Air conditioners are a must in homes and offices across Singapore. With the warm and humid weather all year round, a good aircon makes life more comfortable. Mitsubishi is a trusted brand in Singapore for its quality and long-lasting air conditioning units. If you have chosen Mitsubishi aircon, it’s important to understand its wattage. Wattage affects both your electricity usage and your monthly bill. Let’s understand about the wattage of a Mitsubishi aircon, and how use the aircon optimally to reduce power consumption.
What Is Aircon Wattage?
Wattage is the unit of electrical power. It tells you how much electricity an aircon uses. A higher wattage means it uses more power. Knowing about wattage is important in Singapore where electricity prices are among the highest in Southeast Asia.
In air conditioners, you will find two common power terms:
- Cooling capacity (BTU/hr) – how strong the aircon is.
- Power input (watts) – how much electricity it uses to produce that cooling.
Both should be checked before buying an aircon.
Common Mitsubishi Aircon Wattage in Singapore
Mitsubishi aircons come in many models. The wattage depends on the size and type of the unit. Below are common models used in Singapore HDB flats and condos:
| Model Type | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) | Power Input (Watts) | Room Size (sq m) |
| System 1 (Single-Split) – 9k BTU | 9,000 | 780–850 | 10–14 |
| System 1 – 12k BTU | 12,000 | 1,000–1,100 | 14–20 |
| System 2 (Multi-Split) | 18,000 (9k+9k) | 1,600–1,800 | Two small rooms |
| System 3 (Multi-Split) | 27,000 (9k+9k+9k) | 2,500–2,700 | Three rooms |
| System 4 (Multi-Split) | 36,000 (9k x 4) | 3,400–3,800 | Four rooms |
Note: Figures are approximate and may vary slightly by model.
Inverter vs Non-Inverter Mitsubishi Aircon
Most Mitsubishi aircons sold in Singapore now use inverter technology. This helps the compressor work more efficiently and reduces electricity consumption.
- Inverter models use variable speed to maintain room temperature. This reduces power usage.
- Non-inverter models turn on and off repeatedly. This uses more energy.
Although inverter models cost more upfront, they save more electricity in the long run. They are also quieter and better for small HDB bedrooms.
How Wattage Affects Your Electricity Bill in Singapore
In Singapore, kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the measurement of electricity usage. Your monthly bill is based on how many kWh you use.
To estimate your aircon’s cost per hour:
- Find power input (watts) – e.g., 850W
- Convert to kW – 850 ÷ 1000 = 0.85 kW
- Multiply by hours used – 0.85 kW × 8 hours = 6.8 kWh
- Multiply by electricity rate – 6.8 × $0.29 (average SP Group rate) = $1.97
So, using a 9k BTU unit for 8 hours may cost around $1.97 per night.
Choosing the Right Wattage for Your Room
Not all rooms in a house need the same cooling power. If the aircon is too small for a bigger room, it will run harder and use more power. If it’s too big, it will cycle too often.
Here’s a quick guide for Singapore homes:
- Small bedroom – 9,000 BTU (~850W)
- Medium bedroom – 12,000 BTU (~1,100W)
- Living room – 18,000–24,000 BTU (~1,800–2,400W)
Always check if your electrical load can support the total power input. Multi-split systems are popular in HDB flats to cool multiple rooms using one outdoor unit.
How to Save Wattage on Mitsubishi Aircon?
Electricity bills can go up fast if your aircon uses too much power. Here are simple ways to reduce wattage while keeping your room cool:
Set your aircon to 25°C
This is the recommended temperature in Singapore. This temperature is cool enough and uses less power than setting it to 18°C or 20°C.
Use fan mode when the room is already cool
Switching to fan mode after cooling saves a lot of electricity.
Turn on the aircon only when needed
Avoid running the aircon all day. Use it at night or during the hottest part of the day.
Close windows and doors
This helps keep cool air in and reduces the workload on the aircon.
Use curtains or blinds in the day
Blocking sunlight keeps your room cooler, so the aircon doesn’t have to work as hard.
Clean the air filter once a month
Dusty filters reduce airflow and make the aircon use more power. Most Mitsubishi indoor units have easy-to-remove filters.
Use sleep mode at night
This mode adjusts the temperature slowly and reduces energy use while you sleep.
Service your aircon regularly
Get professional servicing every 3 to 6 months. It helps your Mitsubishi aircon run efficiently and reduces wattage over time.
Choose the right size for your room
Using a higher BTU unit than needed can waste electricity. Make sure your aircon matches your room size.
FAQ
How much wattage does a Mitsubishi System 1 aircon use?
A 9,000 BTU System 1 usually uses around 780–850 watts. System 1 aircons come with different capacity and use different wattage.
Is inverter better for power saving in Singapore?
Yes, inverter units adjust power based on cooling needs. They use less electricity over time.
Can I use a high BTU aircon in a small HDB room?
It’s not ideal. A high BTU unit may cool too quickly and turn on and off more often, using more electricity.
How often should I service my Mitsubishi aircon?
For regular home use, service every 3 to 6 months. Some plans in Singapore offer monthly servicing for homes using aircon daily.
Does wattage change over time?
It can. An old or poorly maintained unit may use more electricity than when it was new.
