9 Best Air Conditioners in India (2024) – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews!

Are you looking to buy the best AC in India to cool your home this Summer!

If Yes, then you are at the right place 🙂

Here is a Quick Comparison Table before we proceed to reviews and buying guide

Normally, Summers start in India from Early March and Lasts Until July. Temperatures average around 30 – 48 Degrees during the Summer season.

The List of the Best 1.5 Ton Split Air Conditioners is based on Cooling Performance, BEE Star Rating, Power Consumption, Energy Efficiency Ratio, decibel levels, User Rating, and Value for money.

Best Air Conditioners in India 2022

1. LG 1.5-Ton 5-Star AI Dual Inverter Split AC – PS-Q19YNZE

LG has introduced innovative technology in their 2022 AC models to provide better cooling and power savings. In addition, features like anti-virus protection purify the air circulating inside the room to make it one of the best ACs in India hygienically.

• Dual inverter compressor for enhanced energy efficiency
• 1.5-ton capacity ideally suited for rooms with area 110 to 150 square feet
• 5-Star BEE rating, with 4.73 ISEER value
• Convertible 6-in-1 cooling with 4-way Air Swing
• HD filter with anti-virus protection
• Ocean Black protection to prevent corrosion of condenser and evaporator pipes
• Low gas detection feature
• R32 refrigerant
• One-year manufacturer warranty on the product, five years on the PCB, and ten years on the inverter compressor

LG offers a dual inverter compressor in this AC model. This variable-speed compressor adjusts its power depending on the load. This AC consumes around 818.81 units of power annually under normal working conditions. Besides, the dual rotary inverter compressor makes less noise than its peers in the market.

This AC’s specialty is its 6-in-1 cooling feature, where you can adjust the compressor’s cooling capacity using the remote, depending on your requirements. For example, you repeatedly press the ‘Mode’ button on the remote to select compressor capacities varying from 40% to 110%. Thus, this 1.5-ton AC can work as a 0.6-ton AC when required. Simultaneously, you can set it to work as a 1.65-ton AC, depending on the circumstances.

The 100% copper condenser and evaporator pipes get Ocean Black protection, an additional protective layer to prevent corrosion. Thus, it enhances the AC compressor’s lifespan. Besides, this feature is handy in coastal and industrial areas with high ozone content and pollution, respectively.

This AC comes equipped with ADC sensors that control the temperature, gas discharge, and pressure to deliver maximum levels of comfort and convenience. Besides, this AC can work in an extensive voltage range to make the external voltage stabilizer redundant.

Other exciting features include cooling the room even if the exterior temperature touches 52 degrees Celsius. The HD filter traps the pollutants present in the air to deliver pure air for circulation inside the room. Features like Sleep Mode and Monsoon Comfort Mode enhance comfort levels. The self-diagnosis and auto-clean mechanisms improve convenience levels.

This AC works on a high-quality refrigerant, R32, with low global warming potential and ‘Zero’ ozone depletion potential.

Pros

• AI-enabled compressor to enhance cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption
• Convertible 6-in-1 mode
• Hi-grooved copper condenser tubes to ensure better heat transfer
• In-built air purifying feature

Cons

• After-sales service needs improvement.
• The installation charges are extra.

2. Whirlpool 1.5-ton 3-Star Inverter Split AC – 1.5T MAGICOOL 3S

While 5-star 1.5-ton ACs can be expensive initially, Whirlpool presents an excellent option in its 3-star inverter split ACs that cost less and deliver an equally efficient cooling performance.

• Inverter compressor with variable speed
• 1.5-ton capacity, ideal for rooms with an area up to 150 square feet
• 3-star BEE rating with ISEER value 3.85
• Copper condenser coils for better efficiency and low maintenance
• Intellisense Inverter technology that delivers cooling depending on the load
• 6^th sense technology
• R32 refrigerant
• One-year manufacturer warranty on the product and the condenser, ten years on the compressor

The Intellisense Inverter compressor makes this Whirlpool AC an energy-efficient appliance because it senses the load and adjusts the compressor speed accordingly. This 3-star Whirlpool AC consumes 1071.03 units of electricity annually.

The compressor uses advanced MPFI technology that fuses a small circuitry and a capillary design to provide instant cooling even if the temperature outside crosses 55 degrees Celsius. In addition, the 4×4 evaporator circuit design ensures better heat exchange and, thus, enhanced cooling while saving power.

The condenser and evaporator tubes are 100% copper, making them more durable and efficient than other conventional ACs. In addition, this Whirlpool AC has a HEPA filter to trap harmful pollutants, including dust mites and pollen, to deliver allergen-free and pure air for circulation.

The R32 refrigerant is comparatively more efficient than the standard R410A used in many ACs.

Other features include Self-Clean, which prevents rusting of the evaporator coil and bacterial growth inside the AC. In addition, this AC can work in various modes like Eco mode and Sleep Mode.

The Self-Diagnosis feature is another positive aspect of this Whirlpool AC. This AC can work in an input voltage range of 145V to 290V.

