The Summer season is about to begin, and you may be thinking of which air conditioner to buy. Should you buy a Split air conditioner or the best window AC available in the market? We have been using window conditioners for the last fifty years, and they proved their worth.
Wide Choices of Models
If you go to a retail shop, you will get confused with the various models that are displayed there. You shouldn’t decide in haste. This article will tell you about the important features you must look for while buying an air conditioner. However, the first thing you have to decide is whether you want to purchase the best Window AC or a Split AC.
Advantages of Window AC :
Window air conditioners are more popular in India than other models. The main advantages of window air conditioners are the following;
They can be easily installed in comparison to Split AC. There is no need to drill walls to conceal tubes because they are more compact, and can be easily installed in the window.
Window air conditioners are perfect for smaller rooms where space is a constraint. Honey, the room must have a window where you can fix it.
Although we use window air conditioners for cooling during hot weather, you can also use them during winter to keep the room warm. The best window AC will have built-in heaters as well.
Advantages of Split AC
The cooling in Split AC is much faster because of wide air blowers that push out higher volumes of cool air.
The compressor of an air conditioner makes very little noise while the condenser is also located outside.
It is ideal for such places that don’t have a window. You can fit Split AC on any wall.
What is the role of Capacity?
Choosing the right size capacity for AC requires thinking. An air conditioner of a higher capacity can indeed cool the room faster but it will also consume a lot of electricity. The capacity of AC needs to be proportional to the size of the room. In India, the capacity of an Air Conditioner is measured in tonnes.
Power Efficiency
If you are looking for a power-efficient AC, you must buy an air conditioner with a higher star rating. It will cost a little more but will consume lesser electricity, and that will save a lot of money on your electricity bill in the long run.
In India, air conditioners are usually available with star ratings ranging from 1 to 5. The higher star of the model will mean lower power consumption. For example, the best window AC with a five-star rating will consume less power than a 3 star AC.
Price
Eventually, everything depends upon the price. Traditionally, air conditioners were considered luxury items that only the rich could afford. However, the fast-changing climate has changed the ground rules. Now, air conditioners have become a necessity. To meet the increase in demand, production has also correspondingly increased many times. Now, air conditioners have become very affordable.
For instance, the price of a 1-ton window AC begins from 22,000 to 25000 rupees while a Split AC of 1 ton is available in the price range of 26000 to 32000 rupees. Similarly, the price of 1.5-ton window AC is between, 28,000 to 30,000, rupees, and a 1.5 ton Split AC will cost from 35000 to 45000 rupees. However, if you decide to buy an inverter AC, it will cost you a little more.
Additional Features you Need to Consider:
1. Some AC models are provided with copper coils and anti-bacterial filters that help in auto-cleaning functions. It will protect you from harmful substances like pollen, dust mites and microorganisms.
2. Select a model that has both cooling and heating features because irrespective of a very high or low temperature outside, it will maintain the ideal temperature inside the room.
3. Choose a model with a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture in the air, especially during the monsoon season when humidity is usually high.
4. Sleep Mode is another useful feature of air conditioners because it cuts electricity bills by optimising the cooling.
Your Room size
Normally, a 1-ton window or 1.5-ton split conditioner is suitable for a room of 150-160 square feet in size. However, for larger rooms, you will need a 1.5-ton window AC or a 2-ton split AC.
Now, you know all the important features of air conditioners. Take your time, and make an informed purchase decision to buy the best window AC or the Split AC depending upon your budget.