9
Best Air Conditioners in India (2021) – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews!
July16, 2021 by Keshav Singh
Are you looking to buy
the best AC in India to cool your home this Summer!
If Yes, then you are
at the right place 🙂
Normally, Summers
start in India from Early March and Lasts Until July. Temperatures are
unpredictable these days. Do you wanna know which air conditioner is best or which ac brand is best ?
The List of the
Best 1.5 Ton Split Air Conditioners is based on Cooling Performance, BEE Star Rating, Power Consumption, Energy
Efficiency Ratio, decibel levels, User Rating, and Value for money.
Here is a Quick Comparison Table before you purchase any
air conditioner
|
Best AC |
Highlights |
|
1. LG MS-Q18YNZA   |
1.5 Ton, 5 Star |
|
2. Whirlpool Magicool  |
1.5 Ton, 3 Star |
|
3. Panasonic NU18WKYW   |
1.5 Ton, 5 Star |
|
4. Voltas 175V ADJ   |
1.4 Ton, 5 Star |
|
5. LG MS-Q12YNZA   |
1 Ton, 5 Star |
|
6. Samsung AR18AYLYATB   |
1.5 Ton, 3 Star |
|
7. Hitachi RSOG518HDE   |
1.5 Ton, 5 Star |
Best Air Conditioners in India
1. LG 1.5-Ton 5-Star Inverter Split AC, MS-Q18YNZA 2021 Model
About this item
·
Split AC with inverter
compressor: variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat
load.
·
Capacity: 1.5 Ton.
Suitable for medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
·
Energy Rating: 3 Star.
Annual Energy Consumption: 1071.03 Units. ISEER Value: 3.85
·
Warranty: 1 year on product,
1 year on condenser, 10 years on compressor
·
Copper Condenser
Coil: Better cooling and requires low maintenance
·
Key Features:
Intellisense Inverter Technology; Noise Level: 45 db; Ambient Temperature: 55
degree Celsius
·
Features: 6th sense technology;
Dust Filter, Dehumidifier, Stabilizer free operation (145v-290v)
·
Refrigerant gas: R32 -
Environmental friendly - no ozone depletion potential
·
Indoor (wxhxd): 100 cm
x 29.5 cm x 23 cm Outdoor (wxhxd): 78 cm x 55.7 cm x 24.1 cm I indoor 11 kg : Outdoor
30 kg
·
Indoor AC Unit,
Outdoor AC Unit, Remote Control, User manual, Warranty Card & Pipe
Pros
·
This AC works beyond
its capacity to deliver excellent performances.
·
High on power savings
and performance
·
Long-lasting AC that
makes minimum noise
Cons
·
Installation charges
are extra.
·
The remote requires a
lot of improvement.
About this item
·
Split AC with inverter
compressor: variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat
load.
·
Capacity: 1.5 Ton.
Suitable for medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
·
Energy Rating: 3 Star.
Annual Energy Consumption: 1071.03 Units. ISEER Value: 3.85
·
Warranty: 1 year on product,
1 year on condenser, 10 years on compressor
·
Copper Condenser
Coil: Better cooling and requires low maintenance
·
Key Features:
Intellisense Inverter Technology; Noise Level: 45 db; Ambient Temperature: 55
degree Celsius
·
Features: 6th sense technology;
Dust Filter, Dehumidifier, Stabilizer free operation (145v-290v)
·
Refrigerant gas: R32 -
Environmental friendly - no ozone depletion potential
·
Indoor (wxhxd): 100 cm
x 29.5 cm x 23 cm Outdoor (wxhxd): 78 cm x 55.7 cm x 24.1 cm I indoor 11 kg : Outdoor
30 kg
·
Indoor AC Unit,
Outdoor AC Unit, Remote Control, User manual, Warranty Card & Pipe
Pros
·
Value for money
·
Excellent cooling
performance
·
Advanced technology to
ensure instant cooling
·
Self-diagnosis feature
Cons
·
The remote control
unit gives problems at times
·
Company support is not
very forthcoming
About this item
·
Spilt Ac with inverter
compressor: variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat
load. It is most energy efficient and has lowest-noise operation
·
Capacity: 1.4 Ton
suitable for medium sized rooms (Upto 150 square feet)
·
Energy rating: 5 star,
Annual energy consumption: 1101.55, ISEER value: 3.168
·
Warranty: 1 year
warranty on the unit and 4 years warranty on the compressor
·
The AC comes with
Copper condenser coil that makes its performance superior
·
Special Features: This
Ac comes with High Ambient Cooling,Stabilizer Free Operation,Copper condenser
coil, Advanced Air Purification,Active Dehumidifier,Multi Stage Filtration
Advantage,4 Way Auto Louver.
