AC Buying Guide 2022 | Top 9 Best AC in India for home
Air conditioners or ACs have become lifesavers in summer because due to global warming, the temperature levels are higher than ever before. Due to this, ACs are slowly turning from a luxury item to an essential requirement in every household. As everyone can’t afford to buy a costly split AC, it becomes imperative to make the right choice while purchasing the best AC suitable for you. In this AC Buying Guide 2022, we have given you an in-depth understanding of features and technical aspects you need to understand before choosing the Best AC Brand in India during 2022.
After reading this article, you will be able to select the best AC for your home that not only does its work efficiently but is also lighter on your pocket at the same time.
Aspects you should understand before buying an AC in 2022
- Type of air conditioners
- Type of compressor technology used in air conditioners
- Condenser coil and its types
- Latest Features available in air conditioners
- How to choose the best air conditioner for home
- Which air conditioner is best as per your requirements
AC Types :
Portable AC
A Portable AC is a self-contained unit that is useful for cooling a relatively smaller space. Portable AC is mainly used in places where it is impossible to install a window ac or a split ac. Portable ACs gives us the liberty to move it to different spaces for cooling purpose. A portable AC generally uses a back vent to drain hot air out of the room.
Pros and Cons of Portable AC
Why you should buy ?
Why you shouldn’t ?
Buy if : You are looking to cool various rooms with a single AC unit
Window AC
Window ACs are used to be the most common AC used by the masses. It is usually mounted on windows on the outer walls of a house. This Air conditioning unit has a double shaft fan motor with fans mounted on both sides of the motor—one at the evaporator side and the other at the condenser side.
Pros and Cons of window AC
Why you should buy ?
Why you shouldn’t ?
Buy if : You are a budget Buyer & prioritize energy Efficiency
Split AC
Nowadays, Split ACs are one of the most popular types of AC used in modern homes.
A Split AC contains an outdoor unit & an indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, condenser coil, and the expansion coil or capillary tubing. The sleek-looking indoor unit of split AC holds the cooling coil, a long blower with an air filter.
It is a perfect choice if you are looking for a silent working AC for cooling a more extensive area & if the living room’s looks matter much for you. All the noisy components are located in the outside unit of these ACs, making it a perfect AC type to use in a modern home.
The split AC is also the most cost-efficient in the long run when compared to other types. No doubt, it uses the most efficient and advanced technology available for domestic usage. If initial cost is not the single deciding factor that matters to you, you should surely go for it.
Pros and Cons of Split AC
Why you should buy ?
Why you shouldn’t ?
Buy if : You want a piece of modern equipment to cool larger sized rooms
Cyborg says:
Among currently available air conditioning technologies, split AC is the most popular choice. It is a one-time investment & with proper, timely maintenance, it is the best value for money compared to other types of ACs.
In the long run, split AC is cost-efficient & is also compatible with all room types. But if the room size is too small and the budget is even lower, you should go for portable AC because it can be used in multiple rooms and have low power consumption because of its lower capacity.
If you are tighter on budget and are sure that you will need AC in a single room only, you might consider window AC over split AC
Cyborg says:Types of AC compressor technology
There are basically two types of compressors.
The Reciprocating (piston) air compressor is the one which we use in small ACs made for homes. In contrast, a Rotary air compressor is used in larger sized ACs for heavy commercial usage.
Fixed speed AC
Fixed speed AC is the oldest AC type, which consists of a compressor motor with fixed speed. This type of compressor can only be turned on & off (i.e., no speed regulation). Here, the consumption of power is relatively higher than an inverter AC.
Inverter AC
An inverter type air-conditioner adjusts the compressor’s speed to control the refrigerant flow rate, thereby consuming less current and power.
IntelliSense Inverter Technology in split AC
It is a technology used by Whirlpool to control its compressor with the help of sensors. It optimizes the efficiency based on the temperature set by the user and other ambient conditions. This technology also provides additional benefits such as low noise and stabilizer-free operation (150-264V**), which is a significant plus point.
EXPANDABLE INVERTER Technology in split AC
It is a technology used by Hitachi for extreme weather conditions in tropical regions with high humidity. It enables ACs to boost their capacity for a certain period for consistent & fast cooling.
Dual inverter AC
A dual inverter is a technology used in ACs to optimize power consumption and save energy. In this technology, the AC unit has a variable speed dual rotary motor with a wide rotational frequency that helps different compressor speeds. This adjustment in compressor speed leads to power saving.
Triple inverter AC
An Advanced Digital Inverter 8-Pole Motor powers the triple Inverter Technology. It ensures more energy efficiency and even lesser electricity consumption as there will be lesser torque fluctuations,
Triple inverters ACs are also capable of converting or changing their capacity according to the user’s requirements.
The torque generated in the motor to run the compressor of ACs is the main factor responsible for power consumption. Higher the torque required to run the compressor, the more units of electricity it will consume.
Triple inverter technology can handle power with fewer fluctuations, resulting in a more power-efficient way for the AC to operate for more extended hours. This type of AC is best for long runs as it provides better efficiency than other ACs technologies available in the market.