Pros

• Excellent features like Turbo Cool that cools instantly and provides good comfort
• High-quality refrigerant makes it an environmentally-friendly AC.
• The air purifier feature ensures allergen-free air circulation.
• Reasonable pricing

Cons

• Poor after-sales service
• Makes more noise compared to LG ACs
• Installation charges extra

3. Panasonic 1.5-ton 5-Star Wi-Fi Twin-Cool Inverter Split AC, CS/CU-XU18XKYF

Panasonic takes air conditioning technology to the next level with its Wi-Fi-enabled features that redefine connectivity, comfort, and convenience. The excellent features available on this AC make it a cherished model to have in your home.

• Wi-Fi Split AC with Inverter compressor
• 1.5-ton capacity
• 5-star energy rating, ISEER: 4.7
• Copper condenser coils with Shield Blu Technology
• Annual Power Consumption: 840.75 Units
• 10-year warranty on the compressor

In this age of smart devices, having a smart AC is an absolute bonus. This Panasonic AC comes equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity to enable you to control its operations from virtually anywhere.

A crucial aspect of the MirAIe platform is its compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. Seamless and hands-free control makes this AC one of the ideal ones to have.

MirAIe Platform helps customize sleep profiles where it allows you enhanced flexibility to pre-set temperatures through the night to enjoy a comfortable sleep. The inbuilt AQI sensor monitors air quality in real-time and removes 99% PM2.5 impurities to circulate pure air inside your room.

The Panasonic AC is one of the most durable appliances in its niche. The 100% copper tubing protects the condenser against corrosion. Besides, it has the advantage of Blue Fin Condenser technology, a corrosion-free coating, to ensure an extended lifespan.

The Eco Touch feature is a rust-resistant casing that protects the expensive components from damage caused by weather conditions. Hence, it qualifies as one of the best on the endurance front.

Another exciting feature is the Jet Stream technology capable of powerful cooling up to 45 feet reach airflow with more significant air intake and diameter. This AC can work without an external stabilizer as it can handle voltage fluctuations in the range of 100V to 290V.

MirAIe platform offers a one-touch service request feature that enables storing of all annual maintenance contracts digitally. It ensures that consumers get notified if there is a change in the status.

Other excellent features include Smart Diagnosis that enables you to diagnose errors in time. Thus, you save on maintenance costs.

Pros

• Wi-Fi connectivity allows operating the AC from anywhere.
• Jet Stream technology enables enhanced airflow over long distances.
• One of the most durable ACs available on the market

Cons

• After-sales service is not up to the expected mark.

4. Voltas 1.4-Ton 5-Star Inverter Adjustable Split AC, 175V ADJ 

Voltas is renowned for introducing innovations in AC technologies. This adjustable split AC is one such attempt to deliver excellent cooling performance with maximum power savings.

• Adjustable Split AC with inverter compressor
• 1.4-ton capacity
• 5-star energy rating, ISEER Value: 4.51
• Copper condenser coils to deliver better cooling
• Annual energy consumption: 1101.55 Units
• R32 eco-friendly refrigerant
• Four years warranty on the compressor

This Voltas AC is different from the others because it comes with an adjustable inverter compressor capable of running at different tonnage, depending on your cooling requirements.

This AC can run in both 1-ton and 1.4-ton, considering the ambient temperature or occupants’ number in your home.

The advantage of this Voltas AC is that it can provide high-quality cooling even when the ambient temperature outside is as high as 52 degrees Celsius.

The Active Dehumidifier feature is an excellent one because it senses the indoor humidity levels and controls them in the rainy season.

This Voltas AC features copper coils for its condenser and evaporator fittings. It enhances the durability quotient while ensuring efficient cooling simultaneously. One of the sterling features is stabilizer-free operation.

The inbuilt stabilizer protects the critical components by functioning in a wide input voltage range of 145 to 290V.

The Advanced Air Purification feature removes harmful odors and provides cleaner and fresh air to breathe. The multi-filtration advantage includes high-quality filters for removing dust and other harmful allergens from the atmosphere.

The 4-way auto louver feature enables uniform air circulation throughout the room. The steady cool compressor optimizes power savings and maintains an ideal room temperature to give you complete peace of mind.

Pros

• The adjustable inverter compressor is its sterling highlight.
• Excellent cooling performance and quality power savings
• Air purification of the highest order

Cons

• The compressor does not come with extended warranties.
• Installation charges push up your budget further.

5. Sanyo 1.5 Ton – 2020 model, SI/SO-15T5SCIC

While purchasing ACs, it is advisable to go for the latest models. The 2021 model should be ideal, but you can also purchase a 2020 5-star model to deliver comparable performance. This Sanyo 1.5-ton 5-star AC is a good option for under Rs 35,000.

• Split AC with dual inverter compressor
• 1.5-ton capacity
• 5-star energy rating (2020)
• Annual power consumption of 840.75 units
• ISEER value of 4.70
• Copper condenser coil for better efficiency
• PM2.5 filter
• Noise levels at 43db
• R32 refrigerant
• 5-year warranty on the compressor

The best aspects of the top ACs today are quick and uniform cooling with innovative operational modes like Glacier mode. This Sanyo AC can cool the interiors quickly even if the outside temperatures are as high as 52 degrees Celsius.