·
Refrigerant gas: R32
that is environmental friendly with no ozone depletion potential
·
IDU Net Dimension: 30
x 84 x 172
·
The included
components are 1 Indoor Unit 1 Outdoor Unit Inter Connecting Pipe 1 Remote 1
Manual and 1 Warranty Card
Pros
·
The adjustable
inverter compressor is its sterling highlight.
·
Excellent cooling
performance and quality power savings
·
Air purification of
the highest order
Cons
·
The compressor does
not come with extended warranties.
·
Installation charges
push up your budget further
.
About this item
·
Wi-Fi Split AC with
Twin Cool Inverter compressor: Variable Speed Inverter Compressor which adjusts
power depending on heat load. It is most energy efficient and has lowest-noise
operation | Seamless hands-free operation and Voice Control with Alexa and
Google Assistant
·
Capacity: 1.5 Ton -
Suitable for medium sized rooms (121 to 180 sq ft) | Equipped with Powerful and
Dry Mode for different cooling needs
·
Energy Star Rating: 5
Star | Annual Power Consumption: 840.75 kWh | ISEER: 4.7
·
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 Year Comprehensive | 5 years on PCB |10 years on Compressor
·
Copper Condenser Coil
with Shield Blu Technology: Anti Corrosion Blue Fin Technology | Enhances
durability in high humidity coastal areas
·
Special Features:
Wi-Fi Air Conditioner | Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant | Voice
Control | Smart Diagnosis with One Touch Service | Shield Blu Anti Corrosion
Technology | PM 2.5 Filter | Customized Sleep Profiles | Remote Access and
Control with Miraie | Stabilizer Free Operation
·
Miraie: Connected
Living | Voice Control | Smart Diagnosis | Comfortable Sleep Profile | Full
Control Anytime Anywhere
·
Smart Diagnosis with
One Touch Service: Equipped to detect issues in advance and alert users |
Manage e-warranties | One Touch Service Request
·
Indoor Unit Dimension
:107(L),23.5(B),29(H) | Outdoor Unit Dimension :78(L),24.1(B),55.7(H) | IDU
Weight : 11 kg | ODU Weight : 27 Kg
Pros
·
Wi-Fi connectivity
allows operating the AC from anywhere.
·
Jet Stream technology
enables enhanced airflow over long distances.
·
One of the most
durable ACs available on the market
Cons
· After-sales service is not up to the expected mark.
About this item
·
Split Ac With Inverter
Compressor: Variable Speed Compressor Which Adjusts Power Depending On Heat
Load. It Is Most Energy Efficient And Has Lowest-Noise Operation
·
Capacity: 1 Ton.
Suitable For Small Sized Rooms (< = 110 Square Ft.)
·
Energy Rating: 5 Star.
Annual Energy Consumption: 571.99 Units. Iseer Value: 4.7 (Please Refer Energy
Label On Product Page Or Contact Brand For More Details)
·
10 Years On Compressor
With Gas Charging, 5 Years On Pcb And 1 Year On Product
·
Copper With Ocean
Black Protection: Prevents From Rust & Corrosion; Increase Durability ;
Uninterrupted Cooling
·
Special Features: Dual
Inverter; Ocean Black Fin; Convertible 4-In-1 Cooling; 4 Way Swing, Ez Clean
Filter; Magic Display; Himalaya Cool, Ocean Black Fin
·
Hi-Grooved Copper,
Monsoon Comfort, Smart Diagnosis System, Ez Clean Filter, Stabilizer Free
Operation (120V Approximately Equal 290V), Auto Clean, Cools @ 52°C,Sleep Mode
·
Refrigerant Gas: R32.
