7 Best Aircon in Singapore to Beat the Heat | Best of Home 2023

With temperatures soaring, most homes in Singapore are equipped with aircon to defend themselves against the heat. While considered to be an essential appliance for every new home, buying aircon in Singapore might not be very straightforward. Here is our aircon Singapore buying guide that will share how to go about buying your aircon, and the 7 Best Aircon in Singapore to Beat the Heat. If you do not have time to read through the entire guide, be sure to go through at least the first two sections – quick tips on buying your aircon, and the 9 best air conditioners in Singapore to buy. Do check out our latest aircon servicing Singapore guide as well! For the ultimate indoor air experience, check out our air purifier, humidifier, dehumidifier, diffuser, air cooler, ceiling fan, and standing fan recommendations as well.

This article was last updated on 13 February 2023. 

7 Best Aircon in Singapore to Beat the Heat (2023)

1. LG Wall Mounted ArtCool Plus

Smart, low-noise aircon with ionizer technology 

With their newest LG Wall Mounted Art Cool Plus Inverter Aircon, LG has once again upgraded their ways of beating the summer heat. Furthermore, we like how this Wi-Fi-equipped aircon provides much easier control, monitoring, and diagnosis of the air quality in the room. You and your family can remotely control these air conditioners through LG SmartThinQ mobile app on your smartphones, making it highly convenient for you to monitor your usage patterns on the go. 

Cool and clean indoor air quality

This inverter air con doesn’t only promote efficient power-saving but also takes pride in its embedded Plasmaster Ionizer Plus Technology. LG is also highly committed to providing clean, cool, and improved indoor air quality for you and your family by removing microscopic contaminants while emitting over three million ions to sterilise aerial bacteria and other harmful substances. 

Various swing settings

This LG air conditioner can cool the room regardless of where it is placed since its four-way swing offers control of up to 70 degrees of upward or downward direction with 6 different settings. Moreover, its five-step louvre has up to 55 degrees of swaying capacity in the left and right directions with 5 different settings. 
What’s great about the LG Wall Mounted ArtCool Plus Inverter Aircon is that its 19dB noise level ensures a low-noise solution powered by a unique skew fan and 15-degree tilted stabiliser. This efficiency indeed helps to reduce noise drastically compared to other aircon brands, making it ideal for home or office use. 

LG and Newway promo code:

2. Toshiba YouMe 2.0.

The climate-friendly choice – quick-cooling and energy-saving

As an upgraded version of Singapore’s first 5-tick Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Inverter Multi-Split, we have high expectations for the Toshiba YouMe 2.0. It does an excellent job in cooling our homes while using a climate-friendly R32 refrigerant, satisfying especially those who prefer environmental-friendly products. Furthermore, this also means up to 72% fewer carbon emissions than the more common R410A, which would definitely let us help the environment in our own way. There’s never an action too small!
Since the Toshiba YouMe 2.0 also employs Toshiba’s DC Hybrid Inverter System utilizing Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), this aircon can cool your room with less time and energy needed. Hence, you can leave the aircon up and running on really hot summer days without worrying too much about your electricity bill skyrocketing. Moreover, if you have a fluffy pet at home requiring a cooler environment, this can help lower your electricity bills.

Hands-free smart home controls for the ultimate convenience

What’s great about the Toshiba YouMe 2.0 is that it can be controlled remotely via an app, wherever you are! So once you notice the sun getting really scorchy, you can immediately turn on the aircon even if you are not at home. Not only that, but this aircon is also compatible with smart home devices such as Google Home and Alexa. Hence, you can even interact with it hands-free. The app also has a grouping control function, which is really helpful if your entire apartment is air-conditioned. Do take note that you’ll need to have a wifi module which is an optional add-on, to enjoy the Smart Control feature.
Additionally, it features customisable power switch lighting, allowing it to be brightly lit, dimmed or totally off. This is particularly useful if you are one of those who always wonder why the aircon lighting is so bright in your dark room!
Moreover, we also love how this aircon can effectively capture up to 94% of PM 2.5 particulates which can be detrimental to our health. On top of keeping us comfortable all day long, the aircon can also create clean and healthy living spaces at home. Not to worry as well as it is very easy to maintain with its magic coil and self-cleaning features, allowing you and your family to enjoy healthy air all year round.

