Complete Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Simple, practical guide to buying the right AC for your home. No technical jargon - just what you need to know to make the right choice.
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Key Factors to Consider
AC Type Selection
Split AC is best for most homes - quieter, better cooling, and looks neat
Correct Size (Tonnage)
1 ton for up to 120 sq ft, 1.5 ton for 120-180 sq ft, 2 ton for 180-240 sq ft
Star Rating Choice
3-star for light use, 5-star for heavy use (6+ hours daily)
Inverter Technology
Always choose Inverter AC - adjusts speed, saves power, steady temperature
Copper Coil
Lasts longer and easier to repair than aluminum coil
Proper Installation
Good AC can work badly if not installed properly
Budget Guide
Under ₹25,000
1 ton, 3-star Inverter Split AC
₹25,000 - ₹40,000
1.5 ton, 3-star Inverter Split AC
₹40,000 - ₹55,000
1.5 ton, 5-star Inverter Split AC
Above ₹55,000
2 ton or premium features
Buying an AC doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide tells you exactly what to look for, without confusing technical terms.
🏠 1. First, decide the type of AC
Choose Your AC Type
This is the most important decision - it affects performance, cost, and installation complexity.
✅ Split AC - Best choice for most homes
- • Quieter operation
- • Better cooling performance
- • Looks neat and modern
- • More expensive but worth it
💰 Window AC - Good for budget-conscious buyers
- • Cheaper to buy
- • Easy to install yourself
- • Noisier operation
- • Good for small rooms only
❌ Portable AC - Avoid unless you have no choice
- • Only if you can't install split/window
- • Uses more power and less effective
- • Most expensive to run
👉 Recommendation: Go for a Split Inverter AC for bedrooms and living rooms.
📏 2. Pick the right size (capacity)
Get The Right Tonnage
Wrong size = poor cooling or wasted energy. Size it correctly from the start.
The size of AC is measured in "tons" - this is about cooling power, not weight!
🔥 When to choose bigger size:
💡 Pro tip: If unsure between two sizes, go for the bigger one.
⭐ 3. Star rating (Efficiency) – 3-star or 5-star?
Choose Your Star Rating
This determines your electricity bills for the next 8-12 years. Choose wisely!
This determines your electricity bill! 💡
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star AC
Choose if: You use AC 6+ hours daily in summer
Benefit: Lower electricity bills
Cost: More expensive upfront
Payback: Saves money in 2-3 years
⭐⭐⭐ 3-Star AC
Choose if: You use AC 2-4 hours daily
Benefit: Cheaper to buy
Cost: Higher electricity bills
Best for: Occasional use
👉 Simple decision rule:
🌡️ 4. Refrigerant (the cooling gas inside)
Select The Right Refrigerant
Modern refrigerants are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
✅ R-32 - Most common choice
🌱 R-290 - Most eco-friendly
❌ Avoid these refrigerants:
✨ 5. Important features to look for
Essential vs Nice-to-Have Features
Focus on features that actually matter for your comfort and savings.
✅ Must-Have Features
Copper coil
with anti-rust coating → Lasts longer, easier to repair
Inverter technology
→ Better efficiency and temperature control
Dehumidifier/Dry mode
→ Removes humidity during monsoon
Low noise
(below 40 dB for bedrooms)
Sleep mode
→ Saves electricity at night
💫 Nice-to-Have Features
Self-clean filters
→ Less maintenance
Stabilizer-free operation
→ Works with voltage fluctuations
Wi-Fi connectivity
→ Control from phone
Timer function
→ Auto on/off scheduling
🔧 6. Installation matters!
Professional Installation is Critical
Even the best AC can fail with poor installation. Don't cut corners here.
⚠️ A good AC can work badly if not installed properly!
🔧 What to ensure during installation:
Proper vacuuming and leak testing
Essential for optimal performance
Outdoor unit in open area
Not trapped in balcony or closed space
Separate power line
With proper earthing for safety
Professional installation
Don't try DIY for split ACs
💰 Installation costs:
🛠️ 7. Maintenance
Keep Your AC Running Efficiently
Simple maintenance extends lifespan and keeps bills low.
Keep your AC running efficiently:
🔧 Regular maintenance:
Clean filters every 2–3 weeks
in summer
Annual service
before peak season starts
Cover outdoor unit
in winter/off-season
Check for water leakage
monthly
⚠️ Signs you need service:
❌ AC not cooling properly
🔊 Strange noises
👃 Bad smell
⚡ High electricity bills suddenly
✅ 8. Quick "Which AC is right for me?" checklist
Your Perfect AC Checklist
Use this quick checklist to make sure you get exactly what you need.
✅ Your perfect AC should have:
🚫 Avoid:
✨ Practical Examples:
Bedroom
120 sq ft, used 3-4 hours at night
Living Room
180 sq ft, runs all afternoon & evening
Small Office
100 sq ft, used 8+ hours daily
💡 Remember
A good AC lasts 8-12 years. Spend a little more now for better efficiency, comfort, and lower electricity bills later!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
Common AC buying questions answered by our experts.
Q: What size AC do I need for a 12x12 bedroom?
A:
A 12x12 bedroom is 144 sq ft. You need a 1.5 ton AC (covers 120-180 sq ft). If the room gets a lot of sunlight or is on the top floor, consider going with 1.5 ton for better cooling.
Q: Is 3-star or 5-star AC better for electricity bills?
A:
If you use AC 6+ hours daily, 5-star will save more money long-term despite higher upfront cost. For 2-4 hours daily use, 3-star is more economical. 5-star consumes about 30% less power than 3-star.
Q: Why is copper coil better than aluminum?
A:
Copper coils last longer, transfer heat better, and are easier to repair. Aluminum coils are cheaper but more prone to corrosion and harder to fix if damaged. Copper is worth the extra cost.
Q: Can I install split AC myself?
A:
No, always use professional installation. AC installation involves gas charging, wall drilling, electrical connections, and proper pipe fitting. Wrong installation can damage the AC, void warranty, and create safety hazards.
Q: How often should I clean AC filters?
A:
Clean filters every 2-3 weeks during summer when using daily. Dirty filters reduce cooling efficiency and increase electricity consumption by up to 20%. It's a 5-minute job you can do yourself.
Q: What temperature should I set for best efficiency?
A:
24°C-26°C is the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency. Each degree below 24°C increases power consumption by 6-8%. Use fan mode with AC for better air circulation at higher temperatures.
Q: Do I need a stabilizer for my AC?
A:
Modern inverter ACs have built-in voltage protection (usually 140V-280V range). You need external stabilizer only if your area has frequent voltage fluctuations beyond this range. Check your AC's voltage range first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying wrong size - too small will not cool, too big wastes energy
- Choosing 5-star for light use - you will not recover the extra cost
- Ignoring installation quality - can ruin even the best AC
- Not considering room conditions (sunlight, ceiling height)
- Buying non-inverter AC to save money
Expert Tips
- For bedrooms: 1 ton, low noise (below 40 dB), sleep mode
- For heavy use: 5-star rating pays for itself in 2-3 years
- Choose bigger size if room has direct sunlight or high ceiling
- Always use surge protection even with stabilizer-free ACs
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