How to Buy the Perfect AC, Air Conditioner Buying Guide 2024

The summer is already here and the temperature is rising every single day. The need of buying an AC is much higher now than before.

But which air conditioner is best for you, you will find out today with help of this incredible AC buying guide. Here on Deals Freak, this A to Z AC buying manual will show you basic & advanced things to keep in mind while buying the perfect AC.

This guidebook will also tell you the types of air conditioner available in Indian market and which one you should purchase for your house. Besides, you will get the information about top AC brands and best air conditioner model in India and how can you save electricity & money.

Top 10 Air Conditioner You Can Buy In India

It is very difficult to find top 10 AC’s when you have hundreds of air conditioners to choose from. In such case, a list of top 10 air conditioners is a big savior of time and effort. Right !

I have compiled a list of top 10 air conditioners in India, it will ease down the process of air conditioner purchase for you.

Note: Price fluctuates everyday, click on the link to find the current price.

Top ACsPriceRatingLink to Buy
1. Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 39,990 4.3 (1,217 ratings) Buy Now
2. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC, Copper ₹ 43,990 4.2 (1,913 ratings) Buy Now
3. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC, Copper, PM 2.5 Filter ₹ 44,990 4.1 (1,824 ratings) Buy Now
4. LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 46,590 4.1 (1,640 ratings) Buy Now
5. Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 41,990 4.1 (1,400 ratings) Buy Now
6. Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 37,990 3.9 (1,415 ratings) Buy Now
7. Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Convertible Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 43,990 3.9 (1,193 ratings) Buy Now
8. Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star ice Clean Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 44,499 3.9 (807 ratings) Buy Now
9. Samsung 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wind-Free Cooling, Inverter Split AC ₹ 46,999 3.9 (382 ratings) Buy Now
10. O-General 1 Ton 5 Star TROPICAL Inverter Split AC, Copper ₹ 50,500 3.5 (10 ratings) Buy Now

Types of AC Available in India

1. Window AC

Window AC is a single unit that contains compressors, connecting pipes, heat exchangers and motors. Window AC can only be installed on window of a room.

Advantages:
  • Smaller in size
  • Low cost compared to split AC
  • Easy to install on a small window
  • Doesn’t take up floor space in your room
  • You don’t have to drill the wall
  • Most of the AC brand offer built in heater in window AC, so you can use that in winter season
  • Easily movable from one place to another
  • Perfect for supplemental cooling
  • Perfect for tenants who change their house frequently

Disadvantages:
  • The noise level a bit higher when switched on
  • Security concerns may arise in some cases
  • Installation is difficult if there is no exterior support

 

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Window ACs - Exchange Offer, 0% Interest, Extra Cashback
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2. Split AC

Split AC consists of two units, an indoor unit (blower) inside the room and an outdoor unit (Compressor + Condenser) that stays outside the house. Both air condition units are connected with pipe.

Advantages:
  • Doesn’t require window for installation
  • Can be installed on any wall, preferably a wall that has an outside facing.
  • Fast cooling
  • Some models comes with heater
  • Provides climate control in the room
  • Almost no noise while running
  • It adds good look in the room

Disadvantages:
  • Split ACs are usually expensive than window AC
  • Moving split AC is not easy
  • Requires bigger space than window AC
  • Sometimes requires long tube to connect both units
  • Maintenance cost is higher

 

Split ACs - Exchange Offer, 0% Interest, Extra Cashback with Bank Cards
Split ACs - Exchange Offer, 0% Interest, Extra Cashback with Bank Cards
Low price, higher energy rating, faster cooling

 

3. Portable AC

As the name suggest, portable air conditioner is a moveable AC that gives you the flexibility to move the AC anywhere such as bedrooms, computer rooms, garages, drawing room etc.

It is a great solution for small houses and those who can’t afford AC in every room. Also, where centralized AC can’t be installed, portable AC is a great option.

Advantages:
  • You can move portable AC anywhere in the house
  • It doesn’t require wall mount installation
  • Cost effective compared to other ACs
  • Fast cooling
  • Smaller in size, takes up less space
  • Available in several models and brands
  • Many models provide carbon dust filter and energy saving feature

Disadvantages:
  • A bit noisy
  • Condensate water management is difficult
  • Some model comes with full self evaporation of water but those models are expensive

4. Inverter AC

Inverter AC is the best air conditioner system among all options. This type of AC has an inverter that controls the speed of compressor motor.

In normal ACs, the compressor runs at a regular speed while an inverter AC uses a variable speed compressor. The AC sensor can measure the temperature of the room and adjust the speed of the AC compressor.

This way an inverter AC can provide better energy efficiency and cooling performance.

Advantages:
  • Better cooling with less power consumption
  • Better life of AC components
  • Built-in inverter adjust the power supply, thus no fluctuation in electricity

Disadvantages:
  • Repair is expensive
  • More expensive than normal ACs
  • Require specialist technician to solve the issues of AC

 

Inverter ACs - Easy installation, Exchange Offer, 0% Interest
Inverter ACs - Easy installation, Exchange Offer, 0% Interest
Low price, higher energy rating, faster cooling

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Purchase AC by Cooling Capacity

Cooling capacity is probably the foremost thing that you should consider while purchasing an AC in India. Be it window AC, portable AC, Split AC, whichever air conditioner you buy, you need to check how much capacity would be enough for your room to cool.