Why buy this: 

• 5 ticks – climate-friendly and energy-saving
• WiFi ready and compatible with smart home devices
• PM 2.5 purification capability
• With dark mode for better sleep at night
• Easy care self-cleaning function

3. Mitsubishi System 1 Aircon

Once hailed as the best brand for aircon brands with excellent energy savings mechanisms, Mitsubishi did not disappoint with their System 1 Aircon. We like that this aircon does not compromise comfort and peace at home but rather provides a more sustainable option for families. Moreover, it features a dual barrier covering that is exceptional at keeping the dirt away from the inside and ensuring the aircon runs at its maximum efficiency. At the same time, this also has a microparticle-catching filter that eliminates PM2.5 from the room, assuring that the air is always clean.

Why buy this: 

• Excellent energy savings and quiet operation at 19 dB
• With dual barrier covering and easy to clean
• Eliminates PM2.5 from the room through the microparticle-catching filter
• Fuzzy Logic “I Feel” that smartly adjusts the condition to suit you
• Wide and long airflow to cover more space and rooms

4. Daikin System 1 Aircon

Ideal for multi-split setup at home, Daikin System 1 Aircon got you covered. This aircon system is perfect for homes with a number of rooms that needs air conditioning. Furthermore, this is also environment-friendly and with an impressively silent 19 dB sound level to not disrupt daily activities and rest. Despite the wide reach of this aircon system, this is also extremely powerful and cools a room fast. No need to also worry about voltage fluctuation since this unit is equipped to regularize minimum and maximum fluctuations.

Why buy this: 

• Environment-friendly and saves up to 30% of usual energy consumption
• Powerful and can cool a room fast
• Impressively silent with a 19 dB sound level
• With voltage regulation and protect the unit from fluctuations

5. Panasonic System 3 Aircon

Scaling the usual per-room capacity of aircon, Panasonic System 3 Aircon takes this to another level with its powerful inverter that can cool three small to medium-sized bedrooms. Each unit has a 9550 BTU cooling capacity which is perfect for a comfortable home temperature during summer. Impressively, this is covered with 5 years of warranty and assured to be durable even in harsh conditions. We like that each unit is independently controlled and could intuitively adjust suitably to the room condition. Moreover, the outdoor inverter is compact and boasts of its water-resistant printed circuit board for a more solid performance whatever the weather outside is.

Why buy this: 

• Comes with three aircon units and one outdoor inverter
• Powerful and independently controlled in each room
• Compact and water-resistant inverter
• Energy-saving and efficient

Quick Tips on buying aircon in Singapore

If you don’t have time to read through this entire guide, this section serves as a quick summary for you. Do check out the next section where we share a summary of the best aircon, short for air conditioner, to buy. 

• The average life span of an aircon is at least a decade

  • If you maintain and clean it well, it can last up to 15 years. It is key to do regular aircon servicing (once every quarter) and chemical wash at least once a year. We highly recommend Newway for your aircon servicing contract, considering their extensive portfolio (which includes Changi Airport Group and Marina Bay Sands) and great customer reviews.

• How much does an aircon cost?

  • On average, a split system aircon (single unit with compressor) on average will cost about $1,000 to $1,500 for a good model. A multi-system will cost about $3,000 – $5,000 for a System 3 or 4.

• You should first decide which type of aircon you want

  • In summary, when buying aircon in Singapore, there are 4 types to consider. The most common option for HDB flats would be the split-type aircon. You will likely get a multi-split (1 compressor to multiple aircon units). It is the most energy-efficient type. 

• Count the rooms you want to cool

  • For a regular 4-room flat, you will get a System 4 (which means 4 units). You will need to also know your area size in order to determine what capacity (BTU = British Thermal Unit) to get. Commonly, people get a 9,000 BTU aircon for their rooms and a 12,000 BTU aircon for the living room. 

• Buy your air conditioner from a reputable brand

  • You won’t go wrong choosing from Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Panasonic. LG and Samsung are also good choices. 

• Buy an aircon that has a good energy-efficient rating (EER)

  • A 5-tick rating is the best and could be worth paying a premium for.

• Get an aircon with low dB.

  • The last thing you want is to have your air conditioner interrupting your Korean drama. Mistubishi Starmex runs at 19dB, which is very quiet. 