No Ozone Depletion Potential And Low Global Warming Potential L Double
Filtration System Ensures That The Air Inside Your Home Is Free Of Various
Harmful Particles
·
Idu Dimension
(837X308X189 Mm) (Wxhxd), Odu Dimension (717X495X230 Mm) (Wxhxd) & Idu (9
Kg) And Odu Weight (24.5 Kgs), Included In The Box: 1 Indoor Unit, 1 Outdoor
Unit, Inter Connecting Pipe, 1 Remote, 2 Manuals With Warranty Card, 2
Batteries
Pros
·
The 4-in-1 convertible
cooling option is a big plus.
·
No requirement of
external stabilizer
·
High-quality
environmentally-friendly refrigerant
Cons
·
The 1-ton capacity AC
is not the ideal one for large rooms.
·
LG remote needs proper
backlighting to be easily usable at night.
6. Hitachi 1.5-ton 5-Star Inverter Split AC, RSOG518HDEA
About this item
·
Split AC with inverter
compressor: Variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat
load. It is most energy efficient and has lowest – noise operation.
·
Capacity 5 Ton:
Suitable for medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)
·
Energy Rating: 5 Star:
Best in class efficiency, Annual Energy Consumption (as per energy label):
897.84 Kwh, ISEER Value: 4.55
·
Manufacturer Warranty:
2 years on AC, 10 years on Compressor, 5 years on controller/PCB
·
Copper Condenser:
Better Cooling and requires low maintenance
·
Special Features:
Filter Clean Indicator, SuperFine Mesh Filter, Stepless Compressor Control,
Penta Sensor, 100% Cooling Capacity at 43 degree C, Expandable Inverter Air
Conditioner, 100% Inner grooved Copper Tube, SuperSlit Fins, Stabiliser Free
Operation, Tropical Design, Eco Friendly (Green) Refrigerant
·
IDU dimension
(99.7*29.4*25.3 cms) ODU dimension (75*54.8*28.8 cms) and IDU weight (13 kgs)
ODU weight (32.4 kgs)
·
Included in the box:
Indoor Unit, Outdoor Unit, Remote Control, User manual, Warranty Card
Pros
·
Powerful cooling
performance coupled with incredible power savings
·
Low noise levels
ensure undisturbed sleep.
·
Ensures delivery of
pure and fresh air because of various filter
Cons
·
The IDU does not have
a temperature display.
·
There is no
self-diagnosis feature to assist in the AC’s maintenance.
7. Carrier 1.5-ton
5-Star Split AC, CAI18ES5R30F0
About this item
·
Split AC with inverter
Technology : Variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat
load for higher energy savings & cools even @55°C
·
Capacity: 1.5 Ton.
Suitable for Mid sized rooms (111 sq ft to 150 sq. ft)
·
Energy Rating: 5 Star.
Annual Energy Consumption: 888.75 units. ISEER Value: 4.60 (Please refer energy
label on product page or contact brand for more details)
·
1 year on product, 1
year on condenser, 10 years on compressor
·
Copper Condenser Coil:
Better cooling and requires low maintenance
Pros
·
Excellent brand value
·
High-quality
performance and power savings
·
Copper coils enhance
heat exchange and deliver better cooling.
Cons
·
Customers are
generally unhappy with the installation teams.
8. Daikin 1.5 Ton
5-Star Inverter Split AC – FTKG50TV
About this item
Daikin is one of the
best ACs available in India today. One of the highlights of Daikin is the
excellent after-sales services they provide. Besides, Daikin AC comes with some
of the best features.
·
Split AC
·
1.5-ton, 5 Star
·
ISEER Value: 4.7
·
Built-in stabiliser
·
Annual Energy
Consumption 824 units
·
10 years warranty on
the compressor
Pros
·
Silent and powerful
operations
·
Energy-saving features
·
Can handle extreme
voltage fluctuations
·
Excellent performance
Cons
·
Controllable only by
the remote
·
Can be an issue if the
remote batteries drain out
9. Daikin 0.8-ton 3 Star Split AC – Copper FTL28TV
About this item
If you feel that
maintenance costs can push the economics beyond your reach, you should opt for
the Daikin AC, as it requires the least maintenance amongst all its peers.
