Temperatures are already soaring, and there is a very real concern about another round of lockdown in the country. This means that we might not be spending the summer in the air-conditioned comfort of our offices. Many of us have already equipped our homes with ACs, while some of us either need to install our first AC, or else are in need of an upgrade. If you are looking to choose a new AC, you are probably asking some or all of the questions below. We have put together a buyer’s guide that answers all the top questions that an AC buyer might have in mind.
Which is the best AC brand?
Are you just about to go out and get a new Voltas AC because someone else had recommended it to you? Pause, because you need to know that you have a wide range of options when it comes to AC brands you can choose from. You have Voltas ACs, Samsung ACs, Blue Star ACs, Mitsubishi ACs, LG ACs and Daikin ACs, among others. You should go with a brand after doing your due diligence, or if you have been loyal to one particular brand for years. If not, keep an open mind, and browse ACs across brands. Most of the top brands use the same refrigerants, the same copper condenser coil, and the same overall fundamentals and materials. Looking at all brands equally will ensure that you are getting the best bang for your buck.
How should you choose the best AC for your requirements?
You choose an AC based on tonnage, energy-efficient operation, features, and technology. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors.
Tonnage – You might have noticed the words 1-ton AC or 1.5-ton AC when browsing through various models. The tonnage of an AC simply gives you an idea of its cooling capacity. A 1-ton AC has a cap on the area that it will be able to cool down, and the same logic applies to a 1.5-ton AC and a 2-ton AC. It is imperative for buyers to choose the right tonnage as per their room size. Avoid making guesses, because a 1-ton AC in a room that needs a 1.5-ton AC might result in the room never quite getting cool enough. So if your room area is a bit large, buy a 1.5 ton AC which will cover the entire area of your room. On the other end of the spectrum, too high a tonnage might make your room incredibly moist and uncomfortable. You will be cool, but you might also have damp walls and sniffles all year round.
Energy efficiency – Rising temperatures are a prompt for us to get ACs for our homes, but they are also indicators of the damage that we are doing to our planet. AC buyers — and indeed all of us — should ideally be concerned about our carbon footprint. However, even buyers who might not have the time or budget to consider the environment cannot ignore the fact that energy-efficient appliances directly relate to lower electricity bills. A 5-star Voltas AC might cost more than a 3-star Voltas AC, but the buyer will save on the electricity bills they pay throughout the 5-star AC’s lifetime. Star ratings are provided by BEE, or the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. You can also check the ISEER rating of a given AC. These details are provided along with other product details if you are shopping online, might be available as stickers on the product in-store, or can simply be found out online through a simple Google search.
Other factors to consider
Today — at least in the Indian metros — the cost for renting an AC for a year and for buying a brand new (base level) AC is nearly the same. It might make sense to invest in a new model, especially with the possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 looming, which might mean you want limited repairs and handymen in the house. A new AC is much more likely to function without a hitch.
Additionally, pay close attention to the features, operating modes, and technology used in the AC. For instance, consider purchasing an inverter air conditioner, as these ACs provide optimal cooling, while being more energy-efficient.
Convenient and affordable
Besides, today, there are many options that can help you own an AC without burning a hole in your pocket. For example, if you shop at the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store, you can browse through countless ACs from all the top brands. There are usually offers and discounts that come bundled with the products, and you can find one that makes your AC far more accessible to you. Once you have zeroed in on the AC you want to bring home, you can choose to pay in no-cost EMIs using your Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. The AC will be delivered to you in just 24 hours, and you can choose the tenor for paying your EMIs as per your comfort and convenience.
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