Inverter AC technology has a single rotary motor and has a different approach to increase its efficiency. You may consider buying an inverter AC if you can’t afford a triple inverter AC but want the same additional features in a comparatively lower price range. You can also prefer an inverter AC over a triple inverter AC if you aren’t going to use it for long hours, and electricity consumption is not a big concern for you.
Suppose running time for your AC is low, or you use it occasionally. In that case, inverter technology is best suitable for you as it is budget-friendly & also consumes less power if used for shorter durations.
AC Condenser coil and its types
The Condenser coil is responsible for the heat dispersal from the heated refrigerant coming from the compressor. The condenser lowers its temperature, and the refrigerant then goes to the evaporator for further absorption of heat.
Aluminum condenser coil
This coil may be a cheaper option, but it does have many disadvantages. It can’t be repaired and has a lower heat exchange rate, i.e., more power is required for cooling.
Copper condenser coil
It can be a better option for getting high performance & high efficiency, as it has relatively higher heat exchange rates. These coils are repairable and have high resistance than aluminum coils.
Alloy condenser coil
These coils are aluminum-based alloys, so we can say that they are a better version of an aluminum coil with some improved quality and performance.
But even then, as far as performance is concerned, copper coils are a better option.
Deciding parameters in the AC Buying Guide to check before buying
AC Buying Guide Parameter #1- Refrigerant types used in ACs
Generally, you can find two types of AC refrigerants nowadays:
R32 AC Refrigerant
It is the most latest & commonly used refrigerant. As compared to all other refrigerants, it increases the efficiency of ACs by around 10%. This gas quality and development is generally focused on its effect on ozone and global warming potential (GWP). So, In the current scenarios, it is the best refrigerant to use.
R410A AC Refrigerant
R410A is one other type of commonly used refrigerants. But as compared to R32, it is considered as the second option. Although its effect on ozone is zero, global warming potential (GWP) is a concern in this type of refrigerant. Also, the efficiency of this refrigerant is lower than R 32.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 2- Right Selection of AC capacity
For tonnage calculation of ACs
First, you need to find out your room area in sqft (Area= length X breadth).
Then divide it by 600 to get the basic capacity. If your room is 100 sq. feet, the primary AC capacity required will be 0.167 tons (100/600). You need to add 0.5 tons to the basic capacity for every five people in the room. Ordinarily, an AC of 0.8-ton capacity will work just fine for a 100 sq. ft. space.
It gives you a basic idea for choosing the right capacity, But it cannot provide an exact value as few more factors can affect the required tonnage.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 3- “Star-rating of AC”
Star rating & BTU details
The star rating system is used for the consumer’s convenience to give them an idea about its efficiency. It’s common to understand that the higher the star rating, the lower the power consumption. But in actual practice, it also depends on many other different parameters. In simpler terms, it is about how much better or efficiently an AC can use energy concerning some baseline criteria. For example, various ACs with the same specifications and capacity but with different technologies will have separate star ratings as of their energy efficiency.
BTU stands for British Thermal Units, is a means of measuring heat and energy. One BTU is equivalent to the amount of energy required to heat one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Multiply the BTUs per hour by the number of hours the device run to determine its total BTU output.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 4- “Additional latest features available in split AC.”
Dehumidification in AC
Dehumidification helps the AC to control the humidity level in the indoor environment. It is a necessary part as high humidity or parched weather directly affects a person’s health. It also improves the comfort level. Dehumidification means lower energy costs because it helps your air conditioner run more efficiently.
AC Dust filter
A dust filter improves the quality of air. Its most important function is to protect the ACs from dust particles, which may hamper the performance and efficiency. It directly reduces the AC maintenance cost as you only have to clean the dust filter.
Anti-bacteria filter in AC
It removes the particulates and harmful irritants from the air and purifies it before recirculating into the room.
Active carbon filter in AC
Active carbon filter removes the particulates and harmful irritants from the air by absorption technique. It is useful in the area where there is high air pollution.
Wi-Fi connectivity for AC
If Your AC is WI-FI compatible, it allows you to control it even when you are not at home, as long as it remains connected to the internet.
Activity Sensors of AC
These sensors monitor the movements inside the room and optimize the AC for minimum power consumption.
AC App control
A dedicated app might reduce the dependability of traditional remote control and you will get to control your AC’s functions through your smartphone.
AC Self-Clean
A self-clean feature cleans the Dust automatically just by a press of a button. So, no more manual cleaning is required.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 5 – “Noise levels of AC”
If you are a light sleeper or have an infant at home, you should always consider this parameter while Buying an AC. A noisy AC is going to create disturbances for you in such cases. If this looks like a problem, you always go for a split AC instead of buying a Window AC.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 6 – “Average temperatures in your city”
If you live in a city where the temperatures break new records every summer, you need to consider buying AC with more tonnage. If the ambient temperature is very high outside, then an AC of higher capacity is needed to cool down even smaller sized rooms.
AC Buying Guide Parameter 7 – “Smart Home compatibility”
If you have already upgraded your house to a smart home or plan to do so soon, you would want to only look for smart products. So, always check the compatibility of any new piece of equipment you buy with the one you already have. Smart features like Alexa and google assistant support will help integrate the AC unit with your smart home seamlessly.
