Smart Ways Singaporean Homeowners Are Slashing Their HDB Electricity Bills
BTO Life Hacks
Key Takeaways
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Energy-Efficient Choices Matter – Using Climate-Certified appliances and smart home tech can significantly lower household electricity usage.
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Smart Habits Save Money – Maximising ventilation, timing high-energy tasks, and unplugging devices reduce unnecessary electricity costs.
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Financial Tools & Provider Options – Paying bills with cashback credit cards and switching to the right electricity provider can further cut expenses.
Introduction
As a BTO homeowner in Singapore, you quickly realise that household electricity costs can take up a big chunk of your monthly budget. While most people stick to the usual advice, like turning off unused lights or fans, there are more clever ways to reduce your bills. If you’re wondering how to save money on electricity at home, these practical hacks can make a real difference without drastically changing your lifestyle.
1. Choose Appliances with Climate Certification
One of the easiest ways to cut down on electricity costs is by picking appliances that are energy-efficient. Look for products with the Singapore Climate Certification Label. Not only do these appliances use less energy, but you can also make use of Climate Vouchers to offset costs. For high-energy devices like air conditioners, fridges, or washing machines, the savings add up quickly. Choosing the right appliance is a simple first step in learning how to save money on electricity at home while still enjoying modern conveniences.
2. Maximise Natural Ventilation & Smart Cooling
BTO flats are often designed with cross-ventilation in mind, but how you arrange furniture and use your windows can make a big difference. Open windows strategically to catch breezes and naturally cool your home. Investing in smart ceiling fans or inverter air conditioners that adjust their power based on room temperature can also help you stay comfortable while using electricity efficiently.
Small changes, like closing curtains during peak sun hours or adjusting blinds, can prevent unnecessary heat buildup. Some of the window treatments you can integrate include:
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Blackout curtains: Thick, densely woven panels that block sunlight and reduce heat transfer—perfect for bedrooms and west-facing rooms.
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Thermal or insulated curtains: Multi-layered or lined curtains that reflect heat while keeping cooler air inside.
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Day-and-night curtains: A sheer “day” curtain filters sunlight, while a heavier “night” curtain blocks heat when needed.
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Blinds (roller, vertical, Venetian): Sleek and functional, though they block less heat than thick curtains.
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Solar-control window films: Applied directly to glass, these films reflect heat and UV rays to lower indoor temperature. Always check HDB guidelines for permitted reflectance levels.
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Static stick-on films: Easy DIY option for renters or smaller windows.
These smart cooling habits are key to understanding how to save money on electricity at home efficiently.
3. Smart Home Tech for Energy Management
Technology can be your best friend when it comes to electricity savings. Using smart plugs, energy monitors, and timers allows you to track how much power your devices consume. Automation can help turn off appliances when they’re not in use, particularly for water heaters, air conditioners, and kitchen devices. Even small adjustments, like setting your washing machine to run on energy-saving modes, show how to save money on electricity at home in a modern, manageable way.
4. Time Your High-Energy Tasks & Peak Awareness
Certain tasks, like running laundry or dishwashers, consume more energy when done during peak hours. Shifting these tasks to off-peak times can reduce your electricity bills noticeably.
For example, under a TOU plan, residents who shift these tasks to off‑peak times can save almost S$500 a year, slashing their bills by as much as a third. (Note: This tip applies only if you are on a time‑of‑use (TOU) electricity plan. If you remain on a standard tariff (e.g., SP Group’s regulated tariff or another fixed‑rate plan), the “off‑peak vs peak” switch does not give you the same benefit.)
Similarly, unplugging devices that draw power even when not in use, often called standby power, helps cut unnecessary charges. Combining smart scheduling and awareness of your energy use is a simple yet powerful approach to how to save money on electricity at home.
5. Use Credit Cards to Earn Cash Rebates on Your Bills
Here’s a hack that many BTO homeowners overlook: paying your electricity bills with a rewards or cashback credit card. Many banks in Singapore offer cashback on utility bills, effectively lowering your monthly expenses. Just make sure to pay the balance on time to avoid interest charges. It’s an easy, modern way to complement your other efforts in saving money on electricity at home while taking advantage of financial tools available locally.
In Conclusion..
Whether you’re choosing energy-efficient appliances, using smart home tech, or timing high-energy tasks strategically, these tips are all practical, BTO-friendly ways to reduce household electricity bills.
Bonus tip:
With Singapore’s open electricity market, you can also switch your electricity provider in Singapore to find plans that better suit your household usage. Platforms like the Open Electricity Market allow you to compare prices and pick a plan that fits your needs, giving you more control over your monthly bills.
One option to consider is Flo Energy, largest independent electricity supplier in Singapore. Flo is also the first retailer to match 100% of your electricity usage with regional Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at no added cost and redeem them on your behalf. What’s even better, we ensure our electricity plans are affordable, making it easier for homeowners to make the switch and save.
For more information or to explore the best electricity plans for your home, sign up today and take the first step towards smarter energy management.