As summer approaches in India, finding the right air conditioner becomes a top priority for most households. With temperatures rising and humidity levels soaring, it is important to get an AC that can effectively combat different weather conditions across the country. This guide will help you navigate through air conditioners and choose one according to your specific needs.
Understanding Indian Weather Patterns
Before we go into details of air conditioners, let’s first know what we are up against when dealing with the Indian climate. Each region has its own set of climate-related challenges – from scorching heat in the northern plains to high humidity on the coasts.
A friend who recently moved from Delhi to Mumbai shared this story: “I never knew the temperature could feel so different between two cities until I experienced it myself. I could bear 35°C in Delhi, but the same temperature would leave me drenched within minutes after stepping out of my house in Mumbai.”
This shows why there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution for air conditioning in India. Now let’s see why it is so important to choose the right AC.
What to Consider When Purchasing an AC
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of an air conditioner is measured in tons (one ton = 12,000 BTU per hour). For Indian homes:
- 1 ton – Up to 120 sq ft of room size.
- 1.5 tons – Between 120-180 sq ft room size.
- 2 tons – Above 180 sq ft room size.
However, these figures may vary depending on factors like ceiling height, number of people occupying a room regularly, and sunlight exposure among others.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency becomes very critical as electricity bills tend to shoot up during summers in many parts of our country. Look out for ACs with higher star ratings by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). It could cost more upfront but save you a lot in the long run – 5-star rated ACs are best in this regard.
Humidity Control
High levels of humidity are another challenge faced by most places across India, especially coastal areas. A dehumidifier can work wonders in creating a comfortable environment with your air conditioning system. Some advanced models even have specific “Dry” modes designed for removing excess moisture from the atmosphere.
Air Purification
Due to increasing pollution levels, people are now more concerned about the quality of air they breathe even inside their homes. Therefore, many AC manufacturers provide additional features to eliminate dust particles and other allergens from circulating through the cooling coil fins into the room space where we live or work, etc. Hence, it would be a good idea to go for those units which come fitted with sophisticated filters capable of catching most bacteria and viruses.
Noise Levels
Nobody wants their sleep or work disturbed because of a noisy machine running next door. Hence, select the quietest possible model that suits your requirement.
Types of ACs
- Window AC
Window AC is still the preferred choice amongst the vast majority of the Indian population owing to the lower price tag attached to them plus the easy installation process involved along with minimal maintenance needs for single room applications usually seen in countryside homes where there aren’t too many rooms requiring simultaneous cooling effect.
Window air conditioners (WACs), also known as unitary systems or self-contained units, are made up of one compact box containing all the components required for cooling a single space. The box typically contains a compressor, an evaporator coil, and a condenser coil enclosed within a single cabinet. Air is drawn into the unit through the front grille, cooled by passing over the evaporator coil, and then expelled back into the room through the louvers on top.
Professionals often refer to these devices as unitary systems because they combine all necessary components into one package.
The Haier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window Air Conditioner – HWU18I-AOW5BN-INV is a great choice with features that include:
- Twin Inverter-twin rotary compressors and advanced electronic controls provide precise, efficient cooling and up to 50% energy savings
- Low Gas Detection feature automatically warns when refrigerant level falls below a threshold
- Super Micro Anti Bacterial Filter captures dust, pollen, mold spores, and particles to improve indoor air quality
- Quiet Mode with optimized air duct and cross flow fan minimizes indoor unit noise for ultimate peace of mind
For larger rooms consider buying Haier 2 Ton 3 Star Window Air Conditioner – HWU24F-AOW3BN-FS with features that include:
- Fixed Speed Compressor: Provides lower maintenance costs and greater reliability over time compared to inverter compressors.
- Low Gas Detection: Auto Low Gas Error warning activates when the refrigerant level in the AC falls below a certain threshold. Helps maintain optimal performance.