This appliance works on a dual inverter compressor that comes equipped with two rotors to adjust power consumption, depending on the heat load. Besides, this motor makes the slightest noise of around 43db amongst its contemporaries.

The 2020 model comes with a 5-star rating that is valid till December 31, 2021. Hence, it is a decent purchase. Moreover, it has an ISEER value of 4.70 while exhibiting an annual power consumption figure of 840 units.

Another aspect that merits consideration is the use of copper for manufacturing its condenser coils. Copper has excellent heat transfer properties and does not corrode easily. Thus, you get better efficiency while costing less for maintenance. Besides, this AC features hydrophilic fins to ensure superior protection against rust and salt damage. It enhances the condenser’s lifespan.

The inbuilt PM2.5 filter is a quality feature as it ensures pure air circulation inside the house. In addition, this AC also comes equipped with an anti-dust filter to improve air quality.

As the Sanyo AC can work on an extreme voltage range of 100V to 290V, it does not need an additional voltage stabilizer.

Pros

• The dual rotors in the inverter compressor ensure energy efficiency.
• It delivers a decent cooling performance while saving power.
• The PM2.5 and dust filter are positive features.

Cons

• The remote is of poor quality.
• The outdoor unit’s back fins are exposed and do not come with grille support like you have in other ACs.

6. Hitachi 1.5-ton 5-Star Inverter Split AC, RSOG518HDEA

Hitachi brings the best of Japanese technology to your bedroom in your ACs. It comes equipped with outstanding features that endear it to Indian households and enhance its overall popularity.

• Split AC with inverter compressor
• 1.5-ton capacity
• A 5-star energy rating ensures maximum power savings,  ISEER Value: 4.55
• Copper condenser coils for better cooling
• Annual Energy Consumption 897.84 Units
• Expandable inverter features
• 10-year warranty on the compressor

This Hitachi AC’s highlight is its expandable inverter compressor that expands its capacity depending on your cooling requirements. It performs beyond its rated capacity in adverse temperature conditions, whereas it cuts down humidity levels in the rainy season to offer maximum comfort.

A micro-controller in the compressor checks the indoor and outdoor temperatures to vary its speed seamlessly and provide optimal cooling. The Penta sensor technology offers perfect cooling inside even when the temperature reaches 52 degrees Celsius.

This AC works perfectly by the varying load and adjusts the compressor speeds accordingly to protect its critical components. It is designed to deliver maximum cooling capacity at 43 degrees Celsius.

The copper tubes have inner grooves to ensure turbulent refrigerant flow. It enhances the heat transfer rate considerably and cools the room faster.

The stabilizer-free operation protects the crucial components of this AC from voltage fluctuations as it can work in an extensive input voltage range of 160 to 255V.

The Auto-Cool Dry Technology ensures that the copper pipes remain dry and clean after every usage. It prevents bacterial buildup inside the appliance and improves air quality. The Wave Blade Design ensures uniform air delivery throughout the room.

The Frost Wash technology and the Auto Filter Clean technology enhance your comfort and convenience levels considerably.

This AC comes with a Filter Clean Indicator feature that alerts you to clean the filter regularly and prevent dust buildup. Thus, it enhances the cooling performance.

Pros

• Powerful cooling performance coupled with incredible power savings
• Low noise levels ensure undisturbed sleep.
• Ensures delivery of pure and fresh air because of various filter

Cons

• The IDU does not have a temperature display.
• There is no self-diagnosis feature to assist in the AC’s maintenance.

7. Carrier 1.5-ton 5-Star Split AC, CAI18ES5R30F0

Carrier can rightfully claim the distinction of being the ‘Father of Cool’ because this company was responsible for inventing the air conditioner back in 1902. Since then, the technology has come a long way, with today’s ACs coming with state-of-the-art features.

• Split AC with Inverter compressor
• 1.5-ton capacity
• 5-star energy rating, ISEER Value: 4.60
• Copper condenser coils for better cooling and low maintenance costs
• 5-year warranty on the compressor
• Dual filtration
• Annual Energy Consumption: 888.75 units

Though this Carrier AC features an inverter compressor and delivers optimal cooling performances. Hence, it is one of the most desired AC models in the Indian market today.

The Dual Filtration feature is an outstanding highlight of this AC. It comes equipped with an HD filter and PM2.5 filters to ensure pure air circulation inside the house.

The PM2.5 filter traps micro particle pollutants from the air inside your home and keeps the air free from bacterial contamination. The HD filter removes the smallest microscopic dust particles to maintain air cleanliness and purity.

The Carrier AC works on several modes to enhance your comfort. The Insta Kool feature springs into action when the temperature outside races up to new heights. This feature improves fan speeds to hasten the cooling inside your homes.

The other modes include Dry Mode, Fan Mode, Sleep Mode, and Auto Mode. Thus, you have a specific mode to suit your different moods.

The Carrier AC comes with a Follow Me feature. The inbuilt sensor on the remote allows the AC to adjust the ambient temperature around the remote on activating it. Thus, you get optimal cooling wherever you go.

The Auto Cleaner feature enhances your Carrier AC’s overall lifespan by cleaning the copper tubes and maintaining them dry. Thus, it discourages bacterial formation.

