© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
AC Buying Guide for Summer: With large parts of India reeling under an intense heatwave and temperatures soaring between 40 to 46 degrees Celsius, the sweltering summer is pushing many to consider investing in an air conditioner (AC) to beat the heat.
We are here to help you make the decision of placing your bet on an AC easier. Of course, there are plenty of good options to choose from, but the cooling performance depends on a lot of parameters including the cooling capacity, power rating, air quality, and more.
Here are the top 10 things you need to consider before making a decision:
The right capacity of the AC depends on the carpet area you need to cool. For example, a one tonne-AC can cool 120~140 Sq. ft. area, and a one-and-a-half tonne-AC can cool 150~180 Sq. ft. area. Bigger spaces with 180 ~240 Sq. ft. area will need a two-tonne AC.
Buying an energy-efficient AC is a better bet in the long run as it will help you save both money and power. Needless to say, the AC must have a star-rated energy efficiency rating (EER), standardised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). More stars, better the efficiency and hence, better power saving. If you plan to use the AC for eight to 10 hours on average, it is recommended you go for a 3-star AC, at the very least.
While it might look like an aesthetic decision to make, there is more to this choice. Split ACs look more sophisticated, take up less space, and operate more quietly. However, they come at a premium, when compared. Window ACs are cheaper to purchase and cheaper to install and maintain. If you think you will have to move the AC, for instance, if you stay on rent and might have to move, go for Window ACs.
Split ACs now come with and without an inverter. Ones with an inverter will cost you anywhere between Rs 3,000 to 5,000 more, but they offer more uniform cooling and are cheaper to run. On the contrary, a non-inverter AC will be cheaper to acquire, however, cooling will not be as efficient, and running cost will be higher, when compared to inverter ACs. Picking an inverter AC is a no brainer, we guess.
Always go for a brand that has been making ACs for a while. This ensures the product has passed the test of time. However, if you come across new sub brands from bigger players, and if the dealer recommends it, you are good to go. Whether you buy from a retail store on an online marketplace, the dealer will take care of the initial installation. Do keep the warranty card safe, and register the product online, if needed.
ACs require servicing at least once a year to maintain optimal performance. Getting a branded AC makes ensuring service easier. This will also help you secure spare parts in case of minor issues.
Different ACs offer different cooling speeds, and this varies from location to location as well. In a city, where the average temperature is above 45 degrees in the summer, you might need an AC that offers faster cooling, and it is also important to get an AC that offers different cooling speeds, which can help control the temperature in a granular manner.
Most modern ACs come with an integrated air filter, and depending on the brand, the functionality differs. If you live in a place like Delhi NCR, where the Air Quality Index is perennially poor, choose an AC that has strong air filtering capabilities. If you live in Kerala, you may save the extra bucks.
ACs are no longer just used for cooling. In winter, they double up as heating devices. Again, not every AC can offer both cooling and heating capabilities, you need to choose based on your location.
If you’re used to all your devices being ‘smart’, Smart ACs are on offer. It offers more insights on cooling and power usage, and these can be controlled using voice commands or using a smartphone. Some of the smart ACs also have self-diagnostic capabilities, which makes it easy to repair if something goes wrong.
We hope you make the best decision!
