Introduction
If you need your Aircon to be installed in a private property instead, you might want to check out Aircon installation.
Is this your first time installing Aircon in HDB? Or have you installed many times but still feel that there’s more you’d like to know? Well you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to cover issues such as ; installing a bracket for your condensing unit, power point needed for your AIrcon, btu needed for each room, what brand of Air-conditioner should I be getting, ,materials used for installation.
Metal Bracket for Aircon compressor
For HDB units that don’t have an AIrcon ledge, you will have to install a metal bracket. It is usually located below the master bedroom’s window. The price for a metal bracket is usually around $150. Be careful if the bracket is priced too cheaply, as you wouldn’t want this to happen to your Aircon :
Unfortunately, unless you are experienced in the metal field. There’s really no hard and fast rule to determine if you are getting a quality bracket. A general rule of thumb is to purchase a bracket with a credible Aircon company, or in another words, us 😉
Electrical point for your Air-con compressor
Typically you will need a 20 amp isolator or a 15amp 3 round pin plug to provide electricity for your condensing unit. For HDB units with Aircon ledge, it usually comes with one. For other hdb flat, if you see a 3 round pin plug, you are safe.
If you don’t notice one at your flat, you might need to install one for your home. It might involve installation of electrical cable from your D.B box. There will be additional fees involv depending on the difficulty level of the installation.
BTU needed for each room
If you already have an existing Aircon at home, picture this : turn on your Aircon in your room, then open your door, will your whole house get cooled? No it wouldn’t, as it doesn’t have the right btu. Getting the right btu needed for each room is essential for the right cooling effect on your room. Getting a btu that is way higher than your requirement is also not efficient for cooling. A general rule of thumb is this : multiply the area of the coverage (in square feet) by 50-60 (only for hdb homes), you will get the approximate btu needed for the space you are intending to cool.
If this isn’t simple enough, just note that for a typical HDB room, 9000 btu is more than enough. And for a master bedroom, 9000 is the right size to fit for your room. You really don’t need anything more than that.
A general way to know the btu required for living is this :
12000 btu for 3 room flat
18000 btu for 4 room hdb flat
24000 btu for a 5 room hdb flat.
Nonetheless there are also exceptions to this, we have seen 5 room flat with a gigantic living room and 24000 btu won’t be enough to cover. If you need a reliable aircon technician to assess for you, you can call us up at 91775500 to book an appointment.
Which brand should I be getting?
Now that you know what does BTU mean. Next you will need to figure out which brand should you be getting. It is hard to define which is the best Aircon brand in Singapore. If you like to read the reviews of the Major Aircon brands in Singapore, you might want to click on the links below for more information :
Mitsubishi Aircon review
Daikin Aircon review
Panasonic Aircon review
Midea Aircon review.
If you are looking strictly based on cost, Midea Aircon win hands down. For a system 3 Aircon full installation with upgraded materials, Midea System 3 Aircon can be $600 – $800 cheaper than Mitsubishi AIrcon. However, do note that, Midea Aircon does not have 24000 btu fancoil unit. So for those who are intending to install in your living room for 5 room flat, this option is unavailable.
It is hard to justify the reliability of each brand. But we can look at reliability in a few different ways, such as warranty period, back end support, easy availability of second hand spare parts. For warranty period, Midea Aircon has 2 years warranty on parts, and 6 years on compressor, more than that of other brands. As for back end support, we find that Mitsubishi, Daikin Aircon and Panasonic has the best back end ticketing system, if you ever find that you have any issues with your Aircon. Regarding the availability of second hand spare parts, we will base it on who has the highest market share in Singapore. Currently both Daikin and Mitsubishi Aircon is the most widely sold brand in Singapore.
Materials used for Aircon installation
Aircon materials consist of these 5 materials :
Armaflex insulation
Copper pipe
Water pipe
Cable
Trunking / casing
IF you want to know about these materials in detail, you can read more on :
Essential guide to aircon piping installation
Even if you don’t have the time to read the article. You will still have to take note of the armaflex insulation material.
You should be using ½ inch armaflex for your Aircon insulation and it looks like this
Furthermore, you can identify it based on this number located at the insulation.
With a thicker Armaflex insulation, it will be much harder for you to have condensation issues in the future. And what is the severity of having Aircon condensation issue? You will have to reinstall the whole Aircon piping again. That could cost a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars.
Next, other than the armaflex insulation used. Each of the copper pipe has to be individually insulated other than at the area near the fancoil. Because it effectively reduces the ability to absorb condensation if 2 copper pipes are insulated by one insulation.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, there are still certain circumstances in which you will not be able to install the Aircon using the exact route you desire. In addition, if you need help in planning your Aircon installation, feel free to call us up at 91775500. Our friendly service staff will be glad to be of your assistance ☺ We also offer other services like aircon pressure tests if your aircon is not blowing cold air. For more information on Ceiling Cassette, do check this article out as well.
