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If your electricity bill has been creeping up lately, you’re not alone. In fact, many Singaporean households are unknowingly spending hundreds, if not over $1,000 per year just by using old, energy-hungry appliances! But, there’s one easy fix that’s becoming increasingly popular in 2025: upgrading to a 3-Tick and above Energy Label refrigerator, especially when the cost is offset with the help of Singapore’s Climate Vouchers.

Here’s how it works, why it matters, and how you can start saving right away.

🔌 The Problem: Old Fridges Are Energy Guzzlers

Refrigerators run 24/7. If you’re using a model that’s more than 10 years old, you’re likely paying much more in electricity than you need to.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), older 1-Tick or 2-Tick fridges can consume up to 900–1,000 kWh/year, costing households about $300–$400/year in electricity for just one appliance.

In contrast, newer 3-Tick energy-efficient fridges consume 40–50% less electricity (around 400–500 kWh/year), cutting your fridge-related power costs to just $120–$160/year. That’s an annual savings of up to $240 and over $1,000 saved within just 4–5 years.

🧾 Climate Vouchers Help You Pay for the Upgrade

In an effort to help Singaporeans reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills, the government launched the Climate Friendly Households Programme (CFHP).

Under this initiative, eligible HDB households can receive a total of $400 worth of vouchers to offset the cost of energy-efficient appliances.

✅ Eligibility (As of 2025):

  • Singaporean citizen households living in 1-, 2-, or 3-room HDB flats
  • No prior redemption of the voucher

You can check your eligibility and redeem your voucher online at go.gov.sg/cfhp.

📊 Real Cost Savings: A Quick Breakdown

Let’s look at a real comparison between an older 1-/2-Tick fridge vs. newer 3-/4-Tick models:

Fridge TypeEnergy Use (kWh/year)Estimated Cost (S$)Savings vs Old Model
Old fridge (>10 yrs)~600–700 kWh$160–$190N/A
1-tick fridge~500 kWh~$135$25–$50
3-tick fridge~300–350 kWh$80–$95$70–$110
4-tick fridge (top range)~250–280 kWh$65–$75$100–$120

Add to that the $400 worth of vouchers and your total savings over five years can easily cross $1,000!

🧊 Tips to Keep Your Refrigerator Running at Maximum Efficiency

Upgrading to a 3-Tick fridge is a great first step, but how you use and maintain it also plays a big role in your energy savings. Here are some simple tips to make sure your fridge stays efficient:

✅ 1. Keep It Well-Ventilated
Place your fridge at least a few inches away from the wall to allow air to circulate behind it. Good ventilation prevents overheating and reduces the compressor’s workload.

✅ 2. Don’t Overfill or Leave Empty
A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one, but don’t overcrowd it. Air needs to circulate freely to maintain even cooling throughout.

✅ 3. Check the Door Seal
Make sure the rubber gasket around the door closes tightly. A loose or cracked seal lets cold air escape, forcing your fridge to work harder.

✅ 4. Set the Right Temperature

  • Fridge: 2°C to 4°C
  • Freezer: -18°C

Any lower wastes electricity. Any higher risks food spoilage.

✅ 5. Clean the Coils
Dust buildup on condenser coils (usually at the back or bottom of the fridge) makes your fridge less efficient. Clean them every 6 months for optimal performance.

✅ 6. Cool Food Before Storing
Don’t put hot food straight into the fridge, it raises the internal temperature and makes the compressor work harder.

✅ 7. Defrost When Needed
If your fridge or freezer isn’t frost-free, regularly defrost to prevent ice buildup, which reduces cooling efficiency.

✅ 8. Keep the Door Closed
Every time you open the door, cold air escapes. Try to open it only when necessary, and avoid keeping it open for too long.

Now, Upgrade Your Fridge At These Retailers Accepting Climate Vouchers!

1. Etronin Home Appliances Service & Trading Pte Ltd

They sell a variety of home appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and kitchen appliances like rice cookers and kettles. This reputable home appliance retailer in Singapore has a physical store and an online presence.

Address510 Bedok North Street 3 #01-51 Singapore 460510
Phone64447325
Websitehttps://etronin.com/

2. Kah Hock Repairer & Trading

Kah Hock Repairer & Trading deals with both appliance repair and retail. They sell a variety of household appliances including TVs, fans, air conditioners, microwaves, cooker hoods and washing machines. They are an authorised dealer for many brands such as Sharp, KDK, Midea and Mayer.

Address87 Circuit Rd, Singapore 370087
Phone65474680
Website https://khome.com.sg/

3. C J Han Trading & Services

C J Han Trading & Services specialises in selling home electronic appliances like fans, washers, and water heaters.

Address252 Jurong East St 24 #01-163, Singapore 600252
Phone65677165
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/hanelectronics/

4. Liebherr Appliances Singapore

Liebherr Appliances Singapore is the local arm of the German‑Swiss Liebherr Group, known for designing and supplying premium, energy‑efficient refrigeration and wine‑storage solutions.

Address70 Tras Street, Singapore 079009
Phone6226 2549
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/SingaporeSuperStarK/

5. Home Genie

A distributor with over 40 years of experience offering a wide array of competitively priced products, including refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, and more

Address61 Kaki Bukit Ave 1, #04-23, Singapore 417943
Phone8837 6682
Websitehttp://www.homegenie.com.sg/

6. Electromart.sg

They specialise in online and in-store sales of consumer electronics and home appliances from major brands like Hisense, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Philips, Bruhm, Midea, and more, backed by a focus on swift, friendly service and value pricing.

Address1 Brooke Road, Katong Plaza, #01-10, Singapore 429979
Phone88789979
Websitehttps://electromart.sg/

7. Tai Sin Radio & Electrical Pte Ltd

They specialise in the retail sale of household electrical appliances including refrigerators, washing machines and vacuum cleaners.

Address183 Toa Payoh Central, #01-264, Singapore 310183
Phone 62538265
Website

8. Singapore Radio & Industry Pte Ltd

Singapore Radio & Industry Pte Ltd is a longstanding Singapore-based company specialising in the retail and wholesale of household electrical appliances. The company engages in the manufacturing, assembly, import, export, and retail of various household electrical appliances, including vacuum cleaners, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.

AddressS.R.I Building, 465, Tagore Industrial Avenue, Singapore 787834
Phone65523318
Websitehttps://www.tecno.com.sg/

 

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