Choosing the Right Aircon System for Your BTO: System 3 vs. System 4

From choosing the permanent fixtures in your house to decorating it, setting up your new BTO flat is an exciting journey. After all, these decisions will influence the comfort of your home in the years to come. 

Among those decisions, your choice of air conditioning system is a crucial one. Yet, with options like System 3 and System 4 aircons on the market, the process can be confusing. As such, this guide will explain the key differences between the two aircon systems, helping you select the ideal one for your home and lifestyle. 

What is the Difference Between a System 3 and a System 4 Air Conditioner?

Systems 3 and 4 aircons are units that are part of multi-split systems, which connect three or four indoor units to one outdoor unit. As such, their suitability varies:

• System 3 aircon: Ideal for smaller BTOs, this system typically cools two bedrooms and a living room. It tends to be more affordable upfront, but may lack coverage if you need to cool an additional room later.
• System 4 aircon: Suited for larger layouts, this system can cover three bedrooms and a living room. While costing more initially, it future-proofs your home by providing comprehensive cooling coverage from the start.

Here's a quick breakdown of the key differences between the aircon systems:

Determining Your Aircon BTU Needs

Before deciding between these types of aircon systems, it’s crucial to assess your home’s cooling requirements and ensure they can be met by the unit's cooling power. 

To do so, you will need to calculate the cooling capacity required for each room, measured in aircon BTU (British Thermal Unit). BTU indicates how much heat a unit can remove from a room per hour, ensuring optimal efficiency. 

How Many BTUs Do You Need? 

Here’s how to calculate the aircon BTU needed for your home:

1. Measure the area of each room you wish to cool in square feet (sq ft).
2. Multiply the room’s area by 25 to get its estimated aircon BTU requirement.
3. Add the BTU values for all rooms to derive the total cooling capacity your system needs.

For example, a 150 sf room would need about 3,750 BTU, while a larger 180 sf room would need around 4,500 BTU. In total, they would require 8250 BTU.

Other Factors to Consider Before Installing Your Aircon System

Beyond BTU, here are other factors to consider before installing your aircon system:

• Ceiling height: Higher ceilings contain more air volume and may require a slightly higher BTU capacity for effective cooling.
• Flat layout: Consider your flat’s layout. For example, rooms with more direct sun exposure or poorer ventilation will require stronger cooling capacity.
• Number of occupants: More people in a room generate more body heat, which increases the overall cooling load required.
• Lifestyle and cooling habits: Think about your usage habits. For instance, if you regularly cool many rooms at once, a System 4 is likely more efficient.
• Energy efficiency: Always check the NEA energy rating of your aircon units. A 5-tick model may cost more upfront, but you stand to save significantly on bills in the long term.
• Budget: Balance the initial purchase price against long-term running costs to find the most economical choice for your family.
• Feasibility: System 3 and 4 aircon setups require a suitable window ledge for the outdoor unit. If this is unavailable, you’ll need to obtain the relevant permits to have it constructed. 

Install Your BTO Aircon with 81Aircon

Your aircon system is a vital investment in your home’s long-term comfort and cost-efficiency. 

However, navigating the technical details alone can be challenging. This is where a reliable aircon provider like 81Aircon comes in to simplify the process. 

As an aircon specialist in Singapore, our team of BCA-certified technicians bring extensive experience installing System 3 aircons and System 4 aircons in HDB flats. Their expertise means they can provide professional advice on the best options for your home and ensure a flawless and efficient setup.

Furthermore, on top of our competitive pricing structures, you can use your Climate Vouchers to enjoy greater affordability for your home’s cooling system. 

Ready to create the perfect cool sanctuary in your new home? Book an appointment with us for a no-obligation consultation and get a free quote today!