Choosing an air conditioner for a rented room with limited budget requires a balance between performance and electricity savings. Two popular local brands, Gree and FM Life, offer half PK (0.5 HP) AC units designed for small spaces and affordable electricity consumption.
Both Gree Moo 5S and FM Moo 2 models have similar cooling capacities, suitable for rooms up to 8 square meters. Gree Moo 5S provides 5,000 BTU cooling power, while FM Moo 2 slightly outperforms it with 5,100 BTU, making their cooling performance almost identical.
For rooms larger than 9 square meters, stepping up to a 3/4 PK AC is advisable to prevent the unit from overworking, which could lead to higher electricity costs. This advice is particularly relevant in Jakarta, where temperatures tend to be high during the summer months.
In terms of energy efficiency, Gree Moo 5S holds a 2-star rating with a Cooling Seasonal Performance Factor (CSPF) of 3.70. FM Moo 2 fares better with a 3-star rating and CSPF of 3.96, suggesting slightly better efficiency. Although FM Life’s model is more energy-efficient, the difference is minimal in everyday use.
The power consumption figures reflect this difference: Gree Moo 5S uses 370 watts, while FM Moo 2 uses 360 watts. When running for 12 hours daily, monthly electricity costs hover around 215,000 Indonesian Rupiah, approximately $14.50 USD. Typical monthly expenses for half PK AC units range between 185,000 to 260,000 Rupiah (about $12.50 to $18 USD), depending on usage.
Feature-wise, Gree Moo 5S offers advanced automatic restart functionality. This allows the AC to power on automatically with the previous temperature settings after a sudden power outage. Additionally, a smart memory feature restores the last used temperature, enhancing user convenience.
FM Moo 2 lacks the automatic restart and memory features but compensates with a Smart Cleaner function that automatically cleans the evaporator. Both models include child lock features, activated by holding the plus and minus buttons for three seconds, ensuring remote control safety from unintended use.
Price is a significant deciding factor for many college students or renters. Gree Moo 5S retails around 3.2 million Indonesian Rupiah, approximately $215 USD. FM Moo 2 is more budget-friendly at about 2.7 million Rupiah, roughly $180 USD. The 500,000 Rupiah difference can also contribute to installation costs, making FM Life a practical choice for tight budgets.
Here is a simple comparison table of key aspects between Gree Moo 5S and FM Moo 2:
| Aspect | Gree Moo 5S | FM Moo 2 |
|————————|———————–|————————|
| Cooling Capacity | 5,000 BTU | 5,100 BTU |
| Room Size Recommendation | Up to 8 m² | Up to 8 m² |
| Energy Efficiency (CSPF) | 3.70 (2 stars) | 3.96 (3 stars) |
| Power Consumption | 370 watts | 360 watts |
| Monthly Electricity Cost (12h/day) | ~215,000 IDR ($14.50) | ~215,000 IDR ($14.50) |
| Features | Auto Restart, Smart Memory | Smart Cleaner |
| Child Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ~3.2 million IDR ($215) | ~2.7 million IDR ($180) |
Ultimately, both Gree and FM Life deliver viable half PK AC options for rented rooms, balancing cooling efficiency with electricity savings. Your choice depends on which features matter most versus your budget constraints. Regular maintenance, like monthly filter cleaning and periodic servicing, remains essential to keep the air conditioners running efficiently and economical.
Selecting the right AC for your rented room ensures comfort without skyrocketing electricity bills, an important consideration for students and young professionals living in compact spaces.
