Singapore has a high homeownership rate thanks to the Housing and Development Board. The HDB flats are widely known as an affordable and accessible way to homeownership of at least 99 years. To continue operating these estate planning projects while ensuring public safety and safeguarding building infrastructure, HDB has placed stringent allotment criteria and compliance regulations in its tenancy agreement.
For example, renovation plans at HDB flats need to be pre-approved by the board. Similarly, despite the hot climate in Singapore, one cannot get air conditioning installed unless they meet the compliance regulations governing electricity consumption, AC placement and type, and AC maintenance. Noncompliance with HDB rules can lead to hefty penalties.
If you’re unaware of the nuances and complexities of these guidelines, it’s best to hire a licensed and reliable aircon technician to support you. At Fixlaa, we asked our expert technicians to simplify HDB’s guidelines for our esteemed customers to ease your aircon installation plans.
Understanding HDB Guidelines On Aircon Installation
Every compliance guideline set up by HDB has a logical explanation and practical relevance. Let’s see some rules and why they’ve been orchestrated.
❖ Load Restrictions
To warrant a smooth flow of power throughout the building, HDB flat owners have an electrical load limit that must be adhered to. The maximum limit is 40 amps. Whereas the load limit for individual appliances is 15 amps.
Why is this important?
The load limit of the HDB flat can influence your AC type and purchase. AC units can range anywhere between 5 amps and 60 amps, depending upon the AC’s cooling capacity. If your AC exceeds the load limit, you will need to arrange an electrical aircon installation permit. Hence, it’s important to understand load limit guidelines and cross-check with the aircon model specifications before going ahead with the purchase.
❖ Outdoor Unit Positioning
Call them micromanagers, but HDB has put in careful consideration in suggesting compressor unit positioning rules. These guidelines protect people from unforeseen problems like an AC falling due to a corroded or weak stand.
According to HDB guidelines,
- The compressor or outdoor unit of the AC must be securely mounted in a designated area, typically the ledge or balcony.
- It should not be placed in common corridors since the vibration can disrupt other people.
- The water drainage must be done internally, and the water should be discharged into a floor trap to avoid inconveniencing the neighbors or damaging the building.
- Proper conditioning of the compressor unit must be maintained.
- In case an outside ledge is not provided in your HDB flats, you can install an AC bracket. This bracket for outdoor units must be mounted on concrete or brick walls, and NOT timber.
- You must monitor the steel of the bracket and watch out for signs of corrosion.
- Water leaks from the condenser unit must be quickly addressed, etc.
What happens when HDB residents fail to comply with the aircon installation guidelines?
Under the Building Control Regulations, failing to comply with the HDB aircon installation guidelines can result in a penalty.
- For improper installation: Penalty of up to S$5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
- For falls due to lack of maintenance: Fines up to S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
How can understanding guidelines help your aircon installation and maintenance?
When you’re aware of the complexities of air conditioning installation in HDB flats, you’ll plan the installation with more intention and thought to prevent objections from authorities and neighbors. Understanding the guides can prepare you to,
- Submit the AC installation permit request and get the approval on time.
- Select an AC unit that meets guidelines for electrical consumption and positioning. For example, split AC is the most popular AC type for HDB flat residents due to the connectivity between indoor and outdoor units through refrigerant pipes. This type of AC offers cooling in all rooms and meets positioning criteria. Similarly, window ACs are usually not preferred as they make a lot of noise.
- Ascertain the cooling capacity of the AC in compatibility with the size of the rooms and avoid compressor issues.
- Hire licensed aircon technicians to prevent costly repairs or end up with penalties due to faulty installation.
- Prioritize routine maintenance and repairs to avoid hefty penalties.
- Enable you to monitor the work of your AC technician.
How do I oversee aircon installation and maintenance to ensure compliance?
Meeting compliance requirements can feel overwhelming, especially with an extensive list of guidelines. However, you don’t need to memorize it all to do it right. Engaging the services of experienced AC technicians allows you to leverage their expertise and ensure adherence. It is also safer than hiring unlicensed individuals, who might try to cut corners, compromising safety.
If you’re planning on getting an air conditioner installed in your HDB flat to prepare it for the summer, book a consultation with expert technicians at Fixlaa.
Our trusted professionals have extensive experience and can help you with securing a permit, location planning, installation, and maintenance. In short, our reliable technicians will hold your hand through the process and explain each regulation and compliance rule to prepare you for life as an air conditioner owner in HDB flats.
To learn more about our aircon installation and maintenance services, click here.