·
Split AC with
non-inverter compressor
·
0.8-ton capacity
·
3-star energy rating,
ISEER Value: 3.65
·
Copper condenser coil
·
Annual Energy
Consumption 594 Units
·
R32 refrigerant
Pros
·
Stabiliser-free
operations
·
Excellent performance
and saves energy
·
Low noise levels
Cons
·
Not the ideal capacity
for a large room
·
Does not have a
temperature indicator on the panel
Best AC in India – Buying Guide
What is the difference
between a computer and an air conditioner? A computer requires ‘Windows’ to be
open for effective functioning whereas the AC needs the windows to be
shut 🙂
Having begun on a
lighter note, we shall dig deep and look at the various aspects that you should
understand while installing air conditioners in your homes and offices.
You have different kinds of AC units. In a
single-unit window AC, the compressor, condenser, and the evaporator are
located in a single unit. In case of a split AC unit, you have the compressor and
the condenser situated in the outdoor unit whereas the indoor unit comprises of
the evaporator coils.
Size of the AC –
Select the right Tonnage
Various factors go
into the selection of the right size of the AC. Let us look at all of them in
brief.
1. City where you live: The climate
of the city where you live is important because you need air conditioners of
higher capacities when the outdoor temperature increases. For example, the
summers in Delhi can see temperatures touching 45 degrees Centigrade whereas it
would hover around the 38 to 40-degree mark in a city like Chennai at the same
time.
2. The area and the volume of the
room where you install the AC are very important.
3. The location of the room is
vital because a lot depends the rooms can get hotter if the ceiling gets direct
sunlight from the top during the day. The same applies to the side walls as
well.
4. The daily usage of the
AC unit is essential and so also is the duration of the usage in terms of
months during the year.
What is the concept of
tonnage of the AC?
As you browse your way
through the AC units in the market, you find the air conditioners of different
tonnage such as 1-ton, 1.5-ton, 2-ton, and so on.
What does this imply?
The tonnage is the amount of heat the air
conditioner removes from the room in one hour. The mathematical unit for
tonnage is BTU (British Thermal Units). 1 ton equals 12000 BTU. Higher the BTU,
the greater is the cooling effect.
We have just seen that
the size/tonnage of the AC depends on various factors. You can also add a
couple of other relative factors such as a number of occupants in the room, the
amount of furniture/appliances in the room, etc.
Electricity
consumption of the AC units:
How much electricity
does an air conditioning unit consume? This is a common question on the minds
of all AC buyers. It again depends on various factors like the tonnage, star
rating, and usage of the AC and so on. Let us look at some of the principal
aspects in brief.
Size of the Room
The principal job of
the air conditioner is to remove the heat from the room thereby making it cool.
Hence, a lot depends on the size of the room. Understand that the electricity
consumption of an AC unit depends on the amount of heat present in the room.
A 1.5-ton AC
in a room measuring 120 sq feet will work differently as compared to
the same AC in a room measuring 150 sq feet. This is because of the greater
volume of hot air.
Location
Some places in India
like Delhi or Nagpur become very hot in the summer months. However, the climate
remains dry. On the other hand, places like Mumbai and Chennai experience a
great deal of humidity.
It might not
be hot but the humidity can be a draining experience. Your AC will
work differently under both circumstances.
The former case
requires the AC to cool down the rooms whereas the principal job of the AC in
the latter instance is to remove the humidity. Thus, an AC with a larger size
and tonnage is perfect for the hot places whereas a smaller AC unit would
suffice to remove the humidity.
Colours
This is a surprising
factor, but colours do affect the performance of the AC. Darker colours absorb
more heat. Hence, they take a longer time to cool. Hence, it is always better
to have lighter coloured walls and curtains.
Number of people
The more the number of
people in the room, the higher is the emission of heat from the bodies. Hence,
you experience that you require AC units of higher tonnage to cool rooms having
a higher number of people.
