System 1 aircon means an air conditioning setup where one outdoor compressor is connected to one indoor unit. This is a common aircon setup for a single room or a small area in a home or office. In Singapore, many people choose System 1 aircon for bedrooms, study rooms, or small offices. This type of system is easy to install, simple to maintain, and offers good cooling for individual spaces. It is also one of the most affordable aircon option for spaces requiring limited cooling needs. Let’s discover a bit more about system 1 aircon – how it works, advantages of system 1 aircon, where to install it and many other aspects of this aircon system.
Before we start, let’s be clear about a concept about aircon:
- System 1 = 1 indoor + 1 outdoor
- System 2 = 2 indoor + 1 outdoor
- System 3 = 3 indoor + 1 outdoor
- System 4 = 4 indoor + 1 outdoor
- System 5 = 5 indoor + 1 outdoor
How Does A System 1 Aircon Work?
The working process of a system 1 aircon is simple. Here, one indoor unit ( usually a wall mount split system) is connected to a single outdoor unit. Both the units are connected with two refrigerant lines – sanction and discharge line. Through the discharge line, the aircon condenser sends refrigerant gas to the indoor unit where the suction line is responsible for sending back the gas to the outdoor unit.
Different Parts of a System 1 Aircon
To understand how this system works, let’s know about the major components of the system:
- Outdoor unit (compressor): This sits outside the house. It removes heat from the air inside your room.
- Indoor unit: This is the cooling unit mounted inside your room. It blows cool air into the space.
- Piping and wiring: These connect the indoor and outdoor units and carry refrigerant and power.
- Remote control or wall unit: Lets you set temperature and fan speed.
The system is straightforward. One compressor supports one fan coil unit. You can’t connect it to more rooms later. If you need cooling in multiple rooms, you would need to install additional System 1 units or choose a System 2 or System 3 aircon.
Why System 1 Aircon is Popular in Singapore
Singapore has many high-rise apartments, HDB flats, and small offices. In many cases, homeowners want air conditioning for just one room. System 1 aircon fits this need well. It doesn’t take up much space and can be installed without major renovation which is often very difficult due to the hassle of HDB aircon installation permits.
Therefore, A system 1 aircon becomes a good fit for:
- Rooms rented out to tenants
- Home offices
- Study rooms
- Small shops or offices
Because of its low installation cost, many Singaporeans choose System 1 aircon when starting out or when they only need cooling for a small area.
Brands Offering System 1 Aircon in Singapore
For system 1 aircon, several trusted air conditioning brands are available in Singapore. These brands are known for their quality, energy efficiency, and after-sales service.
Below are the major aircon brands in Singapore sell System 1 units:
- Daikin
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Panasonic
- LG
- Midea
These brands offer both non inverter and inverter aircon models. Inverter models cost more upfront but save electricity over time.
Who Should Choose System 1 Aircon?
System 1 aircon is a smart choice for individuals or businesses that need to cool only a single room.
System 1 aircon is suitable for:
- People living alone
- Small families cooling just one room
- Tenants renting a single room
- Shop owners cooling a customer-facing area
- Office workers using a small space
If your home already has ceiling fans in other rooms and you only want strong cooling in one space, this system makes sense.
Benefits of System 1 Aircon
Choosing a System 1 aircon comes with several practical benefits, especially for residents in Singapore who need efficient cooling for a single room or compact space.
- Lower cost: It’s cheaper to buy and install than multi-split systems.
- Less power used: Since it cools just one room, it saves energy.
- Simple design: Fewer parts mean fewer problems and easier servicing.
- Independent control: Full control over temperature and aircon modes.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before you decide to purchase a System 1 aircon, please consider below factors:
- Room size: Make sure the unit is strong enough for your room. Always follow aircon sizing chart. Look at the BTU rating of the aircon.
- Installation space: You need space for installing the outdoor unit. Do you have the facility?
- Noise level: Some units are quieter than others. Check the specs before making your decision.
- Brand service support: Pick a brand with good after-sales service in Singapore.
- Inverter or not: Decide based on your usage and budget.
- Tick rating: Consider aircon tick rating. Always prefer a 4 or 5 tick aircon for better energy efficiency.
How Much Does It Cost in Singapore?
Aircon installation cost may vary based on brand and features. However, below is a general idea of a system 1 aircon installation cost in Singapore:
| Item | System 1 |
| Unit cost | SG$600–1,000 |
| Labour | SG$200–300 |
| Piping & drainage | SG$150–250 |
| Electrical & circuit breaker | SG$100–150 |
| Total Cost | SG$1,050–1,700 |
(Please take this estimate as just a starting point. Prices may vary based on promotions, pipe length, and installer fees.)
Installation and Maintenance
Installation time for a system 1 aircon is around 3–4 hours. It includes:
- Mounting the indoor and outdoor units
- Connecting the pipes
- Testing the system
Some companies in Singapore offer free site visits before giving a quote. It’s a good idea to let a licensed installer check your space first.
Regular servicing is essential to keep the aircon run well. In Singapore, it’s common to service your aircon every 3–6 months.
Can You Upgrade a System 1 Aircon Later?
System 1 aircon is not designed to be upgraded. If you want to cool more rooms later, you will need to install new units. This means extra or upgraded outdoor compressors. In condos and HDB flats, the number of compressors allowed may be limited.
If you think you may want cooling in more rooms in the future, consider starting with a System 2 or System 3 setup.
Energy Efficiency
Look at the NEA energy label when buying an aircon unit. There are tick marks on the unit that indicates how energy efficient the aircon is. More ticks mean better energy savings. Inverter systems usually have more ticks than non-inverter ones.
Also, remember to close windows and doors while the aircon is running. This helps keep the room cool and saves power.
FAQ
What does System 1 mean in aircon?
System 1 means one outdoor compressor is connected to one indoor unit.
Is System 1 aircon enough for my bedroom?
Yes, it is usually enough for small to medium-sized bedrooms.
Can I use System 1 aircon for my whole HDB flat?
No, System 1 is for one room only. You’ll need more units for more rooms.
How often should I service my System 1 aircon?
Every 3–6 months is recommended for regular home use in Singapore.