• Make sure to get your aircon installed by a professional. 

How to buy aircon for your home

Buying aircon will depend on your home needs and preferences. Here are the things to consider when buying aircon for your home. 

1. What type of aircon is in Singapore?

The first step would be what type of aircon are you planning to get for your home. There are 4 common models – window, split, central and portable air conditioners. Each has its pros and cons which I will share below. 

Window Aircon

This is a common sight in older homes as it was a popular option back in the day. Window aircon are single, standalone units. Due to its all-in-one build, it is better suited for homes that are short on space. It is cheaper to install, maintain and clean. 
However, as it is installed by your window, it does take up your window space and you will have to carve out a slot in the wall or window area for the aircon unit to fit. Window units can also be noisy due to the compressor. Aesthetically, it does not look as nice compared to the split aircon. 

Split aircon

This is the more popular choice for homes nowadays. The sleek design and body of split aircon suit modern homes better. Moreover, it is also one of the most suitable options to cool your entire home. 
A split aircon has the main compressor placed outdoors, and the accompanying aircon units are installed indoors. The compressor also supports and transports cool air into the aircon units indoors. 

Split air conditioners might be more costly to purchase and install. You will also need to build an outdoor frame to install the compressor, followed by wiring and piping works to connect the satellite air conditioners in the various rooms to the main one. 
For a split air conditioner, there is a single split (one compressor to one air-conditioner) and a multi-split (one compressor to multiple air-conditioners). You will also see the term System. If they say system 3, it means that 3 indoor air conditioner units are connected to 1 main compressor outdoors. 

Central aircon

Central air conditioners are what you will see in bungalow homes, corporate offices, restaurants or hotels. They are very effective in cooling big spaces. Compared to split or window air conditioners, central air conditioners are able to cool down space evenly rather than select areas. 
A central air conditioner is made up of a larger compressor installed outdoors and a connected indoor furnace with pipes that transport and push cool air through the vents into the air conditioner unit. You will then control the temperature using the main thermostat. Central air conditioners are aesthetically pleasing and space-saving as the unit is concealed in the ceiling.
This is a more cost-efficient solution for large spaces. but the cost to purchase, install and run it is definitely higher. The energy-consumption is also higher. You may also require more extensive renovation works to install it. 

Recommended central aircon in Singapore: 

Daikin Ceiling Cassette

Cool the room more effectively with Daikin Ceiling Cassette — the brand’s newest launch. This is ideal for offices or large areas that need a bit more effort in keeping the temperature suitable for the occupants. We like that this is efficient with its 360-degree round airflow reach. At the same time, its louvre is also controllable separately which can allow you to direct where the air goes and maximize its reach. It may also be customized to have the ultra-long-life filter to keep it at its maximum capacity even after quite some time. Moreover, this ceiling cassette also has automated sensors which can modulate the temperature intuitively.

Why buy this: 

• Space saver because of its ceiling instalment
• With 360-degree circular airflow for efficient cooling
• Powerful and perfect for large areas
• Easy to maintain through the option to upgrade with an ultra-long-life filter
• Auto-temperature sensor

Portable aircon

Portable air conditioners are good if you want cool air but not the commitment. It works similarly to a mounted window air conditioner. Moreover, it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet, but the benefit is that you can move it around from room to room. 
Portable air conditioners usually come with a window kit (a window slider and an exhaust hose) to transport the hot air out of the room. The huge upside of a portable aircon is that it also uses less energy, costs lower, and is easy to set up and use.
You do not need any major installation to get it up and running. However, it is only useful for small spaces (usually around 450 – 550 sq feet) and takes a longer time to cool a place. It is also not as energy-efficient compared to other types of air conditioners. 

Recommended portable aircon in Singapore: 

Midea Portable Air Conditioner

With a modern and sleek design, Midea Portable Air Conditioner easily wins the heart of the masses. It is impressively compact and is ideal for small spaces with less intensive usage. Moreover, this is equipped with a super ionizer which keeps the air clean and away from bacteria or viruses. Since this can produce cool or warm air, you can get comfortable while it gets the space to a suitable temperature through its moving flaps. No need to also worry about its durability since this is engineered with golden fin technology that keeps away rust, oxidation, and other corrosive elements from the fins.

