📏 What Size BTU Do You Need for Common HDB Room Sizes?
- bryan chia

- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Choosing the right aircon size is more important than most people think. An aircon that’s too small will struggle to cool your room efficiently, while one that’s too large wastes electricity and cycles on and off too often — reducing its lifespan.
In Singapore’s HDB homes, the key to efficient cooling is finding the right BTU (British Thermal Unit) capacity that matches your room size.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the ideal BTU rating for your space.

💡 What Is BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of how much cooling power an air conditioner provides.
In simple terms:
➡️ Higher BTU = more cooling power.
➡️ Lower BTU = less cooling power.
The goal is to choose a unit that’s just right for your room size.
🏠 Common HDB Room Sizes & Recommended BTU
Room Type | Average Size (sqft) | Recommended BTU | Example |
Small Bedroom | 80 – 120 sqft | 9,000 BTU | Common Bedroom in 3-room flat |
Medium Bedroom | 120 – 180 sqft | 12,000 BTU | Master Bedroom in 4-room flat |
Large Bedroom / Study | 180 – 250 sqft | 18,000 BTU | Combined room or large corner bedroom |
Living Room (Compact) | 250 – 350 sqft | 18,000 – 24,000 BTU | 3-room or 4-room flat living hall |
Living Room (Spacious) | 350 – 500 sqft | 24,000 – 28,000 BTU | 5-room or Executive flat living hall |
Note: If your room gets direct sunlight or houses multiple electronic devices, you may need a slightly higher BTU to maintain cooling efficiency.
Why the Right BTU Matters
Too Low:
Aircon runs continuously, wasting electricity.
Struggles to cool the room evenly.
Too High:
Cools too quickly without removing humidity.
Causes short cycling, reducing system lifespan.
Simple Formula for Estimation
To estimate roughly: BTU = Room Area (sqft) × 60
Example: If your bedroom is 120 sqft → 120 × 60 = 7,200 BTU
Round up to the nearest standard size = 9,000 BTU unit.
How Sky Blue Aircon Helps You Choose
At Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte Ltd, we help you select and install the perfect aircon system for your home layout.
Our services include:
Aircon Installation: Proper unit selection and setup for maximum cooling.
Site Assessment: Evaluate sunlight exposure, ceiling height, and room layout.
BTU Sizing Consultation: Recommend ideal system size for efficiency and comfort.
Servicing & Maintenance: Keep your aircon performing at optimal levels year-round.
💡 The Bottom Line
Choosing the right BTU ensures comfort, energy efficiency, and long-term savings. If you’re unsure, our team can guide you through proper sizing before you buy or install.
📲 Message us on WhatsApp at 9248 7291 or call 6556 4042.
Sky Blue Aircon Engineering Pte Ltd – keeping Singapore homes cool, efficient, and right-sized.








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