An AC is your companion that gives you control of temperature during the times when temperatures run out of control. In our country, the majority of regions feel the wrath of weather gods from March to August. During this time, the AC comes to the rescue.
Deciding to get an AC for your home is a split-second decision, but choosing one from an array of available options is definitely not. Hopefully, you will be one step closer to finding your perfect cooling companion by the time you finish reading this article. There is a range of AC models belonging to different brands, capacities, categories, price ranges, etc. Understanding your needs can help you pave the way to your answer.
Types of AC – Working mechanism
Split AC
One of the most sought-after AC types for households is a split AC. It has two units. A blower on your room wall that blows the cold air. This cold air that you receive has been passed to the blower by the unit outside that contains a compressor and a condenser. It sucks in the outside air, cools it, and delivers it to you.
Window AC
Window AC is a simple to install AC model with only one unit that is a combination of a compressor and a blower. It can be installed only in a window frame and not on the walls like a split AC. This AC was a hit for a long haul until the last decade due to a high demand in offices, but the latest technologies have helped change that trend. At the pace which the market is moving, you might not even see window ACs getting manufactured in 5-10 years.
Portable AC
A relatively newer addition to the personal use ACs is a portable AC. As the name suggests, it can be moved from one room to another at your convenience. It is just like your cooler, but better. As it is a very new addition to the ACs, you don’t get a lot of options available in the market. With window ACs lagging behind in the race, portable ACs might just be squeeze in and get in the race of being the most popular AC type in coming years.
Types of AC – Technology
Split, window, and portable ACs are the three types of AC classified based on the placement of the blower and compressor. Let’s now move to the types based on the technology used.
What is an Inverter AC?
Don’t get any wrong impression from the name. An inverter AC is not an AC that keeps working even during power cuts. It’s just a step up from the traditional non-inverter AC that stops the compressor the moment desired temperature has been reached.
But an inverter AC is always in the “ON” state. What does that mean? It does not stop the compressor once your desired temperature is reached, rather it runs the motor at a minimal speed.
How does this benefit you, you might ask? One of the major benefits is that it saves a lot of electricity.
Here are some of the major differences between an inverter and a non-inverter AC:
| Factor | Non-Inverter AC | Inverter AC |
| Compressor motor | On-and-off | Always on |
| Electricity consumed | More | Less |
| Time taken to reach desired temperature | More | Less |
| Life Expectancy | Moderate | High |
| Price | Less | More |
The Price and capacity
The type, capacity, and the price of an AC are all linked to each other. Here is how:
| Room Size | Capacity | Split AC | Window AC |
| 100-125 sqft | 1 ton | Rs.25,000 – Rs.35,000 | Rs.20,000 – Rs.24,000 |
| 150-200 sqft | 1.5 tons | Rs.35,000 – Rs.60,000 | Rs.25,000 – Rs.37,000 |
| >200 sqft | 2 tons | > Rs.45,000 | N/A |
Features to look for
Anti-Dust Filters
An AC doesn’t just provide a respite from the summer heat, it also purifies the air for you. Look out for anti-bacterial and anti-dust filters when you’re buying an AC.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is also a must in an AC for removing excess air from the room. Apart from that, auto-cleaning is also a feature you should look for in an AC.
Hot-and-Cold AC
Some ACs can also be helpful during winters as your room heaters. That’s right. Your AC is not just for summers. Adjust the temperature on your hot & cold air conditioner and save your home space by eliminating the need of buying extra appliances every season.
Energy Efficiency
Never forget to check the BEE star rating of an AC before buying. More the stars, more the energy efficiency, thus more the savings.
Go through all these points carefully and do not forget to enquire about the warranty and extended warranty plans with your AC before you make the purchase. In case you have any questions or suggestions for us, write to us in the comments section below.