A 150 sq feet room in your house can work with
a 1.5-ton AC whereas the room of the same size will need two 2-ton ACs in case
you run a coaching class/school with say 20 to 25 kids in the room.
Electrical appliances
Just as people emit
heat, so also do electrical and electronic appliances. The simple appliances
like bulbs emit heat. Hence, it is beneficial to have LED lights in your room.
They not only save electricity but also emit less heat.
Having a lot of
furniture in the room can also increase the electrical consumption of the AC.
It is better to keep your cupboards and shelves closed in an AC room. The walls
absorb heat as well. Hence, insulating the walls can also help in reducing
electrical consumption.
Inverter AC – Concept,
Working, and Benefits
The most common term
doing the rounds today is ‘Inverter AC’. What is an inverter AC? If you
think that this is an AC unit that can work on the home inverters, I am afraid,
you are sadly mistaken.
The home inverters have nothing to do with
inverter AC. These AC units work on the Inverter Technology whereby they save a
lot of power.
In a regular AC, the
compressor works at full capacity when it is on. On reaching the optimum
temperature, the compressor switches off and the fan continues to operate.
Once, the temperatures
rise above the threshold limit, the compressor starts again and works at full
capacity. This entails that the compressor works at only two speeds, full and
Zero.
This is not the case
with inverter ACs. These compressors work at variable speeds. In this
technology, the compressor never switches off. It is always on. But, it runs at
varying speeds thereby drawing less power.
It is more or less
like the functioning of the accelerator in a car. As you increase the speed,
you press on the accelerator. In case you want to slow down, removing the foot
from the accelerator pedal is enough. The vehicle starts cruising without
consuming any fuel. Thus, inverter technology is a power-saving feature
available only in the split AC models.
The benefit of using
inverter AC units is that they are highly energy efficient. A 3-star inverter
AC is equivalent to the 5-star normal split AC. This explains the efficiency of
the inverter AC vis-à-vis the non-inverter ACs.
Inverter AC vs
Non-Inverter AC
We shall see the
difference between the efficiency of an inverter AC and the non-inverter AC.
The basic difference
between the inverter AC and the non-inverter AC is that the former is capable
of running at variable speed and variable tonnage. The non-inverter AC units
run at a constant speed and tonnage.
Inverter AC units are capable of adjusting
their speed and tonnage according to the heat inside the room. The non-inverter
AC units do not have this capacity.
Efficiency wise,
inverter AC units are 7% more efficient than their counterparts in the same
star rating category.
Do you have the ideal
setting in your room at all times? No, the numbers of people vary and so does
the temperature levels. Hence, you need an AC unit that is capable of adjusting
to the ambience in the room. The inverter AC units are capable in this regard.
We reproduce the BEE
data of 2018 about power consumption of various AC units if different tonnage
and ratings. This data assumes total consumption for 1600 hours.
This table shows that
higher the star rating, the lower is the consumption. It also indicates that
the inverter AC units are extremely energy efficient.
Copper Coil vs
Aluminium Coil
AC units work on the
basis of compression, condensation, and evaporation. This involves moving of
the refrigerant gas inside coils in gaseous as well as liquid forms. The
question now arises as to which of the coils is better, copper or aluminium.
In the olden times, the coils were primarily made of copper. Subsequently, General Electronics made the revolutionary change in 1970 when they substituted copper coils with aluminium coils.
We shall throw some
light on the various aspects of choosing the right kind of coils for your AC.
Heat transfer
Copper has a higher
heat transfer coefficient than aluminium. Hence, it proves to be a better heat
exchanger than aluminium
Cost factor
Aluminium is cheaper
than copper. Therefore AC units with aluminium coils are cheaper.
Malleability
Aluminium is more
malleable than copper. Hence, it is possible to mould aluminium into any
desired shape more easily than copper. Thus, aluminium is the preferred choice
for making AC coils.
Strength
Now, copper is
undoubtedly stronger than aluminium. Cooper coils have the reputation of
lasting much longer than aluminium coils. They need fewer repairs as well.
Maintenance
You notice that the
condenser coils are always placed in the external units. Hence, they are
subject to the vagaries of weather. Copper coils are easier to maintain whereas
you need to keep the aluminium coils in heavy-duty cabinets thereby making them
difficult to maintain.
