Air conditioners are
essential appliances for keeping your home or office cool and comfortable
during hot weather. If you want to purchase a new air conditioner, it is better
not to wait till summer because you can get better deals in winter. The process
of buying a new air conditioner can be confusing because there are many brands
and types of air conditioners to consider. On top of that, every company
markets specific AC features in its own way, making it difficult to understand
and compare them.
This air conditioner buying guide aims to provide you with valuable
information that will help you make the best decision when selecting an air
conditioning system for your home or office. This guide will cover the
essential factors you need to consider when buying an air conditioner,
including the size and capacity of the unit, type of air conditioner, features,
and additional factors such as noise levels and ease of installation.
By following this air
conditioner buying guide, you can be sure to choose the best unit that fits
your needs and budget while also ensuring that your home or office remains cool
and comfortable during the summer months.
There are three types of
air conditioners: Window AC, Split AC, Tower AC, and Portable AC. Each of these
has its own benefits, and you should choose according to your needs and
preferences.
A window air conditioner
is the simplest type of AC unit. It is a unit with all parts and components
inside a box or casing. This type is air conditioner is usually mounted in a
window or plugged into a conventional electrical outlet.
Benefits:
Split AC, short for Split
Air Conditioner, is an air conditioning system consisting of two main units:
indoor and outdoor. Indoor units are installed inside the room to be cooled,
while outdoor units are installed outside the building. Split air conditioners
are famous for their energy efficiency, quiet operation, and ease of
installation. They are suitable for both residential and commercial use.
Benefits:
A portable air conditioner
is a self-contained portable system ideal for cooling a single room. They
usually sit on the floor and come with an installation kit for quick setup.
These are an excellent alternative to window units because most models have
wheels, so you can move them to different rooms.
Benefits:
A Tower AC, also known as
a vertical AC, is a type of air conditioning unit designed to stand upright and
take up less floor space. Tower ACs are usually tall and narrow, with a sleek
and modern design. They use a combination of fans, coils, and compressors to
cool the air and can be used to cool individual rooms or large open spaces.
Tower ACs are ideal for people who want a powerful and efficient cooling
solution that doesn't take up too much space.
Benefits:
Here are some tips to
keep in mind when buying an air conditioner:
The cooling capacity of
an air conditioner is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per
hour. To determine the AC's cooling capacity, you need to calculate the square
foot area of your room to figure out the capacity needed to cool it. Read this
AC buying guide to know more.
The capacity required to
cool a room depends on the size of the room. For example, a one-ton AC is more
than sufficient for a small room of 140 sq. ft; the heat load is manageable.
However, a 1-ton AC will likely be overloaded in a medium-sized room.
The loud AC can be a
nuisance if you have a baby in your room or are a light sleeper. So, remember
to check the noise level, particularly for window ACs. Yet in this situation,
buying a split air conditioner might be best for you.
The ambient temperature
is also essential in determining the type of AC you need. If you live in an
area with harsh summers, you may need a 1.5 or 2-ton AC, even for medium-sized
rooms.
When buying an air
conditioner, consider the number of people in a room, as this adds to the heat
load in the room. A crowded room requires a sturdy unit.
Smart features in your
air conditioner can help you integrate it seamlessly with other smart devices.
Aluminium and copper are
common materials used to construct AC (air conditioning) coils. Both have their
advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminium Coil: An aluminium coil is made of aluminium and is
lighter than copper, making it easier to handle and install. It is also less
expensive than copper, making it a more cost-effective option. However,
aluminium is more prone to corrosion, leading to leaks and reduced efficiency.
Pros:
Cons:
Copper Coil: Copper is more durable than aluminium and less corrosion
prone. It is also a better conductor of heat than aluminium, allowing for
faster heat transfer and improved efficiency. However, copper is heavier and
more expensive than aluminium, making it a more costly option.
Pros:
Cons:
Inverter ACs and
non-inverter ACs have different operating mechanisms, each with advantages and
disadvantages.
Non-inverter ACs have a
compressor that runs at a fixed speed, which runs at full power until the
desired temperature is reached and then shuts off. When the temperature in the
room rises above the set level, the compressor starts again at full power. Non-inverter
ACs are less expensive but consume more electricity and are less energy
efficient.
On the other hand,
inverter ACs have a compressor that can vary its speed according to the cooling
requirement. It can run at lower speeds to maintain the desired temperature,
saving energy. Inverter ACs are more expensive but consume less power and are
more energy efficient.
In conclusion, an
inverter AC would be the better choice if you are looking for an
energy-efficient AC that can save you money on your electricity bills in the
long run. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option and don't
mind higher energy consumption, a non-inverter AC might be more suitable.
