Tengah Resident Who Defended Centralised Cooling System Now Says His Aircon Is “Peeing”

It has been almost three years since the first Tengah residents complained about the downsides of centralised cooling system (CCS). Residents' gripes included severe water leaks, inadequate cooling performance, and workmanship defects.

Unfortunately for some, what seemed like early teething issues are still unresolved.

Because Tengah’s centralised cooling saga has returned yet again, this time with an aircon unit that one child hilariously described as “peeing”, in an Instagram clip posted by resident Adam Lee.

“You guys have asked me about the Tengah centralised cooling system. Well, look at what is happening,” he said, showing what looks like the unit spitting water out.

“This is the first time it leaked. Hate Tengah, already,” Adam exclaimed.

What made the video even more interesting was Adam’s admission that he had spent years defending Tengah’s centralised cooling system online.

“Despite all the horror stories, I [always] fended off haters and naysayers. Until it happened to me,” he wrote. Adam even joked: “Despite regular on-time servicing, I am not a fan, just aircon.”

In an interview with 8days.sg, Adam said he and his family moved into the Tengah flat in October 2024, and that they've previously encouraged their friends who were moving in to opt for CCS for a peace of mind.

"We were told by CCS staff that the horror stories have been put to rest because they use a newer pipe connector and chances of leakage is low. I feel now their drainage pipes are a new issue," he shared with us.

In the clip, his family was seen contacting customer service, with someone on the line reportedly saying a technician would arrive within an hour.

Some netizens later questioned whether the unit had been properly maintained.

"We depend on regular servicing. They told us to book within every six months and we followed strictly," he told 8days.sg.

Adam added that workers had apparently advised residents not to clean the units themselves or risk voiding the warranty.

As with the Internet, the comments section quickly turned into a mixture of concern and comedy.

“It’s a boy!” said a netizen, while another advised, “You can store the water and flush the toilet. Save electricity leh.”

8days.sg has reached out to HDB, Singapore Power (SP) Group and Keppel.

Tengah’s centralised cooling system (CCS) has faced scrutiny since its rollout in August 2023, after residents began reporting issues ranging from condensation and water leaks to cooling inefficiencies.

When the system was first introduced by HDB and SP Group, it was marketed to prospective BTO buyers as a more energy-efficient and cost-saving alternative to conventional air-conditioning systems.

At the time, residents were told they could expect up to 30 per cent life-cycle cost savings, which have since reportedly been revised to 17 per cent, with authorities attributing it to changes in electricity price structures.

Residents were also told they could save up to 30 per cent energy savings, and around 15 to 20 per cent lower upfront costs.

The CCS project was originally implemented in collaboration with Daikin, and despite the ongoing complaints, the system is still being expanded.

Earlier this year, The Straits Times reported that another nine Tengah BTO projects will receive CCS operated by Keppel under a 20-year contract.

The upcoming developments are expected to cover about 10,000 households across Tengah’s upcoming Brickland, Park, and Forest Hill districts.

For now, the system remains optional.

Residents who choose to opt in are also given a 30-day cooling-off period, during which cancellation is free.

Photos: adam_lee_v2/IG, HDB