There are two types of people in the world. First are the people who use fans or coolers in their home and the other are those who can’t handle the heat with these appliances. They always need an air conditioner, especially in the summer season.
Are you someone who falls in the second category? Or you might be planning to buy your first AC this year. So, let me tell you that you are at the right place.
I have prepared this guide that will tell you about the technical aspects of an AC and how to select the best AC for your home or office. So, keep reading the article and it will clear all your confusions regarding air conditioners.
What’s in it-
- What is an AC and How Does it Work?
- Types of AC Available
- How to Select the Best AC?
- Inverter vs Non Inverter AC
- List of Top Selling ACs in the Market
- Facts to Know About Air Conditioners
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is an AC and How Does it Work?
The air conditioner is an electrical device that gives us comfort by cooling the environment by removing the heat. But, how does it happen? The name of AC itself indicates that it performs conditioning of the air.
Basically, the air conditioner captures the humidity of the surroundings through its compressor and throws it outside the room. The method that is responsible for this phenomena is vapour compression refrigeration which is the most common process in air conditioning. This is how the air conditioner works.
AC consists of two units, the indoor unit is the evaporator and the outdoor unit compressor. Air conditioners act similar to air heat pumps but instead of heating, AC cools down the temperature and a key member of the HVAC technology system.
What is HVAC Technology?
HVAC refers to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. We use HVAC systems to regulate the temperature of the moving air between indoor and outdoor areas of a residential as wells as commercial property.
The main function of HVAC systems is to keep the environment warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Also, they can improve indoor air quality to provide more comfort in breathing to the people inside a room or a building.
Types of AC Available
If you are not familiar with air conditioners, you might think that all ACs are the same and only the brands are different. But, you might be surprised to know that they have their classifications. So, let me tell you about various types of AC.
- Window AC
- Split AC
- Central AC
- Portable AC
- Geothermal Heating and Cooling AC
Window Air Conditioner
The most common air conditioner is Window AC. It also is considered the king of cooling systems for the rooms of a single-story houses. They have the capacity of cooling a small room or a large room depending on their size.
Another reason for their popularity is that they are cost-efficient. You can mount them on the window by making holes on the exterior wall and hanging them around or placing them on a base.
A window ac unit has all the components enclosed inside such as a refrigeration system, ventilation system, etc. If you want to cool in more than one rooms, you need to install more units for each room separately.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective as compared to other ACs | Can’t use window after installation |
| Easy to install. You can DIY | Make noise during operation |
| Energy-efficient and ideal for small rooms | Disturbs the look of the exterior home wall |
| Many units have a built-in heater as well |
Split Air Conditioner
Split AC is an efficient variant of air conditioners that you can install in your home or office. They contain a combination of a condenser as an indoor unit and a compressor as an outdoor unit.
You can connect one compressor to different indoor units and mount each of them on the walls of the rooms you want to cool. The indoor units are equipped with compact air blowers.
Split AC gives the facility to control the temperature of different rooms individually with a single compressor as each unit has its own thermostat. You can install them in your building without the hassle of ductwork. To provide these features, split air conditioners have high electricity consumption and also they are more costly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Don’t produce noise | Installation needs professionals |
| No ductwork required | Consumes more energy |
| Gives better cooling | Units are costly |
| Control the temperature of different rooms separately |
Central Air Conditioner
As the name suggests, a central air conditioner is a central unit that combines the evaporator, condenser, and compressor. You can place that on the rooftop or anywhere outside the building.
The cooling system of central air conditioners works similar to other AC. It uses refrigerant to blow the cool air and draw the hot air outside to cool all the rooms simultaneously.
It is one of the best air conditioners and people consider it the most luxurious cooling system. Today, programmable thermostats can be coupled with central AC with the help of modern HVAC technology. It gives a smart home experience to the users.
| Pros | Cons |
| Able to cool the entire house | The installation process is complex |
| No disturbance from noise due to outdoor installation | Costly as compared to window AC |
| Gives an intense cooling experience | Possibility of leakage from duct |
| Programmable thermostats save utility bills |
Portable Air Conditioner
Just like window AC, portable air conditioners have all the components combined in a single unit. Basically, portable ac is free to move from one room to another as we don’t mount them on a wall.
They lie on the floor and we can move them anywhere. Hence, we call them portable AC. It uses an exhaust that is a large tube to provide ventilation to the hot air outside the window.
