Singapore’s hot and humid weather means many homes run the aircon, fans, fridge and water heater almost every day. The good news is that a few smart habits and appliance choices can noticeably lower your bill. Here are practical ways to save on electricity bills in Singapore, whether you live in a 3-room HDB flat or a larger home.
1. Start With the Aircon
The aircon is usually the biggest electricity user in a Singapore home. According to NEA studies, air-conditioners account for roughly a third or more of household electricity consumption, so small changes here make the biggest difference.
- Set the temperature to around 25°C and pair it with a fan so the room feels cooler.
- Use the timer or sleep mode instead of running the unit all night at full power.
- Close doors and windows while the aircon is on, and draw curtains in rooms that get strong afternoon sun.
- Clean the filters regularly and service the unit as recommended, since dirty filters make it work harder.
- Switch the aircon off when you leave the room for long periods.
If you are replacing an old unit, read our guide to the best aircon for HDB flats before you buy.
2. Choose Appliances With More Ticks
Under NEA’s Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme, appliances such as air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers carry an energy label. More ticks mean the appliance is more energy efficient, and the label also shows an estimated annual energy cost so you can compare models easily. A higher-tick model often costs more upfront but can save money over its lifetime. Browse the NEA website for the energy label guide and appliance listings.
3. Unplug Devices and Cut Standby Power
Chargers, TVs, set-top boxes and gaming consoles keep drawing small amounts of power even when they are not in use. Plug these devices into a power strip with a switch and turn it off when you go to bed or leave home. Over a year, this simple habit can add up.
4. Switch to LED Lighting and Use Natural Light
LED bulbs use much less energy than older lighting and last longer. During the day, open the blinds and rely on natural light where possible. If you are renovating, plan lighting and aircon points early so you do not need to redo electrical work later. Our HDB renovation timeline shows where this fits.
5. Use the Fridge and Laundry Smartly
- Do not leave the fridge door open, and let hot food cool before storing it.
- Keep the fridge reasonably stocked, but avoid overpacking so air can circulate.
- Wash full loads and use cold water where the detergent allows.
- Air-dry clothes when you can instead of using a dryer, since dryers use a lot of electricity.
6. Compare Plans in the Open Electricity Market
Households in Singapore can choose between the regulated tariff from SP Group and plans from licensed electricity retailers in the Open Electricity Market. SP Group’s regulated tariff is revised every quarter, while retailer plans may offer fixed rates or discounts for set contract periods. Use the official comparison tool at openelectricitymarket.sg to check current plans.
Before you switch, check the contract length, any early termination fee, and whether the offer is a fixed price or a discount off the regulated tariff. Only sign up with licensed retailers, and avoid committing to a plan at your doorstep without comparing first.
7. Track Your Usage
Checking your monthly consumption helps you spot spikes, such as a heavy aircon month or a faulty appliance. Use your SP Group account or app to view your usage, and compare it month to month after you try new habits. If you also run an air purifier, see our guide to the best air purifier for Singapore homes to pick an efficient model.
Quick Electricity-Saving Checklist
- Set the aircon to around 25°C and use a fan.
- Clean aircon filters and service the unit regularly.
- Choose appliances with more energy label ticks.
- Turn off devices at the power strip when not in use.
- Switch to LED lights.
- Compare Open Electricity Market plans once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What uses the most electricity in an HDB flat?
The aircon is usually the largest consumer, followed by the fridge, water heater and other appliances used daily.
Is it worth switching electricity retailers?
It can be, if a plan offers a lower effective rate for your usage. Compare plans carefully and read the contract terms, because prices and conditions differ by retailer.
Does a higher-tick aircon really save money?
Yes, more ticks mean better energy efficiency, so a higher-tick model usually costs less to run, especially if you use it daily.
Tariffs, plans and appliance labelling rules can change, so check SP Group, EMA and NEA for the latest information.