The copper condenser coils are advantageous because of their inherent benefits over other metals like aluminum or other alloys. Copper has higher heat transfer efficiency and better durability compared to aluminum. It is also easy to maintain and repair. Thus, it provides more value for money despite being expensive than aluminum.

Pros

• Excellent brand value
• High-quality performance and power savings
• Copper coils enhance heat exchange and deliver better cooling.

Cons

• Customers are generally unhappy with the installation teams.

8. Daikin 1.5 Ton 5-Star Inverter Split AC – FTKG50TV

Daikin is one of the best ACs available in India today. One of the highlights of Daikin is the excellent after-sales services they provide. Besides, Daikin AC comes with some of the best features.

• Split AC
• 1.5-ton, 5 Star
• ISEER Value: 4.7
• Built-in stabiliser
• Annual Energy Consumption 824 units
• 10 years warranty on the compressor

Daikin AC works on the Neo Swing Compressor technology. Due to the smooth rotation, there is minimum friction and vibration. Therefore, this AC is one of the most silent performers. Besides, it also prevents the leakage of refrigerants during the compression process.

The Daikin AC comes with an Econo Mode or the Power Saving Mode. This mode is useful as it limits the maximum power consumption.

It proves its utility when you have other electrical devices connecting on a shared electrical circuit. Therefore, it results in excellent power savings, thereby gaining a 5-star energy rating.

The Power Chill feature of this Daikin AC ensures that the room cools quickly enough regardless of the room temperature. Hence, it is one of the best ACs in India to provide relief from the scorching heat in the summer months.

One of the highlights of the Daikin AC is the quiet operation of the indoor unit. It ensures to optimise the speed of the airflow according to the noise level, thereby resulting in providing uninterrupted comfort. 

The presence of the in-built stabiliser is a boon, as it can handle a tremendous range of input voltage fluctuations. There is no need to have an external stabiliser, thereby saving on additional expenses.

Pros

• Silent and powerful operations
• Energy-saving features
• Can handle extreme voltage fluctuations
• Excellent performance

Cons

• Controllable only by the remote
• Can be an issue if the remote batteries drain out

9. Samsung 1.5 ton 3-Star AR18AYLYATBNNA

While the Samsung 1.5 ton model is a 3-star AC, it comes with features like the facility to choose between different tonnages for different cooling needs. This feature can also save unnecessary wastage of power.

• Split AC with inverter compressor
• Five different modes with different tonnage capacities
• 1.5 ton AC
• 3-star energy rating
• Annual energy consumption of 1044.19 units
• ISEER value of 3.71
• Copper condenser coil
• Air purifying attachments
• 10-year warranty on compressor

The sterling feature of this Samsung AC is its 5-in-1 cooling technique that enables the appliance to work at five different tonnage capacities, depending on the load. Thus, it can work at capacities at as low as 0.60 tons if required. Thus, it saves power without compromising on cooling performance.

The Home Alone Mode works at 0.60 tons capacity, whereas the Eco Mode and Pleasant Mode enables the AC to function at 0.90 tons and 1.20 tons capacity levels. If more people are there in the room, you can activate the Party Mode to let the AC function at 1.8-ton capacity and provide optimum cooling.

The use of the digital inverter compressor reduces power consumption by adjusting its performance to your cooling requirements.

This AC consumes an average of around three units of power per day, much less than what a 3KW water heater uses in an hour. The ISEER value of this AC is 3.71.

Besides cooling the room, this AC ensures air purification as it comes equipped with an anti-bacteria HD filter to capture airborne contaminants. The noise levels of 45db are well within the withstanding capacity for humans. You barely hear it working.

This AC comes equipped with 100% copper condenser coils to ensure better cooling, lesser maintenance, and higher efficiency.

Other features like Auto clean, dehumidifier, and triple protection make this 3-star AC one of the ideal air conditions for your home under Rs 35,000.

Pros

• Adjusts power consumption according to your cooling demands
• Makes less noise
• Purified the air circulating inside the room

Cons

• Despite the 5-in-1 modes, this AC consumes more power than a 5-star AC.

10. Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5-Star – IC518EBTU, 2021 model

This Blue Star 1.5 ton AC is a 2021 model, whereby the power ratings are valid till December 31, 2021. Therefore, this AC has a better power-saving capacity than a 2020 5-star AC model.

• Spit AC with inverter compressor
• 1.5-ton capacity
• 5-star energy rating valid till December 31, 2021
• Power consumption of 836.04 units annually
• ISEER value of 4.66
• Copper condenser coil
• R32 refrigerant
• Self-diagnosis feature  
• Ten years warranty on the compressor

The use of 100% copper in the manufacture of the condenser coils and pipes ensures better cooling performance because of copper’s inherent properties. It is also rust-free and thus one of the most convenient to maintain.

Besides, this AC features anti-corrosive blue fins that resist corrosion and facilitates excellent heat transfer to enhance cooling efficiency.

The brushless DC motor is one of the most reliable components of this AC that helps reduce operative noise even at high rotational speeds. The 44db noise level is equal to no noise, thereby making the AC unit practically silent in its operations.