- Super Micro Anti-Bacterial Filter: Captures dust, pollen, mold spores, and other particles to improve indoor air quality.
- Quiet Mode: Optimized air duct and cross flow fan design minimizes noise from the indoor unit for peace of mind.
- Split AC
Split-type air conditioners offer several advantages over window units, including quieter operation, greater efficiency, and more flexible installation options. Split air conditioning systems typically consist of two main components: an outdoor unit that houses the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator and fan. These units are connected by refrigerant lines that carry cooled or heated air between them.
A split air conditioner is a ductless system that consists of two main parts – an outdoor unit) and an indoor unit . In a split AC, the compressor stays outside along with the condenser coil while the evaporator coil and fan are housed inside separate units. Some of the Models by Haier India include:
Features
- Hexa Inverter tech for powerful performance & 65% energy savings
- Heavy duty robust cooling for tough conditions
- Intelli Smart controls via app – adjust temp, modes, voice control
- Supersonic Cooling in 10 secs for instant relief
- Frost Self Clean – wet wash in 21 mins for 99.9% clean air
- 20m long air flow
- 7 in 1 Convertible modes – optimize cooling capacity
- Cools at 60°C ambient temp
- Hyper PCB withstands 550V for consistent cooling
- 100% grooved copper increases efficiency
- Super anti corrosion protection
- Super micro anti-bacterial filter
- Super quiet performance
Haier 1 Ton 5 Star Kinouchi Heavy Duty Hexa Inverter Split Air Conditioner – HSU14K-PYSG5BN-INV
Features
- Hexa Inverter technology for powerful performance and 65% energy savings
- Robust cooling for tough conditions and continuous operation
- 4-way auto swing for flexible air direction
- Supersonic cooling in 10 secs for instant cooling
- Self clean function removes dust, bacteria and odors
- Long 20m air flow distance
- 7-in-1 modes for customized cooling
- Cooling even at 60°C ambient temps
- Durable PCB and components for consistent performance
- 100% grooved copper for maximum heat exchange
- Anti-corrosion features protect evaporator and condenser
- Advanced air filter captures dust, mold, pollen
- Quiet operation with optimized air ducts and cross flow fan
Compared with window air conditioners, split systems require professional installation due to their complex design.
Advantages:
- Quiet operation
- Higher energy efficiency
- Flexible installation options
In terms of energy efficiency and performance, inverter air conditioners represent the most recent development in this field.
- Saves lots of energy
- Keeps temperature steady all the time
- Less expensive to run
Smart Air Conditioning Units Are Taking Over
The incorporation of smart technology into cooling systems has changed everything about how we use these machines. Modern units have features such as:
- Remote Control: This allows you to operate your AC from anywhere using an app installed on your smartphone.
- Voice Control: Some can be integrated with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home so that they can respond to voice commands without being touched by anyone.
- Learning Algorithms: These kinds of advanced models learn a user’s habits over time, therefore automatically adjusting themselves.
- Energy Monitoring: You can see the amount of energy being consumed by your system at any given time so that informed choices regarding its use may be made.
- Predictive Maintenance: Smart AC units detect faults earlier enough and alert users about them before breakdowns occur, thereby prolonging the life span of these appliances.
Installation and Positioning Tips
The way an AC is installed and where it is placed can greatly affect how well or efficient it works. Here are some things to consider:
- Location: The outdoor unit should be installed in a shaded area if possible, away from direct sunlight.
- Insulation: Ensure that the room has been properly insulated so as not to let cold air out.
- Height: Fix the indoor unit at appropriate heights for maximum airflow distribution throughout the space.
- Obstacles: Keep both spaces around indoor and outdoor units free from obstructions which may block the smooth flow of air around them, thus adversely affecting their performance.
- Professional Installation: It may appear cheap to do a self-installation but this could lead to less optimized functions or even worse, damage later on. Hence, it is better to go for a professional setting done the right way now rather than regretting later when things don’t work out as expected/planned.