The condenser and the exhaust fan of the portable AC belong to the same enclosed casing. Due to these components, the AC makes noise more than the other variants.
| Pros | Cons |
| No special installation method | Makes more noise |
| Easy to transport and move | Occupies a specific area of the floor |
| Low upfront cost | The cooling range is small |
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Image Source: Cleantechnica
A geothermal system is a very effective and interesting method of cooling down the temperature as well as heating up. Let’s see what is geothermal heating and cooling and how does it work.
You might know that the underground temperature of the earth is constantly somewhere between 50-60 Fahrenheit year-round. Geothermal technology uses this fact as an advantage to bring the temperature of a room up and down.
Basically, this system uses a plastic tube that is buried under the ground. It contains a fluid mixture and acts as a closed-loop between your home and the underground level of the earth. The underground loop can be horizontal or vertical.
In the winter season, the pump circulates the fluid through the ground and the fluid absorbs the heat of the earth. It passes through a compressor that helps to raise the temperature of the room or building.
Similarly, in summer, the same process takes place in a reverse direction. The fluid starts passing from the opposite side. It captures the humidity of the atmosphere to cools down the environment to give relief from the heat.
| Pros | Cons |
| Useful in large buildings | Installation is costly |
| Works in both summer and winter season | |
| Highly efficient cooling and heating system | |
| Durable system with less maintenance |
How to Select the Best AC?
The cooling capacity of your AC must match the specifications of your home. Otherwise, it won’t cool the room adequately. Also, you should check the power consumption of the AC so that you don’t have to bear the high electricity bills.
Take care of these points while buying an air conditioner.
Cooling Capacity
Cooling capacity is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) or Tons. BTU is the amount of heat that the AC requires to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Basically, 1 ton is equal to 12,000 BTU’s. Generally, the cooling capacity of AC based on various scenarios is following.
| Type of AC | Cooling Capacity (BTU/hr) | Cooling Capacity (kW/hr) |
| Residential | 6000 – 20000 | 1.76 – 5.86 |
| Commercial | 12000 – 50000 | 3.51 – 14.65 |
| Industrial | 30000-70000 | 8.79 – 20.51 |
Room Size
It is so simple to understand that the air conditioner with less cooling capacity will cool a small room and for a large room, we need a higher capacity AC.
But, what is the measurement that gives an idea of how to choose the best air conditioner according to the size of the room? So, you can follow this chart and it can help you out regarding the selection of the best AC.
| Room Size | Capacity of AC Required |
| Up to 100 sq ft | 0.8 Ton |
| Up to 150 sq ft | 1.0 Ton |
| Up to 250 sq ft | 1.5 Ton |
| Up to 400 sq ft | 2.0 Ton |
Electricity Consumption and Energy Rating
Air conditioner electricity consumption is one of the major considerations before buying because the AC with high energy consumption is not a good choice. Calculate the energy efficiency rating of the air conditioner which is the ratio of the cooling capacity of ac and the power that ac consumes. Choose the AC with the highest EER.
So, now the question is how to calculate this EER?
Suppose you are selecting a 1 ton AC. It means the cooling capacity is 12000 BTU.
Remember, 1 ton = 12000 BTUs.
If the electricity consumption of the AC is 1200 watts, its EER will be 10. And if it consumes only 100 watts, the energy efficiency rating will be 12. Hence, the AC with 12 EER should be your priority.
Cost of Air Conditioner
We all know very well that India is a price-sensitive market. Whenever people go to purchase any home appliance, most of them ask to show the products with the least price.
Yes, it is a fact that air conditioners are costly than air coolers and it is good to save some bucks. But, only lower price is not the factor that should attract you. You can select the AC and wait for any season sale to buy the same at a discount price.
Service and Warranty
Many brands provide great features in AC such as touch panel, noiseless, etc. But, these fancy features are not the primary functions of an AC. The average life span of AC should be long and it should ask less maintenance.
Just imagine that it’s the month of summer and your AC stops working at the peak time due to a technical problem. You won’t expect this to happen if the AC has not completed even a year in your home or office.
Hence, every appliance should have good service and warranty. Ask your seller about the best AC brand and know the customer reviews about the unit you are planning to buy. Also, ask your neighbours about the service of their AC before purchasing one.
