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Aircon BTU Calculator for Singapore Homes

Free · No sign-up · Updated October 2026
Calculate the BTU capacity you need for each room in a Singapore home based on floor area, sun exposure and occupants, and what system-3 or system-4 setup fits an HDB flat.
9,000 BTU
People usually in room
2

Calculated load ≈ 3,800 BTU/h

9,000 BTU
People usually in room
1

Calculated load ≈ 2,700 BTU/h

12,000 BTU
People usually in room
4

Calculated load ≈ 9,500 BTU/h

Total fan-coil capacity

30,000 BTU

3 fan coils, a System 3 setup if on one compressor.

How this works

We use the room-size rule of thumb common among Singapore aircon retailers: about 25 BTU per square foot of floor area, plus 10% for west- or sun-facing rooms, 600 BTU for each regular occupant beyond two, and extra for kitchens or rooms with heat-generating equipment.

Capacities are rounded up to the next standard fan-coil size (9,000 / 12,000 / 18,000 / 24,000 BTU). Ceiling height, insulation and window area matter, so ask an installer to confirm.

FAQs

What BTU aircon do I need for an HDB bedroom?

A typical HDB common bedroom of 9–11 m² (100–120 sq ft) needs about 9,000 BTU; a master bedroom of 12–16 m² usually needs 12,000 BTU. West-facing rooms or rooms with more people may need the next size up.

Is a bigger aircon always better?

No. An oversized unit cools quickly then cycles off before removing humidity, leaving the room clammy and wasting energy. Match capacity to the room, and choose an inverter system with a good energy label.