A standard aircon installation in Singapore should include the units, all refrigerant piping and insulation, drainage, the electrical connection, mounting, testing, and removal of your old unit — backed by a written warranty. A fair quotation lists these out so you can see exactly what you're paying for. Single-split installations start from around $1,200 and a full HDB multi-unit system from around $2,800 (no GST at aircons.sg), with the final price shaped by how many units you need, the brand you choose, and the piping work involved. Here's how to read an installation quote — and how to keep your monthly bill down afterwards.
What's included in a standard aircon installation
When you install a new aircon you're paying for much more than the unit on the wall. A proper installation covers:
- The units — the indoor fan-coil unit(s) and the outdoor condenser
- Refrigerant piping — copper pipes carrying the gas between the indoor and outdoor units
- Insulation — wrapped around the copper piping to stop condensation, ceiling dripping and heat loss
- Drainage piping — to carry condensation water safely away
- Electrical connection — proper-gauge cabling between the units
- Mounting & brackets — secure fixing of both the indoor and outdoor units
- Testing & commissioning — vacuuming the lines, checking gas pressure and confirming it cools properly before handover
- Old-unit removal — dismantling and disposing of your existing aircon, if you're replacing one
- Warranty — on both the equipment and the installation workmanship
If one quote is far cheaper than the rest, check what's been left out. Thin insulation, a short warranty, or "piping charged separately" are common ways a low headline price grows on installation day.
What a proper installation quote should show you
You should always be able to ask for a breakdown. A transparent HDB installation quote usually itemises:
| Line item | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Aircon unit(s) | The specific model, BTU size and energy-efficiency (tick) rating |
| Standard installation | Mounting, a standard length of piping, insulation, drainage and electrical connection |
| Extra piping / concealment | Any length beyond the standard run, or concealing pipes above a false ceiling |
| Dismantle & disposal | Removing your old aircon — sometimes free, sometimes a small fee |
| Total (no GST) | aircons.sg does not charge GST, so the total shown is what you pay |
Always ask for the model number and tick rating in writing. Two quotes can look identical until you notice one is a 2-tick unit and the other a 5-tick — that difference shows up on your electricity bill for years.
What affects your installation price
- Number of units / system size — a 3-room flat often takes a "System 2" (two indoor units on one outdoor unit); larger homes need a System 3, 4 or more.
- Brand and efficiency — premium brands and higher tick ratings cost more upfront but run cheaper month to month.
- Piping length and concealment — longer runs, or hiding pipes above a false ceiling, add labour and materials.
- Wall type and access — hacking through concrete, or an awkward outdoor-unit position, takes more work.
- Replacement vs brand-new — reusing good existing piping can save money, but old or undersized piping should be replaced to avoid future leaks.
As a guide, single-split installations start from $1,200 and a full HDB system from $2,800 with aircons.sg (no GST). The only way to get an exact figure is a quick site survey — which should be free.
Materials matter more than the sticker price
The parts you never see decide how long your system lasts. A premium aircon on thin insulation and cheap piping will still drip, leak gas and push up your bill within a few years. On every aircons.sg installation we use ½" Armaflex SHIELD insulation, thick-gauge copper piping, quality cabling and correctly-sized concealed drainage as standard — see exactly what goes into your installation here.
What about my monthly bill?
Running cost comes down to three things: how efficient the unit is, how you use it, and how well it was installed.
- Inverter vs non-inverter — inverter units adjust their power smoothly instead of switching fully on and off, using roughly 30–50% less electricity for the same cooling.
- Tick rating — more NEA ticks means lower running cost. A 4–5 tick inverter system is the most economical to run.
- R32 refrigerant — the current standard; more efficient and kinder to the environment than older R410A or R22 gas.
- How you use it — setting 25°C instead of 18°C, servicing regularly, and choosing a unit sized right for the room all keep the bill down.
A clean, correctly-sized inverter system that isn't overworked is the cheapest to run — which is exactly why sizing each room properly at installation matters.
Warranty — what you're covered for
A complete installation should come with two layers of cover:
- Manufacturer warranty — typically 1 year on spare parts and 5 years on the compressor.
- Workmanship warranty — aircons.sg covers our piping and installation work for 2 years, including the labour and transport for any workmanship call-back.
Getting an accurate quote
To quote your installation precisely, have three things ready: how many units you need per room or flat, your preferred brand (or your budget, so we can advise), and whether you're replacing an existing system. From there we itemise everything and confirm with a free site survey before any work begins.
Planning an installation for your HDB flat, condo or landed home? WhatsApp aircons.sg at 9107 2601 for a clear, itemised quote — no GST, no hidden extras.