It is essential to
understand the power consumption of your AC. BEE ratings, now called ISEER
ratings, are issued keeping in mind the AC Energy-Efficiency Ratio (EER). ACs
are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs), Regardless of their tonnage or
capacity.
Wi-Fi compatibility: Wi-Fi air conditioners use your home Wi-Fi
connection to connect to the internet. You can control your AC remotely from
your smartphone or tablet using the app. If you have multiple Wi-Fi ACs in your
home or office, you can easily control them using only a mobile device.
Moreover, it provides wireless access to your AC even when you are not at home.
Activity sensors: Activity sensors in air conditioners detect
the activity level in a room and adjust the cooling output accordingly to
maintain a comfortable temperature. This helps to save energy and improve the
efficiency of the AC system.
App control: Replace a conventional remote and gives you more
information about the air conditioner and its operations.
Price: At least not long ago, ACs were considered a luxury
product. But it has become a highly desired product due to increased demand and
global warming. Nowadays, one can easily get a new AC at a responsible price.
The price of a 1-ton air conditioner starts from Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000.
Whereas the range of a
1.5-ton starts from Rs 40,000 to Rs 45,000. Moreover, you can get an AC 2-ton
between Rs 50,000 to Rs 55,000. If you prefer an inverter AC, then you should
increase your budget a bit more.
Installation Level: The installation level of an AC refers to the
level of complexity and expertise required to properly install and maintain the
air conditioning system, which can range from basic DIY installation to
professional installation by licensed HVAC technicians.
Auto Start: Some ACs do not turn on automatically when the power
goes out and then comes back on. ACs with auto start feature can restart
themselves once the power comes back on and set the temperature to the level
you set before the power outage.
Dehumidification: While all air conditioners control the
humidity level while cooling the room, some ACs come with an additional
dehumidification function that reduces the humidity in the room. This feature
is essential if you live in an area with uncomfortably high humidity.
Four-Way Swing: Most air conditioners have a two-way swing to
circulate air in the room. While this may not make a big difference regarding
the effectiveness of the AC in cooling the room, it improves the cooling
perception as the air passes by you every few seconds. Some ACs come with a
four-way swing, which means they can circulate air horizontally and vertically,
making it easier to adjust the airflow of the AC more precisely. It is an
essential feature if airflow to a particular spot in the room is essential to you.
Sleep Timer: The Sleep Timer in an AC allows you to set a time for
the air conditioner to turn off automatically. This helps conserve energy and
provides a comfortable sleeping environment without having to manually turn off
the AC.
Turn off extra heat sources: Lights and appliances
add warmth to a room.
Ensure airflow for the AC: If you want precise
airflow from your AC, then always keep AC vents away from obstructions like
curtains.
Check for air leaks: These can be around windows, doors, and
vents.
Block direct sunlight: Sunlight makes a room
hotter and more difficult to cool.
After-sales service
refers to the support and assistance a company provides its customers after a
product is sold. On the other hand, an additional warranty refers to an
extension of the original warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions of a
product beyond the standard warranty period. In the case of air conditioners,
after-sales service, and additional warranty ensure that customers receive
proper maintenance and repair services, as well as replacements or refunds in
case of faulty products.
Almost all new air conditioners
from most brands come with an inbuilt voltage stabilizer for protection against
high and low voltage. However, even such air conditioners have an operating
limit on how much difference they can handle, and you need to check those
ratings.
Moreover, if your area
generally faces extreme voltage fluctuations, you may need to buy a more robust
voltage stabilizer.
A Dual Inverter AC is an
air conditioner that uses advanced technology to achieve higher energy
efficiency and more precise temperature control. It has two rotary compressors
that operate at different speeds, allowing it to maintain a desired temperature
with less power consumption and quieter operation.
●
Daikin
●
Mitsubishi Electric
●
LG
●
Fujitsu
●
Samsung
●
Hitachi
●
Panasonic
●
Carrier
●
Blue Star
●
Voltas
●
Whirlpool
●
Godrej
●
Sharp
●
Haier
●
O General
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
I am buying 1.5 ton 3 star inverter Split AC in Gurgaon. I am getting a deal in Carrier Midea and Daikin (this is actually 4 star from last year which is now labeled as 3 star for 2023). Which one shall I go for Daikin is approx. 1500 costlier than Carrier.
Reply: if the difference is only for Rs. 1500/- We would say always go for Daikin. Daikin outdoor units are visibly stronger than Carrier one's and daikin as a company and service also is rated higher. Had the difference been 5-7k, you could had saved good money, you could go for the other one.
There are no comments