Corrosion
The AC works in a damp
environment at all times. Hence, there is always a danger of corrosion.
This corrosion results in the formation of a layer over the coils thereby
affecting its conductivity. People living in humid areas near the sea should be
extremely cautious about this aspect.
Blue Fin Condenser Technology
On the subject of
corrosion, one must add that there are technologies available today that work
towards reducing corrosion. One such technology is Blue Fin Condenser. In this
technology, they paint these coils with anti-corrosive materials thereby
increasing the overall life of the AC units.
Microchannel condenser
coils
In fact, you find the
microchannel condenser coils to be aluminium coils. They are flat aluminium
tubes having minute holes in them through which the refrigerant flows. Since the
entire set up is of a single metal, aluminium, there is no question of galvanic
corrosion.
Hence, these coils are
a good option for ACs working in coastal regions. Samsung uses this technology
in its AC and calls it the MultiJet technology.
Reciprocating Vs Rotary Compressors
You have seen the
difference between aluminium and copper coils. Now we shall shirt our attention
towards. Let us now look at the difference between
the reciprocating and rotary compressors.
Anyone will say that
the compressor is the most important component of any AC unit. In
fact, it is the heart of the unit. Hence, one should have knowledge of how
compressors work. Let us see the role of the compressor in an AC.
The principal job of the compressor is to
compress the refrigerant gas to a high pressure thereby converting it into a
high-pressure liquid at high temperature. This liquid passes through the
condenser coils that take out the heat from the liquid and release it to the
surroundings.
However, the pressure
remains high. The expansion valve then reduces the pressure and converts the
liquid into gas that subsequently passes through the evaporator coils. The evaporator
coils absorb the heat from the room thereby cooling the rooms.
There are two main of compressor use in the AC units.
Reciprocating
compressor – This is similar
to the engine of the automobile that works on the concept of the cylinder and
piston. The piston works in a back and forth motion resulting in compression
and release of the gas.
Rotary compressor – This arrangement consists of a number
of rotors having very little clearance between them. These rotors rotate in
opposite directions whereby the air passing through them emerges at a higher
pressure.
Let us look at the
pros and cons of the reciprocating and rotary compressors to understand which
of the technologies is better.
Reciprocating
Compressors Pros
·
Easy to maintain
·
Capable of working at
higher pressures
Reciprocating
Compressors Cons
·
Produces a lot
of noise
·
The air comes
out at a high temperature
Rotary Compressors
Pros
·
Good for large offices
and industries
·
Less noise
·
Air comes out at a
lower temperature
Rotary Compressors
Cons
·
Expensive as compared
to reciprocating compressors
·
Higher usage is
required for optimum working
One can conclude from
the above pros and cons that the reciprocating compressors are perfect for
homes and small offices. The rotary compressors are ideal for heavy-duty uses
such as in offices and industries.
Air conditioning
Refrigerants
Normally, when you
find that the AC does not deliver enough cooling, the mechanic suggests that
you replace the coolant. What exactly is this coolant or the gas as they call
it in many parts of the world?
|
Refrigerant |
Global Warming Poetential |
Ozone Depletion Potential |
|
R 22 |
1810 |
Medium |
|
R 410A |
2088 |
Nil |
|
R 32 |
675 |
Nil |
|
R 134A |
1430 |
Nil |
|
R 290 |
3 |
Nil |
|
R 600A |
3 |
Nil |
And forms an important part of air
conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The principal function of the air conditioning
refrigerants is to absorb the heat from the room and deliver it outside.
Once you eliminate heat from the room, the air in the room automatically cold.
The coolant is originally in the form of a gas. The compressor
compresses this gas at high pressure and converts it into a liquid. At such
extreme pressures, the liquid has a very high temperature.
This liquid
passes through the condenser coils where the temperature of the liquid comes down
considerably but the pressure remains high. On releasing the high-pressure cold
liquid through an expansion valve, the AC units reduce the pressure.