This Blue Star AC features 4D swing technology that helps throw cool air to all the corners of the room and ensure uniform cooling. Besides ensuring quick cooling, this technique saves valuable power. As a result, the AC consumes 836 units of power annually, translating to a little above two units per day.

The Auto Clean function ensures the circulation of pure air inside the room. The appliance keeps running for a few minutes after you switch it off to help clean the indoor unit of all moisture, mold, and dust. Thus, it enables fresh air circulation when you switch it on again.

Other excellent features include self-diagnosis, inbuilt voltage stabilization, and the use of high-quality refrigerant R32.

Pros

• One of the best ACs for power savings as it comes with an ISEER value of 4.66
• Uniform and quick cooling performance
• The self-cleaning feature ensures air purification

Cons

• The remote appears lackluster.

Best AC in India – Buying Guide

What is the difference between a computer and an air conditioner? A computer requires ‘Windows’ to be open for effective functioning whereas the AC needs the windows to be shut 🙂

Having begun on a lighter note, we shall dig deep and look at the various aspects that you should understand while installing air conditioners in your homes and offices.

You have different kinds of AC units. In a single-unit window AC, the compressor, condenser, and the evaporator are located in a single unit. In case of a split AC unit, you have the compressor and the condenser situated in the outdoor unit whereas the indoor unit comprises of the evaporator coils.

Size of the AC – Select the right Tonnage

Various factors go into the selection of the right size of the AC. Let us look at all of them in brief.

1. City where you live: The climate of the city where you live is important because you need air conditioners of higher capacities when the outdoor temperature increases. For example, the summers in Delhi can see temperatures touching 45 degrees Centigrade whereas it would hover around the 38 to 40-degree mark in a city like Chennai at the same time.

2. The area and the volume of the room where you install the AC are very important.

3. The location of the room is vital because a lot depends the rooms can get hotter if the ceiling gets direct sunlight from the top during the day. The same applies to the side walls as well.

4. The daily usage of the AC unit is essential and so also is the duration of the usage in terms of months during the year.

What is the concept of tonnage of the AC?

As you browse your way through the AC units in the market, you find the air conditioners of different tonnage such as 1-ton, 1.5-ton, 2-ton, and so on.

What does this imply?

The tonnage is the amount of heat the air conditioner removes from the room in one hour. The mathematical unit for tonnage is BTU (British Thermal Units). 1 ton equals 12000 BTU. Higher the BTU, the greater is the cooling effect.

We have just seen that the size/tonnage of the AC depends on various factors. You can also add a couple of other relative factors such as a number of occupants in the room, the amount of furniture/appliances in the room, etc.

Electricity consumption of the AC units:

How much electricity does an air conditioning unit consume? This is a common question on the minds of all AC buyers. It again depends on various factors like the tonnage, star rating, and usage of the AC and so on. Let us look at some of the principal aspects in brief.

Size of the Room

The principal job of the air conditioner is to remove the heat from the room thereby making it cool. Hence, a lot depends on the size of the room. Understand that the electricity consumption of an AC unit depends on the amount of heat present in the room.

A 1.5-ton AC in a room measuring 120 sq feet will work differently as compared to the same AC in a room measuring 150 sq feet. This is because of the greater volume of hot air.

Location

Some places in India like Delhi or Nagpur become very hot in the summer months. However, the climate remains dry. On the other hand, places like Mumbai and Chennai experience a great deal of humidity.

It might not be hot but the humidity can be a draining experience. Your AC will work differently under both circumstances.

The former case requires the AC to cool down the rooms whereas the principal job of the AC in the latter instance is to remove the humidity. Thus, an AC with a larger size and tonnage is perfect for the hot places whereas a smaller AC unit would suffice to remove the humidity.

Colours

This is a surprising factor, but colours do affect the performance of the AC. Darker colours absorb more heat. Hence, they take a longer time to cool. Hence, it is always better to have lighter coloured walls and curtains.

Number of people

The more the number of people in the room, the higher is the emission of heat from the bodies. Hence, you experience that you require AC units of higher tonnage to cool rooms having a higher number of people.

A 150 sq feet room in your house can work with a 1.5-ton AC whereas the room of the same size will need two 2-ton ACs in case you run a coaching class/school with say 20 to 25 kids in the room.

Electrical appliances

Just as people emit heat, so also do electrical and electronic appliances. The simple appliances like bulbs emit heat. Hence, it is beneficial to have LED lights in your room. They not only save electricity but also emit less heat.

Having a lot of furniture in the room can also increase the electrical consumption of the AC. It is better to keep your cupboards and shelves closed in an AC room. The walls absorb heat as well. Hence, insulating the walls can also help in reducing electrical consumption.

Inverter AC – Concept, Working, and Benefits

The most common term doing the rounds today is ‘Inverter AC’. What is an inverter AC? If you think that this is an AC unit that can work on the home inverters, I am afraid, you are sadly mistaken.

The home inverters have nothing to do with inverter AC. These AC units work on the Inverter Technology whereby they save a lot of power.

In a regular AC, the compressor works at full capacity when it is on. On reaching the optimum temperature, the compressor switches off and the fan continues to operate.

Once, the temperatures rise above the threshold limit, the compressor starts again and works at full capacity. This entails that the compressor works at only two speeds, full and Zero.

