Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an AC in India

Owning an air conditioner is no longer an extravagance in much of India — it’s a necessity. As summer temperatures go up and humidity increases, having a solid central air conditioning unit can make a big difference in your comfort level. But due to the trade market full of different brands, models, and features, it’s becoming extremely easy to make a temporary purchase. So, to make sure you are making a sound decision this year, we’re highlighting the most common mistakes people make when buying an AC in India — and how you can avoid making them yourself.

Choosing the Wrong Capacity

The most common mistake is people purchasing an AC with the incorrect tonnage as per their room size. What about the 1 ton 3 star split AC, which may have initially seemed energy efficient and attractive, if the room is too big, it will make sure it doesn’t cool properly. Depending upon the room size and local climate, you want to choose the correct ton of AC active system, otherwise, you are either paying more for something unnecessary or losing your comfort by installing a smaller capacity of it. On the contrary, overdoing air conditioner size compared to the room size, e.g., 1.5-ton 3 star split AC in a very small area could turn up in highly unnecessary power utilization.

The correct tonnage varies based on many factors — the size of a room, its ceiling height, and how much insulation it has — even how much sunlight the room gets. Think first and foremost about your space. A technician can also help or you can use a free online AC size calculator to make sure you purchase an air conditioning unit that is right for your home size.

Ignoring Energy Ratings

The cost of electricity can add up quickly on bills, so energy efficiency is an important consideration. But many buyers ignore star ratings in favor of lower upfront costs. A 1.5-ton 3 star split AC might be initially more expensive than 2 star or older models, but there will be considerable savings on electricity bills.

If you intend to use the AC for hours daily (especially over most months of the year), then you may get better value over time by investing in a higher-model, higher star-rated AC. You pay more up front, but you quickly make up for that with monthly savings.

Not Considering Inverter Technology

A lot of first-time buyers have no idea about inverter technology. Traditional air conditioners simply flip the compressor on and off, however inverter ACs can actually change the speed of the compressor to accommodate cooling needs. The result is superior energy efficiency, more even cooling and quieter operation.

Whether you’re in the market for a 1 ton 3 star split AC or a larger-sized one, an inverter version can be a game changer, especially in regions with long summers and rampant AC use.

Overlooking Installation and After-Sales Service

An air conditioner’s performance is not just based on the model of the air conditioner; it also relies on the correct installation. Improper installation may result in water leakage, lack of cooling efficiency, or noise. It’s not always easy for buyers to see whether the dealer or the brand does certified installation.

Additionally, after-sales service is crucial. Pick a product from a brand that features a good support network of service centres and an image for providing good customer support. My advice is that if you plan to buy a popular 1.5 ton 3 star split AC, do confirm if the company offers good service in your area.

Getting Distracted by Fancy Features

It’s a brave new world of modern ACs, packed with all the bells and whistles: Wi-Fi control, air purification, dehumidifying, and even self-cleaning function. And while these can be useful, they shouldn’t be your primary factors unless they serve a particular need. For instance, if you don’t have particularly high humidity and pollution levels, you may not require extra features, such as an ionizer or an air filter.

Start with fundamentals, such as capacity, energy efficiency, and quality of service. A 1 ton 3 star split AC with solid core features would most likely deliver more value than the high-end one stuffed with features, most of which you never use.

The Verdict

Selecting the best air conditioner in India involves a lot more than just settling for a popular brand or a particular model. With these popular pitfalls — picking the wrong size, overlooking energy efficiency, skipping inverter tech, undervaluing quality of installation, chasing nonessential features — sidestepped, you can be confident your investment in comfort and utility will pay dividends for years.

No matter whether you are contemplating going for a 1 ton 3 star split AC to cool a small room or 1.5-ton 3 star split AC to have a cooling effect on a bigger area, choosing a leading brand like Daikin India will eventually prove to be a better judgment.