As announced in Budget 2024, all HDB households will receive $300 worth of Climate Vouchers to purchase energy and water-efficient home appliances. This initiative aims to encourage households to opt for appliances certified with the relevant energy or water-efficiency ratings.
These vouchers are particularly useful for those who have just received the keys to a new flat or are planning to move and need to purchase essential but costly appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, sinks and water closets.
In 2025, the programme will be further enhanced by providing an additional $100 worth of Climate Vouchers to HDB households, bringing the total to $400 per household. Additionally, the scheme will be extended to all Singapore Citizen households living in private properties, ensuring that more residents can benefit from the initiative.
While most households might already own essential appliances, replacing them purely to utilise the vouchers may not be cost-effective, as the vouchers only partially subsidise the cost. However, households can still benefit by using the vouchers to replace ageing appliances like refrigerators or washing machines or to purchase smaller consumables such as LED lights. They can also upgrade showerheads or tap fittings to more water-efficient options, helping to reduce utility bills.
This expanded initiative supports households in upgrading to more efficient appliances and contributes to Singapore’s sustainability goals by promoting energy and water conservation.
Source: PUB
Read Also: My OEM Plan Is Expiring: Should I Switch Back To SP Group?
Voucher Eligibility
Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents whose addresses are registered at an HDB flat or private residential home can claim Climate vouchers. This includes those who are renting or moving into a new place before the vouchers expire (31 December 2027).
Claiming & Redeeming Vouchers
The process to claiming and spending the Climate Vouchers is very similar to how you claim your CDC vouchers. You may refer to this step-by-step guide.
For the new set of Climate Vouchers announced in 2025, $100 will be given to HDB households (as they have already received $300 previously), and $400 will be provided to those living in private residential properties. These vouchers can be claimed from 15 April 2025 to 31 December 2027.
In summary, you will need to claim your vouchers by logging into Singpass. Only one person per household may claim the vouchers. Thereafter the e-voucher link will be sent to you via SMS. The way the Climate Vouchers are spent is very similar to CDC vouchers. They will come in denominations of $2, $5, $10 and $50.
This link may be forwarded to other household members, or other persons to make purchases on your behalf. Participating merchants will require the purchaser to display proof of address using a document showing the same address as those stated on the voucher before they allow the use of Climate Vouchers.
Do note that vouchers from two different addresses cannot be combined in a single transaction, and all appliances purchased using Climate Vouchers are strictly non-refundable.
You can use this handy web applet to find a store near you to spend your vouchers. To find out what appliances are being sold at which branches, you may refer to this handy list. Unfortunately, online transactions are not supported, so you will need to make a trip down to a physical store even if the participating merchant has an online store.
#1 LED Lights
Most households will need to replace their lights every few years depending on how long the bulbs last. While it would be more wasteful to immediately swap out current light bulbs for LED ones, most households would definitely find it useful to stock up on the necessary light bulbs, especially if there is nothing else they wish to use the climate vouchers on.
Most light bulbs or fluorescent tubes have interchangeable connectors these days, and have an LED equivalent, so new LED bulbs can fit onto the old light fittings. The three things you need to ensure are the same is the connector (E27 and B22 seem to be the most common in Singapore), the wattage of the bulb, as well as the colour temperature (E.g. 3000K/4500K/6000K). If in doubt, bring the old bulb or tube along and the store assistant will likely be able to identify the product that suits your needs.
Old and spoilt light bulbs can be disposed of at E-waste collection points located islandwide.
#2 Direct Current Fans
DC fans are typically more expensive than AC fans, however they are generally more power efficient. There are DC fans which are ceiling fans, desk fans, as well as standing fans. Fans may be a very good purchase especially during this hot season to replace or even supplement air conditioner usage
Households not looking to install a new ceiling fan can consider a tower fan such as this Mistral MFD4500DR, which costs $119.90.
Alternatively, those looking for a more traditional fan form factor can consider this Mistral MHV1412R-G fan costing $209.90 which can convert between a standing fan and a desktop fan height.
Read Also: 7 Air Coolers In Singapore From $56 To $300 To Help Beat The Heat
#3 Shower, Basin or Kitchen Sink Mixers
These mixers refer to the fixture on your shower, basin or kitchen sink where there is an attached lever or button to turn on/off the water. PUB assesses these products for durability and build quality and gives these fixtures a rating (1-3 ticks) called Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS). These products are then sold with the MWELS logo on the packaging.
A non-MWELS rated product can still be used but may degrade with use and run the risk of water contamination, or leakage resulting in water wastage. While it is possible to fix leaks in taps and pipe fittings using PTFE tape, this is a good chance to upgrade to a MWELS-rated product to eliminate the water leakage.
PUB lists MWELS-rated products along with its tick-rating and its stats on its website.
Changing these mixers may require the services of a plumber, however the more DIY-savvy should be able to do it without needing specialised help.
#4 Shower Heads
Shower Heads are rated under the Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (VWELS). In general, water efficient shower heads have smaller holes in its outlets such that it blasts the water at a higher speed while showering. This has two effects – it is more effective at removing dirt for the person showering. A one-tick showerhead could consume as much as 8 litres a minute, whereas a three-tick showerhead could consume as little as 4.9 litres a minute, and this could almost halve water usage during showers.
PUB has a page listing VWELS-rated products along with its specifications.
Shower heads are typically a simple replacement and can be done without specialised help.
Energy Consumption Can Add Significant Cost
Energy of a one-tick (or unrated) appliance is likely to be much higher than that of a five-tick appliance. Since household appliances are generally made to last for years, the total energy consumption is likely to be much higher as a result, especially for appliances such as fridges, water heaters, and air conditioners, and the energy cost savings from a five-tick appliance is likely to make a significant impact.
Since it is likely for the household to use the appliance for 7-10 years, careful planning is all the more crucial since any regrets will be costly and troublesome to rectify.
Those in the midst of planning to upgrade their home appliances can make use of NEA’s Life Cycle Cost Calculator, which is a resource page to help estimate energy cost and total cost of the device, including energy consumption over its lifespan to help users make better purchases.
This article was originally written on 17 April 2024. We have updated it to include the latest announcement following the Singapore Budget 2025.
The post Guide To Claiming (And Spending) Your Climate Vouchers, And Household Appliances That Households Should Consider Buying appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
