Air conditioning units are quickly becoming ubiquitous as the temperatures continue to soar, especially during the summer months in India. Considering the fact that air conditioning systems are no longer a luxury but a necessity, it is worthwhile to invest in a new air conditioning unit, to protect yourself and your family from the scorching summer heat. According to reports, the Indian AC market is projected to jump to a billion units by 2050, a staggering increase from just 30 million units in 2018.
Before purchasing a new air conditioning unit, one must consider several factors that will determine how effectively the AC unit cools down the room, along with the appliance’s efficient operation. ACs, similar to TVs and refrigerators are long-term investments that will serve you for a good part of 10 years, and hence, it is imperative that you do adequate research and choose an AC unit that fits your needs and requirements. Here are several features you may look for, while purchasing a brand-new air conditioning unit.
Tonnage
One of the first things to look for in a new air conditioning unit is its cooling capacity. Depending upon the room size, you can go for an AC with a cooling capacity of 1-ton, 1.5-tons or 2-tons. A smaller room can be cooled down efficiently with a 1-ton air conditioner. However, a medium-sized room between 125-180 square feet requires at least 1.5-tons of cooling capacity, while for a room larger than 180 square feet, you would require an AC unit with a cooling capacity of at least 2 tons.
Inverter Technology
To ensure consistent cooling with energy efficient operation, it is better to opt for an AC with inverter technology. While inverter ACs are usually more expensive than non-inverter ACs, they consume considerably less power, and thus conserve energy. The amount you invest in an inverter AC would ultimately lead to more power savings, and hence, less electricity costs. The latest AC models, such as the LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split AC, which is widely considered to be the best air conditioner in India use inverter technology to ensure low power consumption.
Energy Efficiency Ratio and Star Rating
Talking about low power consumption, it is important to know about the star rating of an AC before buying the appliance. ACs come with energy efficiency ratio (EER), a number that denotes the efficiency of an air conditioner. This star rating, devised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) tells us how energy efficient an air conditioning unit is, and the higher the star rating the better. ACs are rated between 1 and 5, and the difference between a 3-star AC vs. 5-star AC is that the 5-star rated AC consumes less energy than the 3-star rated AC. This is the 3 star and 5 star ac difference. So keep these factors in mind while buying a brand new AC for your home.
Silent Operation
One of the main reasons for purchasing a new AC unit, is to ensure that you and your family can sleep peacefully. Thus, you must ensure that your AC operates silently. Each AC has a noise level of operation which is mentioned in its specifications, and one should ensure that it is within 50dB.
Dehumidifier
Considering the fact that humidity is a real problem in most of the Indian cities, having the dehumidifier mode in the AC is a bonus. This ensures that the AC removes moisture from the room, keeping you comfortable while it cools down the surroundings.