Suppose you are considering star ratings, not just think of it to denote lower power consumption. More stars on AC imply that the current unit is made better than its baseline versions using various advanced mechanisms and technologies. Obviously, the higher the star rating, the better and more pocket-friendly the AC unit will be.
So, Which ac is best?
List of Top ac brands in India during 2021
- LG AC
- Voltas AC (To know more, check out Voltas AC review)
- Daikin AC (To know more, check out Dakin AC review)
- Lloyd AC
- Hitachi AC
- Mitsubishi AC
- Blue Star AC
- Carrier AC
- Godrej AC
- Haier AC
- Samsung AC
- Whirlpool AC
- Panasonic AC
- Onida AC
- Midea AC
Top 9 Best AC in India for home (Budget-friendly options)
Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Twin Cool Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 ton
BEE star Rating – 5 star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
Compressor – Variable Speed Inverter Compressor
Filters – Dust filter, Antibacterial coating, PM 2.5 Filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Auto-diagnosis, Voice Control, Wi-Fi, Comfortable Sleep Profile
Warranty – 1 Year Comprehensive, 1+ 4 years on PCB, 10 years on Compressor
LG 1.5 Ton 4 Star Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 ton
BEE star Rating – 4 star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft.)
Compressor – Variable speed compressor
Filters – Dust Filter , Anti-Virus protection
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Smart Diagnosis System, Auto clean, Super Silent Operation,wi-fi
Warranty – 10 Years on compressor with gas charging, 5 years on PCB and 1 year on product
Sanyo 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner type – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 star
Condenser Coil – copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Small sized rooms (< = 120 square ft)
Compressor – Variable speed compressor
Filters – PM 2.5 filter and anti-dust filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features- Self Diagnosis, Glacier Mode, Eco Function, Hydrophilic Fins
Warranty – 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 5 years on compressor
LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Wi-Fi Window AC
Air conditioner type – Window AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 ton
BEE star Rating – 5 star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
Compressor – Variable speed compressor
Filters – Dust filter
Dehumidifier – No
Other features- 4 way air circulation; Top Air Discharge, LG ThinQ (Wi-Fi) Voice Control, Low Gas Detection
Warranty – 1 Year (Comprehensive), 10 Years (Compressor with Gas Charging*T&C)
Whirlpool 0.8 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 0.8 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 Star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R410A
Suitable room size – small sized rooms (< = 110 sq ft)
Compressor – Variable speed compressor
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Multi Port Fluid Injection, Self-Clean, Eco mode
Warranty – 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 10 years on compressor
Hisense 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 Ton
BEE star Rating – 3 Star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (151 to 200 square feet)
Compressor – Variable speed compressor
Filters – Antibacterial coating, Dust filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Leakage detection, self-cleaning, intelligent sleep, Wi-fi
Warranty – 1 Year on Product (Comprehensive), 10 Years on Compressor
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (111 to 160 sq ft)
Compressor – Rotary DC inverter
Filters – Dust filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Smart Detection Technology, Self-Clean Technology, Comfort Sleep,
Warranty – 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 10 years on compressor
Voltas 1.4 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Split System AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.4 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 Star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R-32
Suitable room size – Medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
Compressor – Fixed speed compressor
Filters – Advanced Air Purification
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features- High Ambient Cooling, Stabilizer Free Operation, Super dry Mode, Sleep mode and Turbo mode
Warranty – 1 year on product, 4 years on compressor
Daikin 0.8 Ton 3 Star Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 0.8 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 Star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size – Small sized rooms
Compressor – Non-inverter compressor
Filters – Dust filter, PM 2.5 Filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Econo mode, Coanda airflow, Power chill operation
Warranty – 1 Year on Product, 1 Year on Condenser, 5 Years on Compressor
Midea 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split AC
Air conditioner – Split AC
Capacity in Tons – 1.5 ton
BEE star Rating – 3 star
Condenser Coil – Copper
Refrigerant type – R32
Suitable room size –
Compressor – Non-inverter compressor
Filters – Antibacterial coating, Dust filter, carbon filter
Dehumidifier – Yes
Other features – Low Refrigerant Detection, Intelligent CRF Alert, Sleep Mode
Warranty – 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 5 years on compressor
FAQ
An inverter type AC adjusts the compressor’s speed to control the refrigerant flow rate, thereby consuming less current and power. Inverter AC technology has a single rotary motor and has a different approach to increase its efficiency.
In Dual Inverter AC technology, the AC unit has a variable speed dual rotary motor with a wide rotational frequency that helps different compressor speeds. It helps in saving power.
A Split AC contains an outdoor unit & an indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, condenser coil, and the expansion coil or capillary tubing. The sleek-looking indoor unit of split AC holds the cooling coil, a long blower with an air filter.
Proper cross-ventilation, heavy curtains on glass windows, Outdoor- indoor plants, keeping windows open early morning & late evenings, etc., are some of the ways you can keep your room cool during summer. Except that, always avoid choosing the topmost floor while renting or buying a property.
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