Consumer Voice, Delhi: Summers are cruel in India and one of the ways to cool yourself is with a good quality air conditioner. In India and in places like Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu or Madhya Pradesh it is a necessity and no longer a luxury. Though there are ACs that are expensive and has a lot of additional features, window AC is the cheapest of all and cools you too on a hot and humid summer day. Here is a comprehensive guide by Consumer VOICE that will help you buying AC a lot easier.
Capacity
Room size should be considered when you are planning to buy your AC. The number of windows and open areas should be kept in mind while thinking of installing and buying an AC. A rough measure is that an area in the range of 120 ~140 Sq.ft. the area will need 1 ton, 150 ~180 sq. ft. area will need 1.5 ton and 180 ~240 sq. ft. area will need 2-ton cooling capacity air –conditioner.
Energy Efficiency and Star Rating
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency requires that every AC have a label indicating its efficiency on a 5-star scale. The more stars you have on this scale, the more efficient the AC will be. Therefore, any unit with more stars will consume lesser electricity than one with a lower star rating. If the regular usage of AC is more than 4 Hrs/day, go for higher star rated (4-5) AC, else 3 stars can serve your purpose.
Copper Vs Aluminium Coils
Till a few years, ACs would also come in the aluminium coils (Condenser coils) where the cost is slightly lower but has much lesser life/durability. So do insist to ensure the condenser have copper coils and do not compromise on the cost and always insist on copper coil ACs.
Tips for optimal use of ACs
Consumer VOICE experts provide some valuable tips on optimal use of ACs
- Do not install AC units on walls that are exposed to direct sunlight through a major part of the day during summers.
- Reduce air-conditioning energy use by as much as 40 percent by shading your home as windows and walls. Plant trees to keep the day’s hottest sun off your house.
- Try turning your AC down at night and utilize the “sleep mode” which lowers the output on a timer.
- One will use 3 to 5 percents less energy for each degree air conditioner is set above 25°C to provide the most comfort at the least cost. Keeping ACs at (24-26 degrees centigrade) can save electricity.
- Using ceiling fans allows you to set the temperature higher because the air movement will cool the room.
- Clean the air-conditioner filter every month. Clean filters enable the unit to cool down quickly and use less energy.
- Have your air conditioning unit checked if the Freon gas level is not correct, you will waste a lot of energy and your home will never be as cool as you want it.
- The gaps around the windows and doors lead to AC loss.
- Buy Inverter or split ACs instead of window ACs. They cost more, but they are more energy-efficient and consume lesser electricity.
- Switch to evaporative coolers from air conditioners during hot/dry summer days.
After-Sales Service
Look for longer service-oriented reputed brands that have the capabilities and good network to meet the servicing need of your product. Ask your friends and relatives for feedback.
Price
Ac is no longer a luxury item and window ACs are now quite affordable. A brand new Window AC of 1 ton now starts from Rs 25000 and goes up to Rs 35000 and a 1.5 ton ranges between Rs 30,000 to Rs 45,000.
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About Consumer VOICE
Consumer VOICE, an NGO based out of Delhi, has been working relentlessly to raise awareness amongst Indian consumers about their own Consumer Rights and the governing Consumer Laws. It also provides independent and unbiased reviews of food items, consumer durables and financial services and much more.
Also Read: Buying Guide: Know all about Air Purifiers
(Inputs from IANS)