This is not the case with inverter ACs. These compressors work at variable speeds. In this technology, the compressor never switches off. It is always on. But, it runs at varying speeds thereby drawing less power.

It is more or less like the functioning of the accelerator in a car. As you increase the speed, you press on the accelerator. In case you want to slow down, removing the foot from the accelerator pedal is enough. The vehicle starts cruising without consuming any fuel. Thus, inverter technology is a power-saving feature available only in the split AC models.

The benefit of using inverter AC units is that they are highly energy efficient. A 3-star inverter AC is equivalent to the 5-star normal split AC. This explains the efficiency of the inverter AC vis-à-vis the non-inverter ACs.

Inverter AC vs Non-Inverter AC

We shall see the difference between the efficiency of an inverter AC and the non-inverter AC.

The basic difference between the inverter AC and the non-inverter AC is that the former is capable of running at variable speed and variable tonnage. The non-inverter AC units run at a constant speed and tonnage.

Inverter AC units are capable of adjusting their speed and tonnage according to the heat inside the room. The non-inverter AC units do not have this capacity.

Efficiency wise, inverter AC units are 7% more efficient than their counterparts in the same star rating category.

Do you have the ideal setting in your room at all times? No, the numbers of people vary and so does the temperature levels. Hence, you need an AC unit that is capable of adjusting to the ambience in the room. The inverter AC units are capable in this regard.

We reproduce the BEE data of 2018 about power consumption of various AC units if different tonnage and ratings. This data assumes total consumption for 1600 hours.

This table shows that higher the star rating, the lower is the consumption. It also indicates that the inverter AC units are extremely energy efficient.

Copper Coil vs Aluminium Coil

AC units work on the basis of compression, condensation, and evaporation. This involves moving of the refrigerant gas inside coils in gaseous as well as liquid forms. The question now arises as to which of the coils is better, copper or aluminium.

In the olden times, the coils were primarily made of copper. Subsequently, General Electronics made the revolutionary change in 1970 when they substituted copper coils with aluminium coils. Since that day in 1970, the debate between aluminium and copper coils continues.

We shall throw some light on the various aspects of choosing the right kind of coils for your AC.

Heat transfer

Copper has a higher heat transfer coefficient than aluminium. Hence, it proves to be a better heat exchanger than aluminium

Cost factor

Aluminium is cheaper than copper. Therefore AC units with aluminium coils are cheaper.

Malleability

Aluminium is more malleable than copper. Hence, it is possible to mould aluminium into any desired shape more easily than copper. Thus, aluminium is the preferred choice for making AC coils.

Strength

Now, copper is undoubtedly stronger than aluminium. Cooper coils have the reputation of lasting much longer than aluminium coils. They need fewer repairs as well.

Maintenance

You notice that the condenser coils are always placed in the external units. Hence, they are subject to the vagaries of weather. Copper coils are easier to maintain whereas you need to keep the aluminium coils in heavy-duty cabinets thereby making them difficult to maintain.

Corrosion

The AC works in a damp environment at all times. Hence, there is always a danger of corrosion. This corrosion results in the formation of a layer over the coils thereby affecting its conductivity. People living in humid areas near the sea should be extremely cautious about this aspect.

Blue Fin Condenser Technology

On the subject of corrosion, one must add that there are technologies available today that work towards reducing corrosion. One such technology is Blue Fin Condenser. In this technology, they paint these coils with anti-corrosive materials thereby increasing the overall life of the AC units. 

Microchannel condenser coils

In fact, you find the microchannel condenser coils to be aluminium coils. They are flat aluminium tubes having minute holes in them through which the refrigerant flows. Since the entire set up is of a single metal, aluminium, there is no question of galvanic corrosion.

Hence, these coils are a good option for ACs working in coastal regions. Samsung uses this technology in its AC and calls it the MultiJet technology.

Reciprocating Vs Rotary Compressors

You have seen the difference between aluminium and copper coils. Now we shall shirt our attention towards compressors. Let us now look at the difference between the reciprocating and rotary compressors.

Anyone will say that the compressor is the most important component of any AC unit. In fact, it is the heart of the unit. Hence, one should have knowledge of how compressors work. Let us see the role of the compressor in an AC.

The principal job of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant gas to a high pressure thereby converting it into a high-pressure liquid at high temperature. This liquid passes through the condenser coils that take out the heat from the liquid and release it to the surroundings.

However, the pressure remains high. The expansion valve then reduces the pressure and converts the liquid into gas that subsequently passes through the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils absorb the heat from the room thereby cooling the rooms.

There are two major types of compressors in use in the AC units.

Reciprocating compressor – This is similar to the engine of the automobile that works on the concept of the cylinder and piston. The piston works in a back and forth motion resulting in compression and release of the gas.

Rotary compressor – This arrangement consists of a number of rotors having very little clearance between them. These rotors rotate in opposite directions whereby the air passing through them emerges at a higher pressure.

Let us look at the pros and cons of the reciprocating and rotary compressors to understand which of the technologies is better.

