Air Conditioners: The ultimate buying guide

AC buying guide

An air conditioner is an important home appliance that not only cools down the room but also provides clean air. Choosing the right AC for home requires essential information about the different types of ACs and features they offer. To ensure that you get the most out of your purchase, follow this comprehensive AC buying guide.

That’s not all, you can shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network and get the latest ACs affordably on easy EMIs.

Type of AC
Capacity
Energy Rating
Features

Types of AC (Window, Split or Portable): Select the best as per your need

The first tip for buying an air conditioner is to know and understand the 3 types of ACs. This buying guide will help you to find the one that is best suited for your home and needs.

Window AC

Features a single unit mounted on to a window or a wall
Ideal for cooling one room
Easy to install

Split AC

Features two units: indoor and outdoor
Used for cooling larger rooms
Has higher installation costs

Portable AC

Mobile and lightweight
Ideal for cooling smaller spaces
Requires a specially-crafted vent for the exhaust hose

AC buying tips: Find out which one's best for you

Type of AC

Opt for it if you are
Window AC

On a budget and are prioritising energy efficiency
Split AC

Looking to cool multiple rooms or large spaces
Portable AC

Looking to cool multiple rooms with one unit

Difference between Inverter AC and Regular AC

How to determine the cooling capacity

Breathe freshness at home

Capacity becomes the next important factor when you are buying an AC. You need to calculate the square foot area of your room to understand the capacity requirement to cool that room. Read this AC purchase guide to get the most from your AC.

Room size

The capacity required to cool a room depends on the size of that room. For instance, a 1-ton AC for a small room of 150 sq.ft. is more than enough as the heat load is manageable. However, in a medium-sized room, a 1-ton AC is likely to be overloaded

Noise level

If you’re a light sleeper or have an infant in the room, a loud AC can be a disturbance. So, remember to check the noise level, especially for window ACs. However, it may be best for you to buy a split AC in this case

Average city temperature/weather

The ambient temperature is also critical in determining the type of AC you’d require. If you live in an area with harsh summers, then you may require a 1.5- or 2-ton AC even for medium-sized rooms

Number of occupants

Another essential tip for buying an air conditioner is to consider the number of people in a room. This adds to the heat load of the room. A crowded room requires a stronger unit

Smart home compatibility

Smart features in your AC can help you to seamlessly integrate it with other smart devices in your home

Aluminium coil vs copper coil

Coils become the next important deciding factor as they determine the overall efficiency of your AC. Continue reading this air conditioner buying guide to quickly understand what sets them apart.

Descriptions

Copper coil

Aluminium coil
Heat Transfer

Higher heat-transfer coefficient

Lower than Copper
Durability

Durable

Less durable
Pliability

Poor pliability needs more raw material to bend to the desired shape

Fairly pliable, requires less raw material
Corrosion

Can corrode

Can corrode
Maintenance

Easy to maintain

Difficult to clean and maintain
Cost

Costlier

Cheaper

Power consumption (BEE rating)

An important part of the air conditioner buying guide is to help you understand the power consumption of your AC. The BEE Rating, now ISEER, is issued keeping in mind an AC’s Energy-Efficiency Ratio (EER). ACs are rated in British Thermal Units (BTU), regardless of their tonnage and capacity.

Features to look for when you’re buying an AC

Wi-Fi compatibility

Grants wireless access to your AC even when you’re not home

Self-clean feature

Automatically moves a brush across the filter to clean dirt sitting on the wing

Activity sensors

Monitor activity to reduce energy consumption if you’re not in the room

Voice-command compatibility

Allows you to control your AC hands-free

App control

Replaces a traditional remote and gives you more information about the AC and its operations

How to ensure optimal cooling

You need to keep in mind the following tips to get the most from your AC purchase.

Get comfortable cooling at home

Turn off extra heat sources

Lights, appliances add heat to the room

Ensure airflow for the AC

Keep the AC vents clear of obstacles like curtains

Check for air leaks

These can be around doors, vents, and windows

Block direct sunlight

Sunlight adds heat to the room and makes it harder to cool

Use the ‘Eco’ mode

This controls temperature efficiently and limits power consumption

Pay attention to after-sales service and additional warranty

Once you’ve identified the AC of your choice, ensure that it comes with a good after-sales service. If you can, do opt for additional warranty too. Read on to know how these 2 factors can help you.

Protect you from paying for breakdowns due to defects
Give you access to professional technicians familiar with the AC
Help you to lower additional costs/expenses

How to shop on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network

Step 1: Visit a partner store and pick the latest AC

Step 2: Use your EMI Network Card at the checkout or opt for in-store financing

Step 3: Select a repayment tenor and convert your purchase into easy EMIs

To avail this service, you can check your pre-approved offer and get instant approval within minutes. Following this, all you need to do is submit basic KYC documents and a cancelled cheque to complete your application.