Buying a good air conditioner for your home 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 month 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.
Factors to consider when choosing an AC for your home
When purchasing an air conditioner (AC), consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
- Room size: Choose an AC with the appropriate cooling capacity (measured in BTUs or tons) based on your room size. A small room requires less cooling power than a large living area.
- Energy efficiency: Look for ACs with high energy efficiency ratings (like the EER or ISEER). Energy-efficient models save electricity and reduce your utility bills.
- Type of AC: Decide between split ACs (with indoor and outdoor units) or window ACs (installed in a window frame). Split ACs are quieter and offer better aesthetics, while window ACs are more straightforward to install.
- Cooling speeds and modes: Check if the AC offers multiple cooling speeds, fan modes, and sleep functions. Some models also have features like turbo mode and dehumidification.
- Noise level: Consider the noise level (measured in decibels) of the AC. Quieter units are more comfortable, especially for bedrooms.
- Air quality features: Look for filters that improve indoor air quality. Features like HEPA filters, anti-bacterial coatings, and dust filters can enhance your overall comfort.
- Installation and maintenance: Factor in installation costs and ongoing maintenance. Regular cleaning and servicing are essential for optimal performance.
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. You must also check out the price list of ACs before making your choice
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. 3 lakh to shop from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network.
Top selling home air conditioners in India
Model |
Price |
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Convertible 4 in 1 Cooling Inverter Split AC |
Rs. 37,990 |
Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Triple Inverter Intelli Smart Split AC |
Rs. 35,990 |
Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC |
Rs. 25,499 |
Cruise 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC |
Rs. 32,990 |
Lloyd 1.2 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC |
Rs. 34,990 |