Budget deals for a hot summer

There are two common types of air-conditioners—window and split. While window ACs range from Rs 17,500 to Rs 31,000 split ACs are more expensive and range from Rs 27,500 to Rs 86,000.

In the window type, both cooling and compressor units are housed together in a single cabinet and is usually fitted in the room window thus cooling just a single room. In the split type, the cooling unit and the compressor are separately placed and they are designed to cool, one or more rooms depending on their cooling capacity.

Window ACs can be the ideal choice for small homes or offices or places having moderate cooling loads. Though, split units are more efficient than room units and are designed to cool larger areas, they are more expensive than window ACs by 30-40 per cent.

The market is flooded with a variety of models catering to different needs of consumers. The industry, which was dominated by players like Carrier and Voltas, has been largely taken over by the MNCs in the last two years. Lowering of duties and newer product categories has seen ACs being positioned as a retail product. With the ad-valorem duties coming down, unorganised sector that had a marketshare of as much as 70 per cent of the market few years ago now have to be content with just 20 per cent now. Branded ACs are the new rage and always better since you get good after sales service.

AC companies include fancy features like ACs which give clean and healthy air as the new buzzword for marketing different from the cliched ‘coolest ones’. So what you could look out for are ACs to sieve out harmful bacteria and germs like the Samsung ACs with bio-component technology as well as bio filters. During the season, Samsung is also planning to enhance its existing range of ACs by bringing 3-4 new window and split AC models.

Not to be left behind, LG Electronics now boasts of a wide range of feature rich models packed with latest technology. LG offers ACs with a unique plasma air purifying technology. LG offers premium Flat Mirror Split AC and the Tele AC that can be operated by a telephone. LG ACs also have a double protection on the heat exchanger which reduces noise levels, saves power and improves efficiency. LG offers 1 tonne AC with world’s only three dimensional air flow technology. Also in its kitty are premium flat mirror Split AC and the Tele AC that can be operated by a telephone. Godrej too offers air purifying filter and dehumidification mode in its ACs.

As for Whirlpool, it uses electrostatic filter which eliminates particles and is 99 times more efficient than conventional foam or woven filters.

After health, comes energy efficiency. After all, there’s always a need to keep a tab on the ever-mounting energy bills. With the usage of latest technologies, most of the AC machines are low in energy consumption.

With modern lifestyle, these machines boast excellent styling and added features like Carrier offers electronic touch-pad controls, precision settings and 24 hour timer. Godrej ACs are equipped with intelligent control system and real time clock.

Going further ahead, Voltas has positioned its new Vertis model with an IQ. Voltas thrusts on providing value-for-money products with high-end features and sells Verdant and Vectra models.