How to Choose an AC for Home

Get information on how to choose an AC depending on your home’s layout and your budget.
How to Choose an AC for Home
5 mins read
6 Dec 2023

A good home air conditioner not only offers respite from the summer heat, but also gives you the benefit of air purification all year round. Along with that, it provides humidity control in the monsoon, and heating in winter. With numerous options flooding the market, knowing how to select AC for your home will help you make an informed decision.

Rather than letting your budget dictate the features, buy an air conditioner on No Cost EMIs starting at Rs. 1,999 from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network. Here, you can pay by using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card and shop from more than 1.5 lakh+ partners online and offline in over 4,000+ cities. You can also choose a repayment tenure ranging from 1 to 60 months. You also benefit from features like minimal processing charges and a down payment. If you do not have the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you can apply for in-store financing and get instant approval.

To enhance the benefits you can enjoy, make it a point to shop for a split air conditioner or a window AC this summer. This is the best time to invest in an AC. You can get instant credit of up to Rs. 5,000 in your Bajaj Pay Wallet, after shopping for an AC worth Rs. 20,000 or more.

Before you start shopping, take a quick look at the tips you should keep in mind to select the best AC for your home.

Choose the right type of AC for your needs

Depending on your requirements, your home’s layout, and your budget, you can arrive at an answer to how to choose an air conditioner for your home. Typically, you can pick from 3 types: Window AC, split AC, and portable AC. A window AC, as the name suggests, is mounted onto a window as a single unit. A split AC has two units – the one mounted outside your home comprises the compressor and condenser units, while the one mounted inside, on a wall, is the blower. A portable AC is not mounted in a specific location, and you can move it from one room to another. This one is beneficial for you if you live in rented apartments.

Check the cooling capacity

The cooling capacity of any air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). It simply means how much heat the AC can eliminate from the air in a set time. The cooling capacity of any AC is directly proportional to this number. Getting the right fit for your room is highly important. If the BTU capacity is too less for your room, the AC would not be able to cool it properly. If the capacity is too high, it may cool the room too quickly without any dehumidification. To determine the right fit for your room, see the chart below:

AC cooling capacity chart

Area

Capacity in BTUs per hour

Tonnage of the AC

0 to 90 sq. ft.

~5,000

1

90 to 110 sq. ft.

~12,000

1.2

120 to 150 sq. ft.

~18,000

1.5

150 to 200 sq. ft.

~24,000

2


Note that several more factors, like the height of the room, average room temperature, floor number, and window size affect how quickly your AC will cool your room.

Know the benefits of an inverter AC

As compared to a normal air conditioner, an inverter AC offers better, more consistent cooling. Inverter ACs are also more energy-efficient and quieter too. This is because in a non-inverter AC, the compressor switches on and off several times to regulate the temperature. Whenever the compressor motor starts, the AC experiences a power spike. This causes it to consume more power in the long run. On the other hand, an inverter AC’s compressor always remains on. After the desired temperature is reached, the compressor keeps running at a lower speed to maintain cooling. Therefore, it is not only more durable but also energy-efficient.

Also read: Difference between 5 Star and 3 Star Air Conditioners

Look for energy efficiency

Buying an energy-efficient AC has become all the more important in today’s world, where power tariffs are rising as quickly as mercury levels. To help you identify how good an appliance is when it comes to power efficiency, the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) gives standardised energy-efficiency ratings as stars. A 5 Star rating is the best and means that the AC will offer you tremendous savings on your electricity bill. So, always choose an AC with a higher energy-efficiency rating.

Other important features of air conditioners to consider:

Anti-bacteria filter

Removes bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and allergens from the air to create a healthy environment.

Dust filter

Catches minute dust particles and dust mites.

Dehumidifier

Remove excess moisture from the air during the rains, prevents the room from becoming damp, and inhibits the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Heater

Raises the temperature to comfortable levels during winter and eliminates the need to purchase a separate heater unit.

Auto cleaning

Automatically removes the mould and bacteria deposits inside the blower.

Now that you know how to select the right air conditioner, shop for the best home air conditioner on EMI using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. To get started, check your pre-approved offer and avail of up to Rs. 2 lakh to shop from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network.

Consequent to directive received from Reserve Bank of India, Bajaj Finance Limited has temporarily suspended issuance, sanction and Disbursal under it's online loan products "ECom" and "Insta EMI card". However, you can walk-in to any of our offline partner stores and get your product financed. Refer to the detailed FAQ on our website for further queries.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the criteria for selecting an air conditioner?

When buying an AC, you should consider the room size, energy efficiency (SEER rating), cooling capacity, type (split or window), noise level, brand reputation, and additional features like programmable thermostats or air purifiers when buying an AC. Ensure compatibility with your space and prioritise energy-efficient models for long-term cost savings and environmental impact.