23 Jun Energy-Saving Tips for Air Conditioner Users in Singapore

Living in sunny and humid Singapore, air conditioning has become more of a daily necessity than a luxury. Whether you’re cooling your home during scorching afternoons or trying to sleep through warm, sticky nights, the aircon is probably one of the most-used appliances in your household. Many people assume it’s the biggest contributor to their electricity bill but that doesn’t have to be the case. In this blog, we will show you how a few simple tips and smarter habits can help you stay cool without overspending on energy.

7 Air Conditioning Tips to Save Energy

Looking to stay cool without the high costs? Here are 8 practical, energy-saving tips to help your aircon run more efficiently while keeping you perfectly comfortable.

1. Choose the Right Aircon System

Selecting an energy-efficient system that’s appropriately sized for your room can lead to significant long-term savings. For smaller bedrooms, a single-split unit may be sufficient, while larger homes might benefit more from a multi-split setup.

In Singapore’s humid climate, inverter aircon systems are a smart choice as they consume less electricity, cool faster, and maintain a consistent temperature without overworking. If you’re looking for a cheap aircon in Singapore, there are many affordable models that also offer great energy efficiency. Just make sure to look for units with strong energy ratings (like NEA 5-tick labels) so you save both upfront and on your monthly bills.

2. Set the Right Temperature

Many people think lowering the aircon to 18°C will cool the room faster—but that’s a common misconception. Air conditioners cool at a fixed rate, so setting a lower temperature won’t speed up the process. What it does do is force the system to run longer and harder than necessary, which strains the compressor, wastes energy, and causes unnecessary wear on the unit. 25°C is usually the ideal setting. It keeps the indoor air comfortably cool without overloading your system or inflating your electricity bill. At this temperature, your body can still feel refreshed without the sharp cold that often comes with overcooled rooms.

3. Use a Fan to Assist

Running a ceiling or standing fan alongside your aircon helps distribute cool air more evenly across the room, preventing cold and hot spots. This makes the space feel cooler than the thermostat reading, meaning you can set your aircon at a higher temperature like 25°C without feeling stuffy.

Fans use significantly less electricity than air conditioners, so using both together reduces overall energy usage while maintaining comfort. It’s an efficient way to stay cool without pushing your aircon to work overtime.

4. Keep Doors & Windows Closed Tightly

Some people might forget to shut windows completely or leave gaps in sliding doors. This allows hot air in and cool air out, making your aircon work harder than necessary. If possible, recommend to seal any gaps, install door closers or draft stoppers to maintain an airtight room.

5. Use Timers & Sleep Mode Wisely

It’s common for people to leave their aircon running all night or even all day without turning it off. This puts unnecessary strain on the unit and leads to higher electricity bills. Instead, set a timer to switch off the aircon a few hours after you fall asleep or just before you leave for the day. Besides, using sleep mode is also a smart move, it gradually increases the temperature as your body cools down during rest, reducing energy use without compromising comfort.

6. Schedule Regular Aircon Servicing

Over time, dust and dirt can clog your aircon’s filters and coils, forcing the unit to work harder just to maintain a comfortable temperature. This not only reduces cooling efficiency, but also increases electricity usage especially when you’re tempted to lower the temperature further because the room doesn’t feel cool enough.

Regular servicing helps keep your aircon running smoothly by cleaning out built-up debris and ensuring all components function properly. It also allows early detection of small issues before they turn into major such as aircon gas leak or leaking water. For optimal performance, we recommend servicing your air conditioner at least once every 6 months or more frequently if it’s used daily.

7. Smart AC Tools

Technology can do more than just cool your room, it can help you save money too. With smart AC controllers or Wi-Fi-enabled aircon units, you can schedule operation times, set temperature automation, and monitor energy usage right from your phone. These tools let you turn off the aircon remotely if you forget, or adjust settings based on weather or room occupancy.

Other Ways to Reduce Electricity Bills at Home

Saving on aircon use is just one part of the equation. There are several other smart habits and upgrades you can adopt around the house to reduce your overall electricity consumption.

1. Switch to LED Bulbs

LED lights are not only longer-lasting but also much more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. They produce less heat and consume at least 75% less electricity, making them ideal for everyday use in both small and large spaces.

2. Turn Off Lights and Appliances When Not in Use

It may sound simple, but many people still leave lights, fans, or appliances running even when no one is using them. Making it a habit to turn things off when leaving a room can save a surprising amount over time.

3. Unplug Idle Electronics

Even when turned off, devices like TVs, routers, and chargers still consume standby power. This is known as “phantom energy.” Unplugging these devices when they’re not in use or using a power strip with a switch, which can help you avoid this hidden cost.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrading to appliances with energy-saving features can have a big impact on your utility bill. For example, an energy-efficient refrigerator or washing machine is designed to use less electricity without compromising performance. Look out for energy labels or ratings when shopping for new household items.

5. Do Laundry with Full Loads

Washing smaller loads more frequently wastes both water and electricity. Instead, wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine. It reduces the number of cycles and makes each one more energy-efficient.

6. Consider Solar Panels (Long-Term Investment)

If you’re thinking long-term, installing solar panels can help offset your household’s electricity usage. Although the initial setup cost can be high, it pays off over time by reducing your reliance on the grid—especially in sunny climates like Singapore.

Conclusion

Cooling your home in Singapore’s tropical climate doesn’t have to mean sky-high utility bills. With the right aircon habits, smart choices in appliances, and a bit of maintenance, you can stay comfortable while keeping costs under control. Start with a few small changes today, and you might be surprised by how much you save on your next bill.

Stay cool, and stay smart!

About Jiaxing

Jiaxing is a trusted and high-quality air conditioning company in Singapore, providing aircon installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. With experienced technicians and transparent pricing, we’re committed to helping homeowners and businesses keep their aircon systems in peak condition.

Ready to book your aircon service? Contact Jiaxing today for fast, professional support you can trust.