Buying a new aircon? What to check before you install it

A new aircon is a 10-year decision, and most of the regret comes from getting the basics wrong at the buying stage — the wrong size, too few indoor units, or a layout the flat can't support cleanly. A quick note on how we work: we install the unit you buy — we're an installation and servicing specialist, not a retailer — so you're free to shop the best deal. Once it's in, regular aircon servicing keeps it running cold for the full decade. Here's what to check first.

1. BTU — match the cooling to the room

BTU is the cooling capacity. Too small and it never gets cold while running flat-out; too big and it short-cycles and wastes power. As a rough HDB guide, match the room to the capacity below. Sun exposure, ceiling height and how many people use the room nudge it up.

2. System type — how many indoor units

"System 2/3/4" means one outdoor condenser serving 2, 3 or 4 indoor units. Undersize the condenser for the load and you risk a unit that's never quite cold enough. Count the rooms you actually want cooled and pick to suit — and check your condenser ledge can take the size of unit a bigger system needs.

3. Pipe run and trunking

The copper distance between the indoor units and the condenser affects both cost and performance — longer runs need more copper and can need a refrigerant gas top-up. Think about where the trunking will run, too; a tidy install plans the casing route so it isn't an eyesore across your wall.

4. Ledge space and drainage

Check the condenser ledge actually fits the outdoor unit with airflow clearance, and that there's a proper condensate drainage path so the indoor units don't drip — a poorly planned path is a common cause of an aircon leaking water later on. Internal drainage with a pump is an option where gravity drainage isn't available.

5. Electrical supply

A new system often needs a dedicated circuit from the DB box. On older flats with a full board, that can mean a little electrical work alongside the aircon install — worth knowing before install day.

How install-only works

Once you've bought the unit, we dismantle the old system if any, mount the new indoor and outdoor units, run and insulate the copper, sort the drainage and wiring, vacuum and pressure-test, then test-run and check the cold output before handover. Installation starts from $350 for a System 1 with standard piping; bigger systems depend on the pipe runs and removal. See our aircon service for the full scope.

The takeaway

Get the BTU and system size right for your rooms, check the ledge, pipe run and power before you buy, then let a licensed team install it properly. Send us your floor plan or a few photos and we'll advise on sizing and quote the install — you bring the unit, we make it cold.