Portable
No installation, move it between rooms
Ideal for rented rooms
Louder and less efficient; needs a window for the hose
Short answer: for a typical HDB bedroom (10–15 m²) look at 9,000 BTU, and go one size up for west-facing rooms. Choose portable if you rent, split if you own and want the lowest running cost. The Harvey Norman sale runs to 30 Nov 2026.
What size aircon do you need?
Aircon power is measured in BTU. Too small and it runs flat out without cooling the room; too big and you pay for power you don't use.
7–9k BTUSmall bedroom or study, up to 10 m²
9,000 BTUCommon HDB bedroom, 10–15 m²
12,000 BTUMaster bedroom, 15–20 m²
18–24k BTULiving room, 25–35 m²
West-facing room or lots of glass? Go one size up: afternoon sun adds a lot of heat.
Portable vs window vs split
Window
Cheaper than a split system
Good for a single room
Blocks part of the window; some noise
Split (system)
Quietest, lowest running cost
Can cool several rooms
Highest upfront cost; needs professional install
Running costs and energy ticks
Appliances in Singapore carry an energy label with ticks: more ticks means lower electricity bills. A higher-tick unit costs more upfront but usually pays back over a few years of daily use.
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Look for more ticks on the label. Some energy-efficient appliances also qualify for Climate Vouchers; check the product label and the official scheme rules before you buy.
Best aircon deals right now
Harvey Norman 25th Anniversary Sale runs 15 Oct – 30 Nov 2026, so it covers both 11.11 and Black Friday.
- Free delivery with a minimum spend of S$200 (standard delivery terms apply).
- Promotion items are limited and subject to stock. If an item runs out after you order, the order can be cancelled and refunded within 14 working days.
- There's also a "Win a Home Makeover worth $20,000" contest with 25 winners; check the official T&Cs for how to enter.
EuropAce 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
S$599S$899Save S$300
9,000 BTUPortableRooms 10–15 m²
Good for: a common bedroom where you can't install a split unit.
Skip if: you own the flat and can install a system aircon, which is quieter and cheaper to run.
Price checked 24 Oct 2026, incl. GST. Prices change often.
More aircon picks will be added before 11.11 as prices are announced.
Common questions
What BTU aircon do I need for an HDB bedroom?
As a rough guide, 9,000 BTU suits a typical bedroom of about 10–15 m². Larger or west-facing rooms usually need 12,000 BTU or more.
Is a portable aircon worth it in Singapore?
Yes, if you can't install a split system, for example in a rented room. It's usually noisier and less efficient, and it needs a window for its exhaust hose.
When is the best time to buy an aircon in Singapore?
Sale periods like 11.11, Black Friday and year-end often bring the steepest discounts. Compare today's price first so you know whether the sale price is really lower.
Should I get a split, window or portable aircon?
Split units are quietest and cheapest to run but cost most upfront and need professional installation. Window units are cheaper and suit a single room. Portable units need no installation and suit rented rooms, but are louder and less efficient.
What do the energy ticks on an aircon mean?
More ticks means lower electricity use, so look for more ticks on the label. Some energy-efficient appliances also qualify for Climate Vouchers; check the official scheme rules.
Does a west-facing room need a bigger aircon?
Often yes. Afternoon sun adds a lot of heat, so go one size up for a west-facing room or one with lots of glass.
More deals
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