Over 80% of HDB homeowners in Singapore install air conditioners. Many of the aircon owners struggle with trunking lines. Although these lines are essential elements for aircon, these bulky tubes can hamper your home’s aesthetics. But you don’t need to worry about it. We have some design-friendly ideas for you to hide aircon trunking. Let’s explore these innovative solutions that are suitable for HDB flats in Singapore.
How to hide aircon trunking in HDB
Below are a few practical ways of hiding aircon trunking in HDB:
Use Wall Paneling
Wall panels are effective ways to hide aircon trunking. These panels can blend with your interior and hide the aircon tubing simultaneously. You can utilize some decorative wooden panels that match your room design. The aircon trunkings can be kept hidden behind the wooden panel.
Painting the Trunking
Another quick and easy solution for aricon trunking is to paint them. Select a color that matches the wall color. When applying the paint, ensure the trunking blends well with its background. By using paints, you can make the trunking less noticeable.
Use Fabric Wraps
Using fabric wraps is a DIY approach to hiding the trunking. Choose a fabric that suits your interior design. Carefully cover the trunking with the fabric and hide it completely. This design is most appropriate for decor, where fabric is an integral part of the interior design.
Decorative Cover Elements
Using decorative cover elements is another great way of hiding aircon trunking. You can make these cover elements using wood or plastic. The design can be applied to these elements with painting or other decorative elements. Choose these elements tactfully so that they complement your interior decor.
Wainscoting
You can install wainscoting along the lower porting of the wall to cover the trunking. Wainscoting can add a classical look to your home decoration. Adding these can hide the aircon tubing and give a traditional vibe to the room decor at the same time.
False Ceiling
A false ceiling is a permanent solution if you want to hide your trunking completely. These ceilings are the extra ceiling layer that can conceal the aircon and trucking. It can give the room a clean look, ensuing a modern design.
Rope Lights
If you would love to add lighting features to your room and conceal the trunking, rope lights can be an ideal solution. These lights can be placed along the length of the trunking tubes. Rope lights will mask the turning and enhance the mood of the room.
Incorporating into Interior Design
You can incorporate the trunking within your interior design. Be wise enough to hide the trunking behind the furniture or other interior design elements. You may also position the trunking in such a way as if it becomes a part of your decor.
Incorporate False Beams
Installing false beams can be a great solution to hide the trunking. You can use wood to install beams along the ceiling or walls and hide the trunking inside them. Make sure the false beams complement your interior design well.
Use Curtains or Blinds
Using curtains is an easy solution for aircon trunking. Choose floor-to-ceiling long curtains that look good with your room’s interior design. With this method, you can easily hide the trunking installed along the wall.
Why do we need to hide aircon trunking?
Below are the reasons why people consider concealing their aircon pipings:
- Aircon trunking is not suitable for the aesthetic appeal of our interior.
- We need to hide them to keep our space organized.
- If you can hide the aircon trunking well, you can sell or rent the property with a better value.
- Aircon tubing creates a distraction. Hiding them properly makes the space soothing for the eyes.
- Hiding aircon trunking gives design flexibility and often adds a better design element to your interior.
- Increased Property Value: A well-concealed aircon system can make your home more appealing to potential buyers or renters.
HDB Guidelines and Regulations for Aircon Trunking
HDB flats need to follow the Housing & Development Board guidelines for aircon installation. Below are a few key points to remember:
- Aircon can be installed only by HDB-approved contractors to comply with the safety standards.
- Trunking should be installed within the boundaries of the aircon. It must not enter neighboring units.
- During trunking installation, you can not drill into the structural walls, beam, or column, which may weaken the building’s structure.
- External aesthetics of the building should be maintained during trunking setup. The harmony of the building must be maintained.
- Ensure that aircon trunking is installed without affecting the waterproofing integrity of the building.
- Make sure the trunking does not cause water leakage. Install drainage pipes to prevent such leakage.
- Installations must comply with electrical and fire safety codes.
Aircon Trunkin Hiding Challenges
Hiding aircon trunking is challenging. It becomes more difficult when you want to retain the room’s aesthetic appeal and hide the trunking simultaneously. Below are a few challenges that you may encounter while hiding this tubing:
Space Constraints
Space is a significant constraint during hiding aircon trunking. You may often need to hide it in tight corners. Sometimes, it must be accommodated along the wall or above the ceiling. Technicians usually face difficulties hiding these without breaking the design layout of the room.
Aesthetic Concerns
The room’s aesthetic appeal needs to be kept intact while the aircon trunking is hidden. It is also a challenge for the technicians. In modern or minimalist interiors, accommodating the trunking without breaking the original interior design is complex.
Installation Complexity
Hiding the trunking may require custom installation or modifications to the room’s structure, such as false ceilings, partition walls, or custom cabinetry. This can be labor-intensive and costly, requiring expert installation to ensure everything functions correctly while looking good.
Airflow and Efficiency
When hiding aircon trunking, ensuring airflow isn’t restricted is essential. Blocking or tightly enclosing the trunking can reduce the system’s efficiency, leading to suboptimal cooling performance. Proper planning is necessary to balance aesthetics with functionality.
Accessibility for Maintenance
Concealing the trunking may make it harder to access the system for regular maintenance or repairs. Air conditioning units require periodic servicing, and hiding trunking could make this process more difficult, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs in the long term.
Conclusion
You can not handle the aircon trunking as per your decision if you reside in HDB buildings. Therefore, you must follow proper rules and guidelines to hide the trunking. Apply your creativity and follow our ideas. This guide will help you decide which method to apply for hiding aircon trunking. If you have any more questions, please let us know.