This liquid then
travels through the evaporator tubes/coils. This cold liquid absorbs the heat from
the rooms and eliminates it thereby making the air in the room cold. The fans
in the AC unit help in sustaining the temperature.
On absorption of the
heat, the liquid evaporates and converts into gas once again. The same process
is again repeated continuously. This is how an AC works. Thus, you have seen
that the refrigerant is the principal component of any AC.
Source: Daikin
Star Ratings, EER,
CoP, ISEER
Let us now look at the factors affecting the efficiency of the AC units.
Energy Efficiency
Ratio: (EER)
The EER is a very
important ratio that differentiates between AC units. Scientifically, EER =
Amount of heat removed per hour divided by the amount of power consumed.
Thus, EER =
BTU/hr/Watt
The higher the EER,
the better is the performance because the air conditioner removes more heat per
hour per unit of power consumed. Thus, you can deduce that an air conditioner
with a higher EER is more efficient.
Co-efficient of
Performance: (CoP)
You need to do some
simple mathematical calculations to arrive at the CoP. In order to understand
the concept of CoP, you should know the relation between BTU and KW hr.
1 KW hr = 3412 BTU. Alternatively, you can say
that 1 KW = 3412 BTU/hr.
Therefore, 1 W
= 3.412 BTU/hr
Now, CoP is the amount
of heat removed by the air conditioner in Watts divided by the power
consumption in Watts. Hence, CoP does not have any units. Higher the CoP,
higher is the efficiency of the air conditioner unit. Let us now look at the
relation between EER and CoP.
EER = 3.412 X CoP
Star Ratings
Whenever you venture
to buy an AC, the first thing you normally look out for .
What exactly are the star ratings?
The Bureau of Energy
Efficiency, Department of Energy Savings Government of India prescribes these
star ratings for various electronic products. A lot of factors go into the formulation
process.
These ratings are fixed for specific periods. the star ratings along with the EER. It is mandatory on the part of AC manufacturers to include the EER on the star rating sticker.
Understand that the 5-star AC is always going
to be more expensive than the 3-star AC. However, you do save a lot in energy
consumption over a long period.
There are other
aspects to look into while we are on the topic of energy savings. They include
the SEER, ISEER, and other terms concerned with the performance of the AC such
as CSTL and CSEC. We shall look at all these terms in brief for the sake of
better understanding of the subject.
Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
Among the various
factors that affect the performance of the AC is the external and internal
temperature. In case the temperature outside the house is more, the AC consumes
more electricity to cool the interiors.
The temperatures in
the rainy season and winters are much less than what you get in the summer
season. Therefore, the EER of the AC varies depending on the season in which
you use the appliance. This is the concept of SEER.
Indian Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (ISEER)
The concept of SEER
and ISEER is the same. However, you need to look into two additional factors as
below.
Cooling Seasonal
Energy Consumption (CSEC):
Total energy consumed by the AC when it is in active mode
Cooling Seasonal Total
Load (CSTL): Total heal removed
by the AC in active mode.
Now, we come to the
concept of ISEER.
ISEER = CSTL/CSEC
(Total amount of heat removed to the total amount of energy consumed)
The BEE makes it
mandatory for Indian AC manufacturers to declare the ISEER on the star rating
label.
|
EER Value |
ISEER Value |
|
EER is an internationally approved concept. |
ISEER is only for Indian seasonal conditions. |
|
EER applies to non-inverter air conditioners. |
ISEER applies to inverter air conditioners |
|
EER is independent of seasonal changes. |
ISEER depends on the seasonal temperature changes. |
|
EER remains the same globally. |
ISEER depends on Indian temperature changes. |
|
Compared to ISEER, EER is less accurate. |
ISEER is highly accurate compared to EER. |
While on the subject
of star ratings, you should be aware of certain terms and concepts regarding
your AC units. You will come across these terms frequently. It is better to be
aware of the same and ask questions to the dealer before deciding on the type
of AC you wish to buy for your home.
Rated Cooling Capacity
The rated cooling
capacity of an AC is ‘a ton’. This is equal to 12000 BTU per hour.
