In Singapore, air conditioning is essential for day-to-day life. The region suffers from extreme humidity coupled with heat for most of the year. People in this country heavily rely on air conditioners to cool down their homes and offices. But what’s the actual cost of running an aircon unit every hour in Singapore? Let’s break it down.
How Aircon Utility Cost is Calculated
To calculate the cost per hour, we need to know below data:
- The power usage (in kWh)
- Your electricity rate (in cents per kWh)
The electric bill per hour = The power usage (in kWh) X Your electricity rate (in cents per kWh)
In Singapore, the average electricity rate is about 30 cents per kWh. It may vary slightly depending on your provider.
Aircon power Usage
Power usage of an aircon per hours depends on the type of aircon and the load on the aircon. For example, if the outside temperature and humidity is high, then the load on the aircon will be higher. Hence, power usage will be higher.
For ease of our calculation, we can consider a typical power usage value for different types of aircon. Below is the list:
| Type of Aircon | Power Usage (kWh per hour) |
| 9000 BTU (1 room) | 0.8 kWh |
| 12000 BTU (1 big room) | 1.0 kWh |
| 18000 BTU (small hall) | 1.5 kWh |
| System 3 (3 rooms) | 2.5 kWh |
| System 4 (4 rooms) | 3.0 kWh |
Your electricity rate (in cents per kWh)
In Singapore, the average electricity rate is about 30 cents per kWh. It may vary slightly depending on your provider.
Hourly Daily & Monthly Aircon Electric Bill in Singapore
Now, we know the per hour power consumption and unit cost of electricity in Singapore, it’s easy to calculate the aircon bill per hour, per day and per month.
| Aircon Type | Power Usage (kWh/hour) | Unit Rate kWh ($) | Estimated Cost/Hour ($) | Estimated Cost/Day (8Hr) ($) | Estimated Monthly Cost ($) |
| 9000 BTU (small room) | 0.8 | 0.30 | 0.24 | 1.92 | 57.60 |
| 12000 BTU (medium room) | 1.0 | 0.30 | 0.30 | 2.40 | 72.00 |
| 18000 BTU (large room) | 1.5 | 0.30 | 0.45 | 3.60 | 108.00 |
| System 3 (3 rooms) | 2.5 | 0.30 | 0.75 | 6.00 | 180.00 |
| System 4 (4 rooms) | 3.0 | 0.30 | 0.90 | 7.20 | 216.00 |
Key Factors Affecting Aircon Cost
Power consumption of aircon depends on a few factors.
Size of the Room
Different rooms with different sizes will require different types of aircons. For a comfy bedroom, one needs 9000 BTU. But you need more BTU for open spaced living areas. Larger units will use more power and cost you more.
Temperature Section
Setting the aircon at 18°C will use much more power than 25°C. Hence, temperature setting has a huge impact on energy consumption.
Usage Hours
Running your air conditioner throughout the day and night will significantly increase your energy bill. Try to limit usage to when it is actually needed, such as during sleep or in extremely hot afternoons.
Aircon Age and Maintenance
Older air conditioners are often less energy efficient. High power consumption can also be caused by dirty filters, leaking gas, improper maintenance, and generally poor servicing.
Energy Efficiency Rating
In Singapore, air conditioners come with energy tick labels. The more ticks (up to 5), the better the efficiency. When purchasing a new unit, always check for 4 or 5 tick models.
Is it Costly to Operate an Aircon Unit in Singapore?
Both yes and no. It is situationally dependent on factors we have discussed above. For example, using a 9000 BTU aircon unit for 8 hours every night costs under $60 per month. That’s about $2 per night. It’s a small price to pay for a good night’s sleep in Singapore’s heat.
But if you run a full-house system all day long, your electricity bill will be high. Some families pay over $300 per month just on cooling.
FAQs
How much does it cost to run aircon for 8 hours every night?
A small unit may cost $1.80 to $2.40 per night, which means $54 to $72 per month.
Which aircon setting is most cost effective to run?
Setting your aircon to 25°C uses less power than 22°C or 18°C. It’s a good balance between comfort and expenditure.
Is an inverter aircon cheaper to run?
Yes. Inverter aircons adjust power use based on room temperature. They use less electricity, especially when running for many hours.
Do fans cost less than aircon?
Definitely. A standing fan costs only 2 to 5 cents per hour, which is much cheaper than any aircon.
Should I leave the aircon on all day?
No. It’s better to turn it off when not needed.
How can I know if my aircon uses too much electricity?
If your bill is higher than usual, check if the filters are clean. Also, check for aircon water leakage or noisy sounds—these may mean your unit needs servicing.