But how can you calculate it. If you are into math, you can refer to this formula:

AC capacity = (sqrt*(room floor size))/10

*Sqrt= Square root

For example, let’s assume your room floor size is 150 sq feet

AC capacity = (sqrt*(150))/10

Square root of 150 is 12.247

AC capacity = 12.247/10 = 1.2

So you need 1.2 ton AC for your 150 sq feet room.

If you don’t want to put load on your head, check the table below that explains how much AC capacity is required for different room size.

Air conditioner capacity guide

 

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1 Ton ACs - Exchange Offer, 0% Interest, Extra Cashback
Perfect for small space. Get extra cashback.

 

Purchase AC by Power Consumption (BEE Rating 2024)

All air conditioners in India are star rated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). This organization rates AC on the basis of cooling amount per electricity watt consumption.

ac energy rating and savings per year

You should buy a higher EER rating air conditioner because higher star rating AC provides more energy efficiency, less star rating provide less energy efficiency.

BEE rating 2018

In 2024, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) introduced a new rating system for Air Conditioners. In this system, 2 energy rating point are dropped for non-inverter split ACs.

For example: Any non-inverter split AC that was rated 5 star in 2017 is now rated 3 star in 2024. So, you can see the difference between old and new rating system by BEE. Thus, it is important that you buy AC according to the 2018 BEE rating system.

 

Save Upto 50% on Air Conditioners.
Save Upto 50% on Air Conditioners.
Also, get 10% Instant Discount on slected bank cards

How Much Electricity an AC Will Consume?

Whenever someone thinks of buying an AC, this question certainly pops up in their mind.

Of course, you should be concerned about electricity consumption of the AC, after all you will have to pay the bill through your hard earned money.

To help you here, I have a simple formula that will tell you how much electricity an AC will consume.

Note: This formula is used only as an example that will give you an idea about the approximate electricity consumption. Actual amount may vary slightly.

Electricity Units = Input Power in Watts * Time in hours / 1000

To know the input power you can either check on the box of the AC or the back panel of the AC.

input watts ac

So here in this example picture of 1.5 ton Godrej split AC, the input power is 1351.

So, if we apply the formula then

Electricity Units = 1351 * 1 hour / 1000

Electricity Units = 1.3 Units/hour

Let’s assume the electricity rate is Rs. 7/unit.

So, 1.3 * 7 = Rs. 9.45 per hour

If you run your AC 9 hours a day then:

9.45 * 9 = Rs. 85/day Approx

 

A fact you should know: The compressor of your AC is not always on, when room temperature reaches a certain level, it shuts down. When the temperature of room changes up or down from the certain level, compressor starts working again. So, you can say that the compressor will be turned off for 30-35% of the total running time of the AC.

Another fact, you don’t always get 230V power supply constantly, so the actual power consumption may vary.

Considering both facts, you can subtract 20% – 30% amount from the total AC consumption.

So, 20% of Rs. 85,

20/100 * 85 = Rs. 17

So, you should deduct Rs. 17 from 85.

That means 85 – 17 = Rs. 68/Day

So, Rs. 68/Day might be the actual power consumption of your AC.

Based on above calculation you can easily get an idea of what your AC would consume and how much you have to pay for the electricity.

8 Extra Features of Air Conditioners (Cherry on the Cake)

AC brands provide different amazing features with different models. When buying an AC, you can check whether following extra features are available or not. However, low and mid range air conditioners may not have all these features.

  • Wi-fi connectivity
  • Antibacterial filter
  • Auto clean option
  • Fast cooling
  • Cooling and heating
  • Aluminium/Copper coils
  • Sleep mode
  • Dehumidifier

 

Which Type of AC You Should Buy?

Now you know the difference among four major types of AC, you know the advantages and disadvantages of all.

You also know about the different room sizes and their respective cooling capacity of AC, you have gained the knowledge about power consumption of AC, you have seen the different extra features and air conditioner offers.

From here, you have to make a decision based on the knowledge you just got about different ACs. However, below in this guide you can find Top windows & split ACs, the list will help you to choose the best AC for your house.

If you have a 150sq feet room then I would suggest you to buy a 1.5 ton 5 star inverter AC that will give you the maximum cooling with lowest electricity consumption.

 

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How to Save Electricity with Your AC (8 Practical Tips)

  • Buy the right AC according to room size
  • Run AC on right cooling setting
  • Keep the windows & doors closed
  • Use sleep mode at night
  • If possible, paint walls with light colour, dark colour absorb heat
  • Keep less solid object in the room, things absorb heat so AC takes more time to cool the room
  • Service your AC regularly
  • Electronic appliances release heat, so turn them off if not in use

 

☑ Final Thoughts

Buying AC in India is crucial decision to make, lots of things need to be considered as every Indian customer wants to get the best AC. So, this guide would be a big help for those who is willing to get the perfect air conditioner for their house by spending the least amount of money.

So, chill out this summer and get the best AC. Happy Shopping !

3 Comments
    • Thanks Zulfi, we are happy that you liked the guide. Keep reading our blogs as we will be sharing more buying tips.

  1. Reply
    Commercial Refrigeration Auckland October 19, 2020 at 3:43 pm

    It’s a great source of knowledge; I think it will be helpful for lot of people who are looking for ac buying guide . Thank you very much for sharing this article, this is really helpful for me, thanks again and looking for more in future!

    Leave a reply

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