When buying an air conditioner in Singapore, you may notice a tick rating on the label. This tick rating is not just a fancy sticker. It helps you understand how energy efficient your aircon is. In this blog, we’ll explain what the aircon tick rating means, why it matters, and how it helps you save money.
| Tick Rating | Energy Efficiency | Electricity Usage | Estimated Monthly Cost* | Ideal For | Inverter Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-tick | Very Low | Very High | $90 – $100 | Rare or short-term use | No |
| 2-tick | Low | High | $80 – $90 | Light use, budget-friendly option | No |
| 3-tick | Moderate | Medium | $60 – $70 | Occasional daily use | Sometimes |
| 4-tick | High | Low | $50 – $60 | Regular use in homes/offices | Yes |
| 5-tick | Very High | Very Low | $40 – $50 | Daily long-hour usage, energy savers | Yes |
*Based on 8 hours/day usage. Actual costs may vary depending on model and room size.
What Is the Aircon Tick Rating?
The aircon tick rating is part of the Energy Label system by the National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore. This label shows how energy-efficient an air conditioner is. It uses a simple tick system, from 1-tick to 5-tick, to classify aircon systems based on their energy efficiency.
The more ticks an aircon has, the more energy efficient it is. This means it uses less electricity to cool your room.
What Does 1-Tick Mean In Aircon?
A 1-tick aircon is the least energy efficient. It uses more electricity to cool a room.
- Usually cheaper to buy
- Consumes more power
- Leads to higher electricity bills
- Suitable for short or rare usage
This option may cost less at first, but long-term running costs are high.
What Does 2-Tick Aircon Mean In Aircon?
A 2-tick aircon is a small step better than 1-tick models.
- Slightly more efficient than 1-tick
- Still uses a fair amount of electricity
- May save a little on monthly bills
- Often non-inverter models
Still not ideal for regular daily use.
What Does 3-Tick Aircon Mean In Aircon?
A 3-tick aircon is average in energy performance.
- Balanced option for cost and efficiency
- Suitable for people who use aircon a few hours a day
- Common in mid-range models
- Offers moderate savings
It’s a good starting point for better efficiency without a high upfront cost.
What Does 4-Tick Aircon Mean In Aircon?
A 4-tick aircon is very energy efficient.
- Uses much less electricity than 1- to 3-tick units
- Ideal for frequent use
- Mostly inverter models
- Quieter and cools faster
This is a smart choice for homes with regular aircon use.
What Does 5-Tick Aircon Mean In Aircon?
A 5-tick aircon is the most energy efficient.
- Top-rated for power savings
- Lowest monthly running cost
- Best for daily or long-hour usage
- Eco-friendly and inverter-based
Though more expensive at first, it pays off with lower bills over time.
Why Is the Tick Rating Important?
The tick rating helps you choose an aircon that saves electricity. This means:
- Lower electricity bills
- Less harm to the environment
- Better long-term savings
Let’s say you use your aircon every day. A 5-tick aircon will cost less to run over a year than a 2-tick model.
Tick Rating and Monthly Savings
Let’s look at an example.
If you run your aircon 8 hours a day, the monthly cost might look like this for aircons with different tick ratings:
| Tick Rating | Monthly Cost (Estimated) |
| 1-tick | $90 – $100 |
| 3-tick | $60 – $70 |
| 5-tick | $40 – $50 |
You could save around $500 per year just by choosing a 5-tick aircon instead of a 1-tick.
How Does NEA Calculate the Tick Rating?
The NEA checks air conditioners based on their Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF). CSPF tells how well an aircon performs over a range of temperatures.
A high CSPF means the aircon cools well while using less energy. NEA uses this number to give a tick rating.
All tested models are listed on NEA’s website, so you can compare them before buying.
Relation Between Inverter Technology And Tick Rating
Most 5-tick aircons use inverter technology. These aircons adjust their power based on the room’s temperature. They don’t switch on and off like non-inverter models. That means smoother cooling and lower power use.
Non-inverter models are cheaper but less efficient. They often have 1- or 2-tick ratings.
How To Choose the Right Tick Rating?
Here are a few tips:
- Look at your usage – If you use aircon every day, go for 4- or 5-tick models.
- Check the room size – Don’t use a small aircon in a large room. It will waste energy.
- Compare brands – Some brands offer better CSPF at a lower price.
- Read the NEA Energy Label – It shows yearly energy cost and tick rating.
- Check promotions – Some shops give rebates on 5-tick models.
Benefits of Choosing a High Tick Rating Aircon
- Saves money every month
- Helps reduce your carbon footprint
- Cools your room faster and more evenly
- Runs more quietly (especially inverter types)
- Adds value to your home or rental unit
Government Rebates and Support on Higher Tick Rating Aircons
Singapore’s government sometimes offers rebates for energy-efficient appliances. These programs support families in buying 4- or 5-tick aircons and other products.
Check NEA’s website or speak to your retailer to learn if any rebates are available.
FAQ
What is the highest tick rating for aircons in Singapore?
The highest rating is 5-tick, which means the best energy efficiency.
Is a 1-tick aircon bad?
It’s not “bad,” but it uses more electricity. You’ll pay more for your power bills over time.
Can I find the tick rating online?
Yes. NEA lists all rated aircon models on their official site. You can search by brand, model, or tick rating.
Do all aircons in Singapore need a tick rating?
Yes. All new air conditioners sold in Singapore must have an NEA Energy Label with a tick rating.
How can I know the energy cost?
The energy label shows the estimated yearly electricity cost. This helps you compare different models.
Should I only buy 5-tick aircons?
Not always. If you use your aircon rarely or in a small room, a 3- or 4-tick model may be enough.
Final Thoughts
The aircon tick rating in Singapore is a helpful guide when choosing a new air conditioner. It tells you how energy efficient the model is, from 1-tick (lowest) to 5-tick (highest). The more ticks, the more you save. Although higher-rated models may cost more at first, they help you save money every month. Plus, they’re better for the planet. Next time you shop for an aircon, don’t forget to check the tick rating. It could make a big difference in the long run.