Reciprocating Compressors Pros

• Easy to maintain
• Capable of working at higher pressures

Reciprocating Compressors Cons

•  Produces a lot of noise
•  The air comes out at a high temperature

Rotary Compressors Pros

• Good for large offices and industries
• Less noise
• Air comes out at a lower temperature

Rotary Compressors Cons

• Expensive as compared to reciprocating compressors
• Higher usage is required for optimum working

One can conclude from the above pros and cons that the reciprocating compressors are perfect for homes and small offices. The rotary compressors are ideal for heavy-duty uses such as in offices and industries.

Air conditioning Refrigerants

Normally, when you find that the AC does not deliver enough cooling, the mechanic suggests that you replace the coolant. What exactly is this coolant or the gas as they call it in many parts of the world?

Coolant is also known as the refrigerant and forms an important part of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The principal function of the air conditioning refrigerants is to absorb the heat from the room and deliver it outside. Once you eliminate heat from the room, the air in the room automatically cold.

The coolant is originally in the form of a gas. The compressor compresses this gas at high pressure and converts it into a liquid. At such extreme pressures, the liquid has a very high temperature.

This liquid passes through the condenser coils where the temperature of the liquid comes down considerably but the pressure remains high. On releasing the high-pressure cold liquid through an expansion valve, the AC units reduce the pressure.

This liquid then travels through the evaporator tubes/coils. This cold liquid absorbs the heat from the rooms and eliminates it thereby making the air in the room cold. The fans in the AC unit help in sustaining the temperature.

On absorption of the heat, the liquid evaporates and converts into gas once again. The same process is again repeated continuously. This is how an AC works. Thus, you have seen that the refrigerant is the principal component of any AC.

Star Ratings, EER, CoP, ISEER

Let us now look at the factors affecting the efficiency of the AC units and the concept of star ratings.

Energy Efficiency Ratio: (EER)

The EER is a very important ratio that differentiates between AC units. Scientifically, EER = Amount of heat removed per hour divided by the amount of power consumed.

Thus, EER = BTU/hr/Watt

The higher the EER, the better is the performance because the air conditioner removes more heat per hour per unit of power consumed. Thus, you can deduce that an air conditioner with a higher EER is more efficient.

Co-efficient of Performance: (CoP)

You need to do some simple mathematical calculations to arrive at the CoP. In order to understand the concept of CoP, you should know the relation between BTU and KW hr.

1 KW hr = 3412 BTU. Alternatively, you can say that 1 KW = 3412 BTU/hr.

Therefore, 1 W = 3.412 BTU/hr

Now, CoP is the amount of heat removed by the air conditioner in Watts divided by the power consumption in Watts. Hence, CoP does not have any units. Higher the CoP, higher is the efficiency of the air conditioner unit. Let us now look at the relation between EER and CoP.

EER = 3.412 X CoP

Star Ratings

Whenever you venture to buy an AC, the first thing you normally look out for the star ratings. What exactly are the star ratings?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Department of Energy Savings Government of India prescribes these star ratings for various electronic products. A lot of factors go into the formulation process.

These ratings are fixed for specific periods. The latest star ratings released by BEE are from January 01, 2018, to December 31, 2023.

You should look at the star ratings along with the EER. It is mandatory on the part of AC manufacturers to include the EER on the star rating sticker.

Understand that the 5-star AC is always going to be more expensive than the 3-star AC. However, you do save a lot in energy consumption over a long period.

There are other aspects to look into while we are on the topic of energy savings. They include the SEER, ISEER, and other terms concerned with the performance of the AC such as CSTL and CSEC. We shall look at all these terms in brief for the sake of better understanding of the subject.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

Among the various factors that affect the performance of the AC is the external and internal temperature. In case the temperature outside the house is more, the AC consumes more electricity to cool the interiors.

The temperatures in the rainy season and winters are much less than what you get in the summer season. Therefore, the EER of the AC varies depending on the season in which you use the appliance. This is the concept of SEER.

Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER)

The concept of SEER and ISEER is the same. However, you need to look into two additional factors as below.

Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption (CSEC): Total energy consumed by the AC when it is in active mode

Cooling Seasonal Total Load (CSTL): Total heal removed by the AC in active mode.

Now, we come to the concept of ISEER.

ISEER = CSTL/CSEC (Total amount of heat removed to the total amount of energy consumed)

The BEE makes it mandatory for Indian AC manufacturers to declare the ISEER on the star rating label. 

While on the subject of star ratings, you should be aware of certain terms and concepts regarding your AC units. You will come across these terms frequently. It is better to be aware of the same and ask questions to the dealer before deciding on the type of AC you wish to buy for your home.

Rated Cooling Capacity

The rated cooling capacity of an AC is ‘a ton’. This is equal to 12000 BTU per hour.

Maximum Cooling Capacity

The maximum cooling capacity is again measured in tons. For example, a 2-ton AC will remove 24000 BTU of heat per hour from the room. The requirement for the room can vary depending on various factors discussed earlier. It is advisable not to oversize the AC because it can affect the performance of the AC.

Rated Power Input

You find this figure on the star rating label. It is mandatory on the part of AC manufacturers to include this figure. This is equivalent to the power consumption in Watts when the AC runs at 100% load. A 1.5-ton AC will consume about 1500 w/hr. Hence, you can see that the AC will consume around 1.5 to 2 units per hour.

