Air conditioners are not a luxury in Singapore, it is a necessity. Whether you live in an HDB flat or a landed property, choosing the right aircon system is important. If you need to cool five rooms at once, a system 5 aircon can be a great option. But what does a system 5 aircon mean? Let’s know the basics of a system 5 aircon.
What is a System 5 Aircon?
In Singapore, air conditioning systems are commonly labeled as System 1, System 2, System 3, and so on. This label refers to the number of indoor units connected to one outdoor condenser.
Therefore, below is a common explanation of aircon labeling in Singapore:
- System 1 = 1 indoor unit + 1 outdoor unit
- System 2 = 2 indoor units + 1 outdoor unit
- System 3 = 3 indoor units + 1 outdoor unit
- System 4 = 4 indoor units + 1 outdoor unit
- System 5 = 5 indoor units + 1 outdoor unit
In simple terms, System 5 aircon means the unit has 5 indoor unit to cool 5 different spaces using a single condenser unit.
Where To Use a System 5 Aircon?
Below are the places where a system 5 aircon is most suitable:
- Larger HDB flats (like 5-room or executive flats)
- Condominiums with multiple bedrooms
- Landed homes with more rooms
- Home offices with multiple workspaces
If you want to enjoy cool air in all five rooms at the same time, System 5 makes it possible. It helps you save space and energy compared to installing five separate aircon systems.
How Does a System 5 Work?
A System 5 aircon is a multi-split system. It has one large outdoor compressor connected to five smaller indoor units. Each indoor unit can be placed in different rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or study areas.
You can control each unit independently. That means you can set different temperatures for each room or turn off the aircon in rooms not in use.
Hence, system 5 aircon is more flexible then a single split system.
Key Benefits of System 5 Aircon
Below are the advantages of using a system 5 aircon:
1. Space-Saving Design
With a System 5 setup, you only need one outdoor condenser to power five indoor units. This is great for HDB flats, condos, or houses where outdoor space is limited.
2. Energy Efficiency
Modern System 5 aircons often use inverter technology. This means the compressor adjusts its speed based on cooling demand. It doesn’t turn on and off repeatedly, which helps reduce energy usage.
3. Individual Room Control
Each indoor unit can be controlled separately. You can set different temperatures in different rooms. For example, you may want the living room at 24°C while keeping the bedroom at 26°C.
4. Better Aesthetics
Having just one outdoor unit is better for maintaining the aesthetics of your home. This is especially important in condos or landed homes where the outside appearance matters.
5. Cost-Effective for Larger Homes
If you need aircon in five rooms, a System 5 is usually more affordable than buying five separate System 1 units.
Things to Consider Before Installing System 5 Aircon
Before you rush to buy a System 5 aircon, here are a few things to consider:
1. Power Requirement
A System 5 aircon needs a more powerful outdoor unit. Can you afford it? Additionally, check with your installer to ensure your electrical system is ready for a system 5 aircon.
2. BTU Calculation
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s the measure of how much cooling power is needed for a room. Bigger rooms need higher BTU. Your total BTU demand should not exceed what the outdoor unit can supply.
3. Installation Space
Even though you only need one outdoor unit, it’s still large. Make sure there is enough space for installing the outdoor unit.
4. Cost
System 5 aircon costs more than System 2 or System 3. Installation and servicing fees may also be higher. Are you using aircon in all 5 rooms frequently? Think about the installation and maintenance cost.
5. Servicing & Maintenance
Like any appliance, regular servicing is needed for a system 5 aircon. Choose a brand that offers good after-sales service in Singapore.
Popular System 5 Brands in Singapore
Below are a few reliable aircon brands in Singapore for system 5 aircon:
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Daikin
- Panasonic
- LG
These brands have local service centers and support. Always check for models with inverter technology and energy-saving features.
Who Should Get a System 5 Aircon?
You should consider System 5 if:
- You have 5 rooms that need cooling
- You prefer a cleaner exterior look with just one outdoor unit
- You want flexibility in controlling room temperatures
- You live in a large flat or multi-room house
However, if you don’t use all 5 rooms often, a System 4 or System 3 might be enough.
FAQ
Can I run all five indoor units at once?
Yes, but make sure the total BTU does not exceed what the outdoor unit can handle. Otherwise, it may affect performance or shorten the system’s lifespan.
Is a system 5 more energy-efficient than multiple single systems?
Yes. Modern System 5 aircon units with inverter technology use less electricity compared to running five single split systems.
How often should I service my System 5 aircon?
General servicing should be done every 3 to 4 months. Chemical cleaning can be done once a year.
Is System 5 aircon suitable for HDB flats?
Yes, especially for 5-room flats or executive flats. However, make sure there’s enough space on your aircon ledge for the larger outdoor unit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right aircon system makes a big difference in comfort and cost. If you need to cool five rooms in your home, a System 5 aircon is a smart choice. It saves space, offers control, and is energy-efficient when used wisely.
Before you buy, speak to a trusted aircon installer in Singapore. Make sure the system fits your home’s power, space, and usage needs.