Inverter vs Non Inverter AC
You have read about various types of AC in the above section of the article. But, do you know that air conditioners are also two other types. One is inverter ac and the other is non-inverter ac. So, what are they and what is the difference between them?
Basically, inverter ac have a technology to adjust the speed of its compressor. When the temperature of the room cools down to a certain level, its compressor constantly runs slower to maintain the temperature. It consumes less electricity at that time.
Whereas the non-inverter ac has two straight options either to turn on or of. It turns off after cooling the room and again turn on when required. This switching process needs more electricity at an initial stage. Also, non-inverter ac produces noise at that time.
List of Top Selling ACs in the Market
So, you have understood the technology and types of air conditioners. Now you might be wondering which is the best AC brand in India that you can trust because you want the best air conditioner for your home or office.
Go through these recommendations and you will surely get the AC that will perfectly suit your requirements and budget.
Best AC Under 30000
1. Voltas 1.4 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Window AC (173 DZA)
Price – Rs. 23,490/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Voltas 173 DZA |
| Type of AC | Window |
| Dimensions | 70.5 cm x 66 cm x 43 cm |
| Weight | 52 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 1.4 Ton |
| Noise Level | 54 dB |
| Electricity Consumption | 1244 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 3 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | No |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Stabilizer-free operation, Copper condenser coil, Advanced air purification, Active dehumidifier, 2 Stage filtration, Self-diagnosis, Turbo Cooling |
2. Blue Star 0.8 Tons IC309RBTU 3 Star Inverter Split AC
Price – Rs. 27,690/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Blue Star IC309RBTU |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 71.5 cm x 28.5 cm x 19.4 cm |
| Weight | 29.1 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 0.8 Ton |
| Noise Level | 32.5 dB |
| Electricity Consumption | 521.6 Watt |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 3 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | No |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Dehumidifier, Dust Filter, Remote Control, Turbo Cooling |
3. Lloyd 1.0 Ton GLS12I36WRBP 3 Star Inverter Split AC
Price – Rs. 29,990/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Lloyd GLS12I36WRBP |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 87.7 cm x 21.7 cm x 30 cm |
| Weight | 36.7 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 1 Ton |
| Noise Level | 32.5 dB |
| Electricity Consumption | 745.89 Watt |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 3 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | No |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Anti-Viral Filter & PM 2.5 Filter, Stabilizer Free Operation, Auto swing, Golden Evaporator Coils |
Best AC Under 40000
1. LG JW- Q18WUZA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Window AC
Price – Rs. 34,990/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | LG JW-Q18WUZA |
| Type of AC | Window |
| Dimensions | 77.9 cm x 66 cm x 45 cm |
| Weight | 50 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 1.5 Ton |
| Electricity Consumption | 1106.26 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 5 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | Zinc Carbon |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Wifi Control, Digital LED |
2. Whirlpool Magicool Pro 5S 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
Price – 34,990/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Whirlpool Magicool Pro 5S |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 21.5 cm x 105.5 cm x 29.9 cm |
| Weight | 50 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 1.5 Ton |
| Noise Level | 45 db |
| Electricity Consumption | 843.95 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 5 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | Alkaline |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Stabilizer-free operation, 6th sense technology |
3. Samsung AR18AYNYBTBNNA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
Price – Rs. 38,990/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Samsung AR18AYNYBTBNNA |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 100 cm x 29.5 cm x 23 cm |
| Weight | 37 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 1.5 Ton |
| Noise Level | 45 db |
| Electricity Consumption | 832.8 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 5 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | No |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Stabilizer-free operation, 6th sense technology |
Best AC Under 50000
1. LG JW-Q24WUZA 2.0 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Window AC
Price – 43,470/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | LG JW-Q24WUZA |
| Type of AC | Window |
| Dimensions | 77.9 x 66 x 45 cm |
| Weight | 50 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 2 Ton |
| Noise Level | 45 db |
| Electricity Consumption | 1370.63 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 5 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | Zinc Carbon |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Stabilizer-free operation, Antibacterial coating, Dehumidifier, Wifi control, Google Assistant, Alexa |
