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What Do the Number of Ticks Mean for Aircon and How Much Do You Save?
If you’ve ever shopped for an aircon in Singapore, you’ve seen the NEA Energy Label with ticks — from 1 tick to 5 ticks. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how much money does a higher tick rating actually save you every month? This guide breaks it all down simply.
What Are Aircon Ticks in Singapore?
The tick rating system is run by Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA). Every aircon sold in Singapore must display an energy label showing how energy-efficient the unit is — rated from 1 tick (least efficient) to 5 ticks (most efficient).
The ticks are based on the aircon’s Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) — essentially how much cooling you get per watt of electricity consumed. The higher the ticks, the more cooling you get for the same electricity used. This is part of NEA’s Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS).
What Each Tick Rating Means
Here is a breakdown of what each tick rating represents and what type of buyer it suits:
| Tick Rating | Efficiency | CSPF Range | Best For | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ 1 Tick | Low | Below 2.6 | Rarely used rooms | $400–$700 |
| ⭐⭐ 2 Ticks | Below Avg | 2.6–2.9 | Occasional use | $600–$900 |
| ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Ticks | Average | 2.9–3.2 | Most HDB households | $900–$1,300 |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Ticks | High | 3.2–3.5 | Heavy nightly use | $1,200–$1,800 |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Ticks | Highest | 3.5+ | 24/7 use, WFH | $1,500–$2,500+ |
How Much Do You Actually Save?
Real-world calculation based on a 9,000 BTU aircon running 8 hours per night at Singapore’s electricity rate of $0.29 per kWh (Q1 2026, per EMA Singapore).
| Tick Rating | Power Draw | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Annual Savings vs 1-Tick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Tick | ~1,300W | ~$91 | ~$1,087 | — |
| 2 Ticks | ~1,150W | ~$80 | ~$962 | Save ~$125 |
| 3 Ticks | ~1,000W | ~$70 | ~$836 | Save ~$251 |
| 4 Ticks | ~870W | ~$61 | ~$727 | Save ~$360 |
| 5 Ticks | ~750W | ~$52 | ~$627 | Save ~$460 |
3-Room HDB With 3 Aircon Units — 10-Year Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Annual Cost (3 units) | 10-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 1-Tick Aircons | ~$3,261/yr | ~$32,610 |
| 3 × 3-Tick Aircons | ~$2,508/yr | ~$25,080 |
| 3 × 5-Tick Aircons | ~$1,881/yr | ~$18,810 |
Which Tick Rating Should You Get?
| Your Usage Pattern | Recommended Ticks | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Guest room, rarely used | 1–2 Ticks | Savings won’t justify higher upfront cost |
| Bedroom, on at night only (6–8 hrs) | 3 Ticks | Best balance of cost and efficiency |
| Living room, on most of the day | 4 Ticks | Higher usage justifies better efficiency |
| WFH, aircon on 10–16 hrs daily | 5 Ticks | Pays for itself within 3–4 years |
Ticks vs Inverter — What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse tick ratings with inverter technology — they are related but not the same thing.
| Tick Rating | Inverter Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Overall energy efficiency | How the compressor works |
| Energy saving | Higher ticks = more efficient | Saves 30–50% vs non-inverter |
| Relationship | Most 4–5 tick aircons are inverter. But not all inverter aircons are 5-tick. | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 5-tick aircon always worth it?
Only if you use your aircon heavily — 8 hours or more per day. For a guest room used occasionally, a 3-tick unit is more cost-effective.
Do ticks matter more than the brand?
For electricity savings, yes. But brand matters for reliability. Ideally choose a reputable brand (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Panasonic) with the highest tick rating within your budget.
Does a higher tick aircon cool faster?
No. Cooling speed depends on BTU, not ticks. Ticks only measure energy efficiency.
Can I get a grant for buying a high-tick aircon?
Yes. Under Singapore’s Climate Friendly Households Programme, eligible HDB households can receive vouchers of up to $300 to offset the cost of energy-efficient appliances including 3-tick and above aircons.
Will NEA change the tick system in future?
Yes. As of April 2025, NEA raised the MEPS for single-split aircons to 4-tick minimum. Always check the latest NEA tick rating page before buying.
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