How I turned my BTO into a Smart Home in Singapore (and saved energy along the way)
- OnSmart Living
- Sep 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Smart home is now a trend in Singapore but with endless options in the market, how to find the right set up. The truth is, you don’t need every gadget, you just need the ones that make life easier, save energy, and fit your lifestyle. Read this blog to find out energy saving tips if you are looking for a smart home personalized for you and your family.
Smart Lighting That Works Automatically
In most BTO flats in Singapore, you’ll find traditional lights, fixed at 3000K, high voltage, and left on for hours even if no one’s in the room. With about 30 lighting points in an average BTO, that’s a huge chunk of your electricity bill.
That’s why I upgraded to smart lighting. Yes, the upfront cost is higher, but the savings and convenience are worth it. I can create different zones and ambience depending on the activity:
Before bedtime, bedroom lights dim automatically to 20%.
When I head out, all lights switch off without me touching a button.
Motion sensors mean lights turn on when I enter a room, and switch off when I leave.
Smart lighting isn’t just about saving energy, it also makes daily life effortless.
Turn your normal air conditioner into a smart one to beat the Singapore heat
Air conditioning is a must in Singapore, but it’s also the biggest contributor to electricity bills. That’s where smart air con controls come in.
By adding a smart switch, I turned my regular air conditioner into a smart one, controllable from the same app as my other devices. Now I can:
Turn on the AC before reaching home, instead of leaving it running all day.
Set eco-modes and temperature limits to save energy.
Automate it to switch off when nobody is home.
Some homeowners even pair aircon with smart temperature and humidity sensors. For example, one customer has hers set to turn on automatically when it’s above 30°C while the curtains close to block sunlight. For pet owners, this kind of automation makes a huge difference in keeping pets comfortable while saving energy.
Smart Curtains That Save on Cooling
Smart curtains may sound like a luxury, but in an energy saving smart home, they’re surprisingly practical. Mine open every morning to let natural light in and close during the hottest part of the day at noon.
This simple automation keeps my flat cooler so the air con doesn’t have to work as hard. Plus, it reduces my need to switch on lights in the daytime. Small change, big difference.
Smart Scenes That Make Life Easy
The real fun of a BTO smart home is when all your devices come together in custom scenes. Here are some I use daily:
Good Morning → Curtains open, lights turn on.
Movie Night → Lights dim, curtains close, TV turns on.
Away Mode → Everything switches off except my smart security.
These aren’t just cool, they also prevent wasted electricity from devices left running in the background.
Kickstart your Smart Home in Singapore
Looking back, making my BTO smart wasn’t just about throwing money on gadgets, it was about living more conveniently and comfortably. Whether the upgrade was designed to save energy or enhance your home’s aesthetics, it makes daily routines smoother.
My biggest tips for new BTO homeowners:
Start with smart switches, these can help to control all devices in 1 app.
Add a motion sensor in the toilet or kitchen to trigger lights on only when needed.
Automate small routines, it adds up over time.
Want to see how smart home solutions can work for your space? Book a free consultation with Onsmart Living and let’s design a setup that’s both energy-saving and future-ready.
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