Why buy this: 

• Modern and sleek design
• Convenient and compact which makes it perfect for small spaces
• Comes with a super ionizer to clean the air
• Durable with the golden fin technology

2. How many rooms are you looking to cool? 

If you are planning to cool only a single room, consider a window or portable aircon. If you are getting a new HDB or flat and you are looking to cool your home and rooms, consider a split air conditioning system. 

3. What is your area size?

You will get an aircon that is efficient in cooling your area. This is where we look at BTU. You want to get a capacity (BTU/hour)  that corresponds to your area size, in order to cool your room effectively and efficiently. 

Measure the length and width of your room to get the square footage of the room you are going to cool. Use the BTU chart below to see how many BTUs you need to cool your space. 

BTU Chart

4. What type of space are you cooling? 

Depending on the type of space you are cooling, you will make some adjustments to the BTU required. 

• Higher ceilings will require additional cooling power, so add on about 10% additional BTU. 
• If you are living in a warmer climate, or if the room is exposed to the sun, you can add 10 – 20% BTU. Conversely, if the room is heavily shaded you can reduce the BTU capacity.
• If it is a room that many people occupy at the same time, you can add 600 BTU/hour for each additional person
• Kitchens will need more cooling power as you will be adding heat to the room. You can add an additional 4,000 BTU/hour. 

5. Which brand of aircon should I buy?

The average life span of an air conditioning system is expected to last about a decade or more. With proper service and maintenance, it can last even longer up to 15 years. With this in mind, I suggest getting a reputable brand for your aircon in Singapore as you want it to be reliable. 

These are the popular brands for aircon in Singapore:

• Mitsubishi
• Daikin
• Panasonic
• LG
• Samsung

For further recommendations, you can also check with technical experts from reputable aircon companies like Newway. They have more than thirty years of extensive experience in this field, carrying all major aircon brands.

6. Energy efficiency

It is key to getting an energy-efficient aircon. For split conditioner systems, there are inverters and non-inverters. The inverter ones are more costly, but it is energy-saving and it also have a variable speed. Inverters are also of higher quality and quiet. You will find most models of today to be inverter systems. 
Non-inverters use a mono speed and only run when the compressor is on. They tend to use a lot of energy. The compressor will also have a reduced life span as it is often on start and stops. Non-inverters are cheaper, and suitable if you are only planning to use the air-con at night. 

Make sure to read the energy label when buying your aircon in Singapore. Do not just compare the price point alone, but also the energy label. An aircon might be more costly upfront, but if the energy efficiency is low, it will result in a higher electricity bill. Hence it will be more worth it to purchase a more energy-efficient air con at a slightly higher price as the cost savings will net off the higher upfront cost. You might end up saving more in the long run! Do also note that the cost rating is based on the premise that you use the aircon for 8 hours a day for a year. That is normal if you sleep with the aircon on at night. 

7. Consider noise

Another important spec to consider when buying your aircon is the Decibels (dB). This is the level of sound your aircon makes. The last thing you want is for your aircon to be too noisy and you cannot get a restful sleep. 
On average, the aircon will emit around 60 dB. As a guide, a conversation is about 60dB and a running motorcycle is around 100 dB. 

8. Aircon Installation

Condominiums and ECs come already equipped with aircon. For HDBs, you are required to purchase and install the air conditioning system for your home. It is important to make sure that this is done by a professional so that it is installed safely.

For recommendations on aircon installations, check out Newway for professional workmanship and top-notch quality. With an extensive portfolio which includes the likes of Adidas, Audi, Citibank and more, rest assured that you will be well taken care of.
Installation (and disposal of old units) is usually included when you purchase the air conditioner, though there might be extra charges for additional parts. Otherwise, on average, installing your air-conditioner can range from $60 – $120 per hour. Installing the air-conditioner for your entire home can take half to a full day. Do consider where you install the unit. If you are installing it at a corner, make sure that your unit can send the airflow in the right direction. 

On top of aircon services, Newway also offers professional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management services to help maintain the pollutant levels at your home within healthy ranges.

