Buying guides
How to choose the right air conditioner for your room
A good air conditioner keeps a room comfortable without running up the electricity bill. Four things decide whether an AC is right for you: capacity, efficiency, air quality and how well it copes with Indian power conditions.
1. Match the tonnage to the room
As a rough guide, a 1 ton AC suits rooms up to about 120 sq ft, 1.5 ton suits about 120–180 sq ft and 2 ton suits about 180–250 sq ft. Choose a step up for top-floor rooms, west-facing walls or large windows.
2. Look at the star rating
The BEE star rating shows how efficient the AC is. A 5 star model costs more upfront but uses less electricity every day, which adds up over the years you use it.
3. Choose inverter technology
Inverter and dual inverter compressors adjust their speed instead of switching on and off. That means steadier temperatures, quieter running and lower energy use.
4. Think about the air you breathe
Filters such as PM2.5 filters help reduce dust and fine particles, and self-clean or dew-clean functions keep the indoor coil fresh.
5. Check the voltage range
If your area sees voltage fluctuations, look for a wide operating voltage range so the AC can run without a separate stabiliser.
