note of how many rooms you need to cool concurrently if you are using a split air conditioner set up.
For a single 150 square feet room, you would need an aircon with 5000 BTU. The average room in an HDB flat is around 150 to 180 square feet. For every 50 square feet increase, you need an additional 1000 BTU. If you are planning to cool down every space in your HDB flat excluding your kitchen, that would equate to around 700 square feet of space. For that, you would need an aircon to have a BTU of between 13000 to 15000.
How loud (dB) is the aircon?
A noisy aircon is a nightmare, especially when you just bought it. For a peaceful and quiet night of sleep, it is important to choose a quiet air conditioner. The sound emitted from an aircon can be measured in terms of decibels. According to the World Health Organization, you should not be exposed to more than 40dB of noise at night. Otherwise, you might have insomnia and other health problems.
Honestly, it’s hard to imagine what is a dB of sound. For reference, normal breathing is around 10dB. A whisper would register at about 20dB. 40dB would be the sound of light snoring. If someone snores in the same room as you, it will likely affect your sleep. Therefore, you should get an aircon that emits less than 40dB of noise, preferably 30dB and below.
Type of air conditioners
Window unit aircon
Window unit aircon as the name suggests is a single air conditioner unit which is installed on your window. It used to be popular, but most people opt for a multi-unit air conditioner nowadays. If you only want to have aircon in one room, a window unit aircon could be what you are looking for.
A window unit has these advantageous. It is generally cheaper than a full-fledged aircon system. If you don’t have a space to install a converter outside, a window unit is a godsend as it is just one single appliance. Without a compressor, a window unit aircon is easier to maintain as you only need to service it.
On the other hand, there are also some cons associated with a window unit aircon. You will need to give up a portion of window space permanently till you remove the aircon. It is also relatively noisy because it has an inbuilt compressor.
Inverter split aircon
A split air conditioner system is the most popular choice for the average Singapore home. The reason for their popularity is that more and more families want their entire house to be air-conditioned. It makes sense for a single compressor to supply all the aircon units in the home rather than having individual units for each room.
Similarly, there are some pros and cons for a split aircon system. The first advantage is that a split aircon will be relatively quieter as the compressor is kept outdoors. That means a quieter room for better quality sleep. Secondly, a split aircon system will free up your window space as it is installed near the top of your room which is virtually free real estate.
There are some drawbacks of a split aircon system. Firstly, they are much more expensive in terms of purchase and installation cost. Installing a split unit aircon is a tedious affair that will cost you. In the long run, the advantages do outweigh the cons which is why they are so popular.
Inverter vs non inverter aircons
Inverter split aircons are also more popular than their non-inverter counterparts. The first reason why is because they are more eco-friendly. The motor inside an inverter aircon system functions at a variable speed – it can go slower or faster. That means if the room is cool enough, the inverter will slow down its motor to use less energy. Conversely, a non-inverter aircon only functions at full or minimum speed. It will expend more power which means higher electricity bills.
An inverter aircon is quieter. The motor inside a non-inverter aircon constantly starts and stops. This starting and stopping is very noisy. On the other hand, the motor in an inverter aircon runs constantly but quietly. An advantage because of this is that an inverter aircon system will last longer than a non-inverter aircon.
An inverter aircon can cool down a room faster than a non-inverter aircon. Its motor has variable speed which can be ramped up when first turned on and slowed down when the room is cooled.
Portable aircon
Another option for getting your home air-conditioned is to buy a portable aircon. Honestly, this option is the least popular one, but there are reasons why it would appeal to some. Here are some pros and cons of a portable aircon. If you want a recommendation for the best portable aircons in Singapore, check out our article!
You don’t have to go through the complicated process of installation with a portable aircon. It is pretty straightforward to set up one, and you can do it yourself with ease. Another advantage is that you can move a portable aircon from one room to another. This means you won’t need two different aircon units for different rooms if you only need air conditioning for a room at one time. Portable aircons are also much cheaper than a full-fledged split aircon system. If you want a quick and cheap option, a portable aircon may be right for you.
However, there are also valid reasons why portable aircon are not more popular. Firstly, portable aircons are quite noisy become their compressors are inbuilt. Secondly, they consume more energy than other aircon types to cool down the same space. Thirdly, they do not have sufficient power to cool down a large area.
What is Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)?
The energy efficiency of an aircon is very important, especially if you plan to use it for long periods of time. An aircon with good efficiency will save you up to hundreds of dollars every year. The amount in electrical bills you can save is nothing to sneeze at.
So how is the Energy Efficiency Ratio calculated? It is the ratio of BTU to the amount of wattage used to generate that BTU. A higher BTU together with a lower wattage will result in a better EER. Thankfully, you don’t need to calculate any formulas because all the information is condensed into the tick efficiency system (from 1 tick to 5 ticks) which many are familiar with.
If you want the best energy efficiency, go for an aircon that has 5 ticks. For decent energy efficiency, one with 3 to 4 ticks will be good enough. For aircons that have 2 ticks and lower, we would only recommend them if you are using the aircon on an irregular basis. Otherwise, you may not like the number you get on your electricity bill.
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