Newway Aircon Installation promo code:

9. How to maintain your aircon in Singapore

If you do not want your air-conditioner to spoil in a few years, proper maintenance is key. Regular servicing and cleaning can extend the lifespan of your air-conditioner for as long as 15 years or more. It is recommended to do regular maintenance and servicing 3 to 4 times a year. It is also recommended to do a chemical wash at least once a year. If you use your aircon very often, I suggest doing a chemical wash once every 6-9 months. If you face problems with your aircon, such as no cold air, a leak, or a bad smell, you should get a chemical wash immediately. A chemical wash can help to retain 95% of your aircon efficiency. 

AIRPLE, for professional aircon servicing at competitive prices

AIRPLE is an aircon servicing company that offers a budget-friendly way to keep your air conditioners cool and in tip-top shape. Additionally, their general servicing for non-contract starts at $40 per unit and goes as low as $25 per unit for 3 or more units, with their rates for chemical cleaning and chemical overhaul as low as $60 and $120 per unit respectively. Catering to both residential and commercial customers, AIRPLE also offers installation and repair for a wide range of air conditioner brands. Check out their rates and testimonials.

AIRPLE offers a 30-day warranty against water leakage when you avail of their chemical cleaning service and a 90-day warranty for the chemical overhaul. They also run promotions from time to time that provides even bigger discounts. Currently, their contractual rates are actually really competitive, as low as $18 per unit for general servicing! Their chemical wash goes as low as $50 per unit, while chemical overhaul costs as low as $110 per unit. We say that’s a pretty good deal! Quote The Wedding Vow and get a 10% discount on your servicing bills from AIRPLE.

DW Aircon Servicing Singapore, for an experienced one-stop shop for your aircon needs

Veteran one-stop shop for your aircon needs 

Boasting stellar reviews, and a 4.9/5 rating on Google with over 800 reviews and a 5/5 on Facebook, DW Aircon Servicing provides professional workmanship and services for your aircon needs.  With over 10 years of experience and thousands of completed services in the air conditioning industry, they are one of the most reliable and trusted aircon specialists in Singapore. 
In their decade of experience, they have also set the bar high in providing quality service for both residential and commercial premises. We highly commend DW Aircon’s dedication to providing a customer-first approach to their clients. As a one-stop shop for your aircon needs, you can get a quick response from them via all channels. Furthermore, they are highly skilled in aircon servicing, repair, installation, chemical overhaul, gas top-up, commercial, and industrial services. 
Moreover, you can put your mind at ease as they provide 30 day of workmanship warranty on their services. All their aircon technicians are experienced and licensed professionals, highly capable of solving all your aircon servicing needs. Check out their pricing here.

Why choose DW Aircon Servicing Singapore:

• Over 10 years of experience in the industry
• Google rating: 4.9/5 from over 800 reviews
• One-stop-shop for aircon services
• 30-day workmanship warranty

DW Aircon Servicing Singapore Promotion:

Where to buy aircon in Singapore?

1. Megafurniture

In pursuit of providing remarkable and conducive living spaces, Megafurniture continues to curate furniture and appliances from internationally acclaimed brands. You can find popular split-type air conditioner brands here such as Daikin, Mitsubishi, Midea, and Panasonic, with choices from System 1 to 4.

At Megafurniture, you can choose whether to get a third-party installer or a premium package installation service. We highly recommend getting the latter since they have BCA-certified technicians who comply with government regulations and adhere to the highest standards. What’s also great is that they allow a 3-month instalment plan with a 0% interest rate, which makes it relatively better for your cash flow. 

Mega furniture promo code:

You used to only be able to buy aircon from stores, but now you can purchase them online for the ultimate convenience and even enjoy discounted prices! Lazada is my go-to for shopping for electronics. It is also a great place to compare prices. If you prefer to see the aircon in person, you can always pop by any of the consumer electronics stores like Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman and Gain City near you to check it out before purchasing online. 

Financing your home purchase

If you would like to take up a loan for your home purchases, consider a personal loan, as renovation loans do not give you the cash upfront. You can find the best personal loan suitable for you on Singsaver.

We hope that our 8 Best Aircon in Singapore to Beat the Heat 2023 guide has helped you to buy a suitable aircon for your home. Do also read our other buying guides below. Please share this with your friends on Facebook or Whatsapp if you have found this useful. We will be publishing more buying guides, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, check out our home & renovation section.