Tenants complain about S$300 electricity bill, possibly because room has old aircon unit

Singapore — Two tenants who took to social media about a staggering S$300 monthly electricity bill possibly due to a very old aircon unit in their rented room have received much advice on how to address the problem.

On Saturday (Sept 26), Facebook users Dinesh N Jennifer took to the Complaint Singapore page to air their concerns about a 13-or-so-year-old air-conditioning unit which may be the cause of the huge electricity bill.

Dinesh N Jennifer noted that the unit often leaked and that aircon companies were reluctant to service it as it was very old. “They (aircon services) write on every bill to replace it but landlord not willing to replace it,” read the post. “She is not willing to terminate the leasing agreement as well.”

Those who responded to the post gave much advice on ways of dealing with the matter.
The feedback may prove helpful to others in a similar situation.

Some said to purchase a portable aircon when only one room was being cooled as this would be more economical.

Some people suggested that the tenants move out when the lease expires or ask for a change in the agreement.

As for the aircon unit itself, some suggested a chemical wash or clearing pipes that could be clogged in order to eliminate the leak. Others said to try a different service company as subpar maintenance could be a trade tactic so that clients keep wanting service. There were also those who were concerned that there could be a gas leak or who suggested adjusting the temperature a little. One person even suggested contacting a repairman who advertises in the papers.

There was also a suggestion to buy and use a new aircon, which the tenants could take along with them when the lease expired.

Others focused on the legalities, with one suggesting that a lawyer be consulted to help push for the termination of the agreement or for the aircon unit to be replaced. He added in another comment: “Use terms like nearly slipped and fall due to aircon leakage, dripping sounds causing insomnia, and the like, to set the stage right for a proper negotiation on a new set of aircon.”

And there were even more suggestions for the tenants on how to deal with the problem.

/TISG