People in S'pore swoon over neat, aesthetically-pleasing aircon trunking, ask where to get it

What floats your boat?

For tens of thousands of people in a Singapore home improvement Facebook group, it is apparently neat and aesthetically-pleasing aircon trunking that looks nothing like those with lacklustre workmanship.

Given how ubiquitous air-conditioning is in warm and humid Singapore, it is suddenly apparent people always had strong feelings about how the system is set up and the things they consider less than ideal.

More than 19,000 reactions and counting

A recent Facebook post uploaded on Nov. 26, provided a glimpse of what a sleek, modern aircon trunking system can look like.

It sparked a frenzy among those in Singapore who wondered why such trunking cannot be more common here.

This was after it was noted by at least one commenter that the photo could have possibly be taken in Japan or another country that is not Singapore, owing to the type of plug used.

Many regarded the plastic material and design a major upgrade from the current outdated aircon trunking options available in Singapore, some of which rely on carpentry work as they can be made of wood.

This results in non-standardised sizes and huge variance in workmanship quality.

Many, who appear to be residents of Singapore, asked where they can get their hands on this sort of stylish and functional trunking.

What is aircon trunking?

For those unfamiliar, aircon trunking is a covering that protects the piping and cables of an air conditioning unit.

Usually made from wood, plastic or metal, aircon trunking is designed to keep refrigerant piping safe from the sun and other damaging forces.

The most commonly used materials in Singapore are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and metal, with PVC being the go-to option due to its affordability and ease of installation.

What's the hype about?

The trunking in question has sparked a wave of admiration due to its rounded edges, clean lines, and overall modern look, which many have pointed out resembles designs commonly seen in Japan and Taiwan.

Many commenters noted that this type of trunking is ideal because it is "very easy to maintain" and will "never leak or condensate, even in the hot summer".

Others shared that "this type of trunking is very easy to clean and looks great" and also easy to open up to check the condition of the insulation inside.

They expressed their belief that more households in Singapore should adopt this style.

Many believe photo was taken in Japan, not Singapore

The disbelief that such trunking could exist in Singapore led many commenters to assume the photo was taken in Japan, citing the budget and expense required for this kind of trunking.

They pointed out that countries such as Japan have long embraced more sophisticated aircon trunking systems, which are designed to integrate seamlessly into the building’s overall design.

In contrast, Singapore households can only rely on PVC casings, which are often chosen based on the size of their homes.

Not everyone's cup of tea

While most complimented the design, some commenters mentioned that this type of trunking is not their cup of tea, noting it could look snake-like.

Others also said they would prefer trunking that appears more boxy rather than rounded in shape.

One commenter suggested another aesthetically pleasing alternative to the usual PVC trunking - encasing the pipes in wood and painting it the same color as the wall.

A long-standing grievance with current aircon trunking

The frustration with Singapore’s current aircon trunking options is not new.

Most homeowners are familiar with the bulky PVC trunking that often runs along walls, creating what some may consider eyesores in otherwise pristine living rooms.

PVC trunking is also frequently criticised for being prone to condensation, which can affect the performance of the air conditioning system.

While it is fire-resistant, easy to install, and affordable, its design leaves much to be desired.

This frustration was especially evident when reactions to the trunking of the centralised aircon system in Tengah BTO flats circulated online in 2023.

Many voiced their displeasure over the "ugly" trunking, which was double the size of conventional aircon trunking.

Top images from SG DIY Repairs, Tips and Tricks Facebook page.