It’s May and air conditioners are the most important home accessory

Window Air Conditioners

They trace back to the early 20th century when the need for cooling solutions became increasingly apparent, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates. These units incorporated components such as a compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, blower fan, and controls, all housed within a single enclosure. The relatively affordable cost, ease of installation, and effectiveness in providing localised cooling made them a popular choice for homeowners.

Things to look for while purchasing a window air conditioner:

• Cooling Capacity (Tonnage): In India, conditioner capacity is often measured in tons (e.g., 0.75-ton, 1-ton, 1.5-ton). Determine the appropriate tonnage based on the size of the room you want to cool. A higher tonnage is suitable for larger rooms, while smaller rooms may require lower tonnage units.
  
  
• Energy efficiency (Star ratings): The metric used in India to measure energy efficiency is ISEER (Indian seasonal energy efficiency ratio). The trick to identifying an efficient AC is to understand how the rating system works, so, for window AC’s, an ISEER rating above 3.5 stars is deemed as efficient.
  
  
• Inverter or Non-inverter AC’s: Typically, a non-inverter AC operates using a fixed-speed compressor. This means that once turned on, the compressor operates at a constant speed to maintain the desired temperature in the room. An inverter AC on the other hand uses a variable-speed compressor. The compressor's speed adjusts according to the cooling requirements of the room. We would recommend an inverter AC for better efficiency and superior quality in the long run.
  
  
• Reliability and after sales service: Look for reputable brands known for their durability and reliability. Consider the availability of after-sales service and support from the manufacturer or authorised service centres in your area. Prompt and efficient service can ensure timely repairs and maintenance, maximising the lifespan of your AC.

We recommend the LG 1.5 ton Dual Inverter Window AC. LG's DUAL Inverter Compressor with Varied Speed Dual Rotary Motor has a wider rotational frequency, which saves more energy along with higher speed cooling range than conventional compressors. This ensures faster cooling, lasts longer and runs quieter.

Split Air Conditioners

The most common form of air conditioners in today’s day and age are split air conditioners. Their technology has come a long way from their initial debut in 1970. Over the years, split AC’s have seen improvements in efficiency, performance, and design. Here are a few tips to help you ease your purchase decision.
 

• Capacity (Tonnage): Determine the appropriate cooling capacity (measured in tons) based on the size of the room or area you need to cool. An AC with insufficient capacity won't effectively cool the space, while one with excessive capacity may lead to energy wastage.
  

We recommend the Panasonic 1.5 ton 5-star Wifi Inverter smart AC. The AI mode senses external weather conditions like heat and humidity and automatically manages temperature, mode and fan speed to provide best cooling with optimum power consumption.

Centralised Air Conditioners

Centralised air conditioning systems are large-scale cooling systems that provide climate control for entire buildings or structures from a centralised location. These systems are commonly used in commercial, industrial setups. However, there are alternatives that offer similar benefits of centralised cooling for residential properties.

• Ducted Central Air Conditioning: This system is similar to traditional centralised AC but scaled down for residential use. It consists of a central cooling unit, typically located outdoors, connected to a ductwork that distributes cooled air throughout the home. Each room or zone may have individual air registers or vents for airflow control. Ducted central AC systems offer efficient and uniform cooling for larger homes.

Air conditioners have altered the way we experience comfort in our homes, offices, and public spaces. From the earliest innovations in cooling technology to the sophisticated systems available today, air conditioners have played a vital role in improving our quality of life and productivity.