2. Lloyd 2.0 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, Anti-Viral & PM 2.5 Filter, 2021 Model, GLS24I36WSEL
Price – Rs. 44,890/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Lloyd GLS24I36WSEL |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 116.1 cm x 24 cm x 34 cm |
| Weight | 52 Kg |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 2 Ton |
| Noise Level | 43 db |
| Electricity Consumption | 1263.64 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 3 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | No |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Anti-Viral Dust Filter + PM 2.5 Air Filter Stabilizer-free operation, Hidden LED display, Auto swing, Auto-restart |
3. Panasonic CS-CU-SU24WKYW 2 Tons 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Split AC
Price – Rs. 48,980/-
| Specification | Detail |
| Model Name | Panasonic CS-CU-SU24WKYW |
| Type of AC | Split |
| Dimensions | 107 cm x 23.5 cm x 29 cm |
| Weight | 12 Kg Indoor Unit, 35 Kg Outdoor Unit |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Cooling Capacity | 2 Ton |
| Noise Level | 43 db |
| Electricity Consumption | 1215.49 Watt |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 3 Star |
| Filter Type | Dust Filter |
| Battery Included | Zinc Carbon |
| Refrigerant Gas | R32 |
| Special Features | Anti-Viral Dust Filter + PM 2.5 Air Filter Stabilizer-free operation, Twin Cool Inverter, Quick Cooling |
5 Facts to Know About Air Conditioners
1. Willis Carrier was the person who invented the first AC for a printing company. The interesting thing is that the purpose of this invention was to dry the ink of the paper.
2. The first residential air conditioning system was installed in 1914 which was 7 ft. high, 6 ft. wide, and 20 ft. long.
3. Movie theatres were one of the first public places to have air conditioning. The film studios took the advantage to release their blockbusters in the summer.
4. The population of the U.S. uses the same amount of energy to run their ACs that the people of Africa use to power the entire continent.
5. Approximately 5% of people in India have installed an air conditioner in their household.
Conclusion
So, this was a detailed guide to all the people who want to know anything about the air conditioner or planning to buy one. If you are looking for the best A.C company in India, we have recommended the most popular air conditioners based on various price ranges.
You can pick anyone that fits in your budget. But remember, check the energy ratings and cooling capacity of the ac. Also, instead of asking for a discount, first, ask for the service and warranty.
Their repairing and maintenance of them is such a headache. Hence, the company that gives you the durability of a high cooling capacity at reasonable prices is the best ac brand.
Also, you can read our blog on List of Best Kitchen Hobs in India 2021 with a Detailed Guide
FAQs
- Which AC is the best window or split?
If you are making a buying decision, it’s not about window AC or split AC. There are a lot more factors. Some people say that Window AC consumes more electricity and others say the same about split AC.
Basically, the EER gives the idea of which one is better in terms of energy consumption. Also, if the AC has an inverter compressor, it will be another advantage. - What is the best AC temperature?
The ideal temperature for AC is 24°C that is suitable for all body types. It is neither very cool nor very hot. In 2018, the government of India also announced that the standard temperature of AC should be 24°C for all public places. It also saves power consumption.
- Which is the best ac for single room with low power consumption?
For a small room of 10 x 10 ft, the AC with 0.8 ton capacity is sufficient. But if the size of the room is around 150 sq. ft, you should fo for 1 ton AC.
And if you are confused between window vs split ac, check the3 energy efficiency rating to calculate the electricity bill that you can afford to pay. Moreover, window ac is mostly installed at home and for office purpose, people use Split AC. - Will the air conditioner work without filter?
Yes, an air conditioner can work without a filter but you should not do this. Experts say that if the ac runs without a filter, it captures the external dust along with the moisture.
This can cause damage to your ac in a short span and the repairing will unusually waste your money. Hence, check the air filter from time to time. - Can I use the air conditioner without stabilizer?
This question has a mixed opinion that you can use ac without stabilizer or not. Actually, it depends on the scenario.
If you live in an area where the supply of electricity is good, then you don’t need to use a stabilizer. Also, many ac have smart technology to handle minor voltage fluctuations.
But, if you face this issue in your region, then you should use a stabilizer to prevent it from any kind of sudden damage. - Can air conditioner cause fever?
Many people think that an air conditioner can cause cold or fever. It may be possible if you are not habitual in an air conditioning environment. But generally, fever causes due to the entrance of bacteria and virus into the body.
Hence, it is not for sure that you have got a fever due to ac. Although it absorbs humidity and moisture, so it may cause dryness in the skin and eyes of many people.