However, if you use the AC continuously for say 5 hours, the consumption is not 1.5 or 2 times 5. This is because the compressor switches off and on at regular intervals. Therefore, the consumption of 5 hours will definitely be less.

Half Power Input

By applying the above concept, the half power input is the power consumption in Watts when the AC runs at 50% of the load.

Maximum Power Input

This is the power consumptions when the AC runs at its maximum tonnage capacity. This figure will differ from the Rated Power Input because of the tolerance of + or – 5% allowed by the BEE. Even a 1.2 ton AC is marketed as 1 ton.

Now, you have seen the various factors that affect the electricity consumption of the air conditioning units.

Best Air Conditioner – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which AC brand is the best?

You have various companies that are specialists in the manufacture of AC equipment. The first names that come to mind are Daikin, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, LG, Carrier, Panasonic, Samsung, etc. You have the local India brands like Voltas, Blue Star, Onida and Godrej that manufacture ACs to suit Indian conditions. All these brands are reputed brands. You can go for the one that offers the maximum benefits at the minimum cost.

2. Is it safe to buy AC online?

Yes, it is. You have reputed websites like Amazon where you can order the best AC units at great discounted rates. There is absolutely no harm in buying AC units online, especially from the reputed eCommerce platforms.

3. is it OK to opt for AC with aluminium condenser?

The most common metals used for manufacturing condenser tubes are copper and aluminium. Both these metals have their advantages and disadvantages. Copper has a high heat transfer coefficient as compared to aluminium. At the same time, aluminium is extremely malleable and comparatively inexpensive.

But, they require higher maintenance. Therefore, you can opt for AC with aluminium condensers though copper is the preferred choice all over the world. Aluminium condensers are not bad either.

4. What is Blue Fin / Gold Fin technology?

Corrosion is the biggest enemy of these air conditioning units. Over a period, the condenser tubes suffer from corrosion thereby requiring replacement and repairs.

To overcome this problem, manufacturers use Blue Fin or Gold Fin technology whereby they paint the condenser tubes with special anti-corrosive paint. This improves the life of the AC unit. The only difference between Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology is that Gold Fin technology does not rust easily thereby increasing the life expectancy of the AC.

However, this technology is expensive as compared to Blue Fin. Both these technologies have their merits and demerits. It is up to the consumer to make the choice after considering all aspects.

5. Is stabilizer required for the Air conditioner?

Every AC has a voltage operating limit. You will find this range printed on the AC label. Check out if the area you live in has voltage fluctuations beyond these limits.

In case, it is so, you should invest in a stabilizer for your AC to protect it from voltage fluctuations. It is better to be safe than to be sorry. A stabilizer will not cost much when compared to your AC. Install one and do not worry about voltage fluctuations.

6. Which condenser is better for coastal areas?

Corrosion is the main problem that condensers face. Copper is an excellent metal for manufacturing condenser coils. But, copper is also unique for being the only metal to fall prey to formicary corrosion. This type of corrosion requires the presence of oxygen, water, copper, and an organic acid.

The worst part of this corrosion is that it is invisible to the naked eye. You find this type of corrosion in coastal areas where there is a lot of humidity in the environment. Usually, you see AC units having copper coils and aluminium fins. Such units suffer from galvanic corrosion. Hence, it is better to have a single metal for the condenser tubes as well as the fins.

The microchannel condenser coils are the best for use in coastal regions. Samsung uses this technology in the manufacture of condenser coils. The major AC manufacturers use Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology for coating the condenser coils.

7. What is Air Purifier, dust, bacterial filters in AC?

Indoor air has a lot of dust. This dust and bacteria can cause respiratory problems. In the normal circumstances when you do not use the AC, you keep the doors and windows of the room open. This ensures circulation of the air. But, when you operate the AC, you have to close the windows and doors. This entails that you inhale the same air.

The AC units have dust and bacterial filters that trap these ingredients from recirculation. The modern-day AC units come with air purifiers as well. This ensures that you have pure and clean air to breathe. You will understand the amount of dust in the air when you remove these filters from the AC for cleaning. Imagine the amount of dust you inhale in the normal course.

8. What is a dehumidifier?

In the normal course, the air contains a lot of humidity. Running the AC in normal mode entails that you circulate the humidified air through the machine. This is why you have the dehumidifier mode in the AC.

This is also known as a Dry mode where the AC removes the excess humidity from the room without any significant change in the temperature. Hence, people living in areas near the coast should go for ACs with dehumidifiers. They add to the comfort value of the AC.

9. What is a dual inverter AC?

You find this Dual inverter compressor in certain brands of LC AC units. The very name suggests that you have double the efficiency that you experience in a single inverter AC.

This technology ensures that the AC functions with less noise and cools faster as well. When it cools faster, it entails that the compressors function at low speeds most of the time. Hence, you save a lot in your electricity consumption

10. What is Mosquito Away technology?

The Mosquito Away technology is present in the latest brand of LG AC units. This technology is based on ultrasonic sound to keep away mosquitoes. The AC units emit this sound that is beyond the hearing power of humans.

But, it can discourage mosquitoes. LG uses this technology in their phones, washing machines, and televisions as well.