How to Choose an AC for Home

Buying a good air conditioner for your home not only offers respite from the summer heat, but also gives you the benefit of air purification all year round. Along with that, it provides humidity control in the monsoon, and heating in winter. With numerous options flooding the market, knowing how to select AC for your home will help you make an informed decision.

Rather than letting your budget dictate the features, buy an air conditioner on Easy EMIs starting at Rs. 1,999 from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network. Here, you can pay by using Bajaj Finserv’s financing options and shop from more than 1.5 lakh+ partners online and offline in over 4,000+ cities. You can also choose a repayment tenure ranging from 1 month to 60 months. You also benefit from features like minimal processing charges and zero down payment. If you do not have Bajaj Finserv’s financing options, you can apply for in-store financing and get instant approval.

To enhance the benefits you can enjoy, make it a point to shop for a split air conditioner or a window AC this summer. This is the best time to invest in an AC.

Before you start shopping, take a quick look at the tips you should keep in mind to select the best AC for your home.

Factors to consider when choosing an AC for your home

When purchasing an air conditioner (AC), consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

1. Room size: Choose an AC with the appropriate cooling capacity (measured in BTUs or tons) based on your room size. A small room requires less cooling power than a large living area.
2. Energy efficiency: Look for ACs with high energy efficiency ratings (like the EER or ISEER). Energy-efficient models save electricity and reduce your utility bills.
3. Type of AC: Decide between split ACs (with indoor and outdoor units) or window ACs (installed in a window frame). Split ACs are quieter and offer better aesthetics, while window ACs are more straightforward to install.
4. Cooling speeds and modes: Check if the AC offers multiple cooling speeds, fan modes, and sleep functions. Some models also have features like turbo mode and dehumidification.
5. Noise level: Consider the noise level (measured in decibels) of the AC. Quieter units are more comfortable, especially for bedrooms.
6. Air quality features: Look for filters that improve indoor air quality. Features like HEPA filters, anti-bacterial coatings, and dust filters can enhance your overall comfort.
7. Installation and maintenance: Factor in installation costs and ongoing maintenance. Regular cleaning and servicing are essential for optimal performance.

Choose the right type of AC for your needs

Depending on your requirements, your home’s layout, and your budget, you can arrive at an answer to how to choose an air conditioner for your home. Typically, you can pick from 3 types: Window AC, split AC, and portable AC. A window AC, as the name suggests, is mounted onto a window as a single unit. A split AC has two units – the one mounted outside your home comprises the compressor and condenser units, while the one mounted inside, on a wall, is the blower. A portable AC is not mounted in a specific location, and you can move it from one room to another. This one is beneficial for you if you live in rented apartments. You must also check out the price list of ACs before making your choice

Check the cooling capacity

When selecting an air conditioner for home, it’s important to consider the cooling capacity based on room size. Use this AC cooling capacity chart as part of your air conditioner buying guide to help you choose the best AC for home use that suits your needs.

Cooling capacity chart of ACs

Area	Capacity in BTUs per hour	Tonnage of the AC
0 to 90 sq. ft.	~5,000	1
90 to 110 sq. ft.	~12,000	1.2
120 to 150 sq. ft.	~18,000	1.5
150 to 200 sq. ft.	~24,000	2

Note that several more factors, like the height of the room, average room temperature, floor number, and window size affect how quickly your AC will cool your room.

Know the benefits of an inverter AC

As compared to a normal air conditioner, an inverter AC offers better, more consistent cooling. Inverter ACs are also more energy-efficient and quieter too. This is because in a non-inverter AC, the compressor switches on and off several times to regulate the temperature. Whenever the compressor motor starts, the AC experiences a power spike. This causes it to consume more power in the long run. On the other hand, an inverter AC’s compressor always remains on. After the desired temperature is reached, the compressor keeps running at a lower speed to maintain cooling. Therefore, it is not only more durable but also energy-efficient.

Also read: Difference between 5 Star and 3 Star air conditioners

Look for energy efficiency

Buying an energy-efficient AC has become all the more important in today’s world, where power tariffs are rising as quickly as mercury levels. To help you identify how good an appliance is when it comes to power efficiency, the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) gives standardised energy-efficiency ratings as stars. A 5 Star rating is the best and means that the AC will offer you tremendous savings on your electricity bill. So, always choose an AC with a higher energy-efficiency rating.

Other important features of air conditioners to consider:

Anti-bacteria filter

Removes bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and allergens from the air to create a healthy environment.

Dust filter

Catches minute dust particles and dust mites.

Dehumidifier

Remove excess moisture from the air during the rains, prevents the room from becoming damp, and inhibits the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Heater

Raises the temperature to comfortable levels during winter and eliminates the need to purchase a separate heater unit.

Auto cleaning

Automatically removes the mould and bacteria deposits inside the blower.

Now that you know how to select the right air conditioner, shop for the best home air conditioner on EMI using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. To get started, check your pre-approved offer and avail up to Rs. 3 lakh to shop from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network.

Top selling home air conditioners in India

Discover the top-selling home air conditioners in India, offering a variety of features and cooling capacities. Use this guide as part of your air conditioner buying guide to make an informed decision when choosing the best air conditioner for home.

Model	Price
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Convertible 4 in 1 Cooling Inverter Split AC	Rs. 37,990
Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Triple Inverter Intelli Smart Split AC	Rs. 35,990
Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC	Rs. 25,499
Cruise 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	Rs. 32,990
Lloyd 1.2 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	Rs. 34,990

 

Care and maintenance tips for a home AC

1. Regular filter cleaning

• Clean or replace AC filters every month or as recommended. Dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency.

2. Check and clean the coils

• Evaporator and condenser coils accumulate dirt over time, reducing performance. Clean them at least annually.

3. Inspect the thermostat settings

• Ensure your thermostat is working accurately for energy efficiency and comfort.

4. Clear the outdoor unit

• Remove debris, leaves, and plants around the outdoor unit to maintain airflow and cooling performance.

5. Schedule professional servicing

• Regular servicing helps to detect issues early, ensuring a longer AC lifespan and optimal function.

Explore air conditioners on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv

Purchasing a quality air conditioner has never been more affordable, thanks to Bajaj Finserv offering Easy EMIs on a wide range of air conditioners. With the hot summers looming, a reliable AC can provide the much-needed comfort at home, and Bajaj Finserv makes it easier for you to own one without a hefty upfront payment.

• Easy EMI options: Convert your purchase into easy monthly instalments. This makes it convenient to buy premium ACs without any financial burden.
• Zero down payment: Buy your desired fan without any initial payment. This allows you to take home the fan of your choice without immediate out-of-pocket expenses.
• Wide range of products: Access a wide variety of fans from top brands. You can choose from an extensive selection of models to find the perfect fan for your home.
• Special offers and discounts: Avail special deals and discounts exclusively on Bajaj Mall. Enjoy cost savings and exclusive offers when purchasing your fan.
• Flexible repayment tenure: Choose a repayment period that suits your financial plan. This flexibility ensures that you can pay off your purchase comfortably over time.
• Exclusive benefits: Enjoy additional perks like cashback offers and priority delivery on select models. These extra benefits make your shopping experience even more rewarding.