Maximum Cooling
Capacity
The maximum cooling
capacity is again measured in tons. For example, a 2-ton AC will remove 24000
BTU of heat per hour from the room. The requirement for the room can vary
depending on various factors discussed earlier. It is advisable not to oversize
the AC because it can affect the performance of the AC.
Rated Power Input
You find this figure
on the star rating label. It is mandatory on the part of AC
manufacturers to include this figure. This is equivalent to the power
consumption in Watts when the AC runs at 100% load. A 1.5-ton AC will consume
about 1500 w/hr. Hence, you can see that the AC will consume around 1.5 to 2
units per hour.
However, if you use
the AC continuously for say 5 hours, the consumption is not 1.5 or 2 times 5.
This is because the compressor switches off and on at regular intervals.
Therefore, the consumption of 5 hours will definitely be less.
Half Power Input
By applying the above
concept, the half power input is the power consumption in Watts when the AC
runs at 50% of the load.
Maximum Power Input
This is the power
consumptions when the AC runs at its maximum tonnage capacity. This figure will
differ from the Rated Power Input because of the tolerance of + or – 5% allowed
by the BEE. Even a 1.2 ton AC is marketed as 1 ton.
Now, you have seen the
various factors that affect the electricity consumption of the air conditioning
units.
Best Air Conditioner –
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which AC brand is
the best?
You have various
companies that are specialists in the manufacture of AC equipment. The first
names that come to mind are Daikin, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, LG, Carrier,
Panasonic, Samsung, etc. You have the local India brands like Voltas, Blue
Star, Onida and Godrej that manufacture ACs to suit Indian conditions. All
these brands are reputed brands. You can go for the one that offers the maximum
benefits at the minimum cost.
2. Is it safe to buy
AC online?
Yes, it is. You have
reputed websites like Amazon where you can order the best AC units at great
discounted rates. There is absolutely no harm in buying AC units online,
especially from the reputed eCommerce platforms.
3. is it OK to opt for
AC with aluminium condenser?
The most common metals
used for manufacturing condenser tubes are copper and aluminium. Both these
metals have their advantages and disadvantages. Copper has a high heat transfer
coefficient as compared to aluminium. At the same time, aluminium is extremely
malleable and comparatively inexpensive.
But, they require
higher maintenance. Therefore, you can opt for AC with aluminium condensers
though copper is the preferred choice all over the world. Aluminium condensers
are not bad either.
4. What is Blue Fin /
Gold Fin technology?
Corrosion is the biggest
enemy of these air conditioning units. Over a period, the condenser tubes
suffer from corrosion thereby requiring replacement and repairs.
To overcome this
problem, manufacturers use Blue Fin or Gold Fin technology whereby they paint
the condenser tubes with special anti-corrosive paint. This improves the life
of the AC unit. The only difference between Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology is
that Gold Fin technology does not rust easily thereby increasing the life
expectancy of the AC.
However, this technology
is expensive as compared to Blue Fin. Both these technologies have their merits
and demerits. It is up to the consumer to make the choice after considering all
aspects.
5. Is stabilizer
required for the Air conditioner?
Every AC has a voltage
operating limit. You will find this range printed on the AC label. Check out if
the area you live in has voltage fluctuations beyond these limits.
In case, it is so, you
should invest in a stabilizer for your AC to protect it from voltage
fluctuations. It is better to be safe than to be sorry. A stabilizer will not
cost much when compared to your AC. Install one and do not worry about voltage
fluctuations.
6. Which condenser is
better for coastal areas?
Corrosion is the main
problem that condensers face. Copper is an excellent metal for manufacturing
condenser coils. But, copper is also unique for being the only metal to fall
prey to formicary corrosion. This type of corrosion requires the presence of
oxygen, water, copper, and an organic acid.
The worst part of this
corrosion is that it is invisible to the naked eye. You find this type of
corrosion in coastal areas where there is a lot of humidity in the environment.
Usually, you see AC units having copper coils and aluminium fins. Such units
suffer from galvanic corrosion. Hence, it is better to have a single metal for
the condenser tubes as well as the fins.
The microchannel
condenser coils are the best for use in coastal regions. Samsung uses this
technology in the manufacture of condenser coils. The major AC manufacturers
use Blue Fin and Gold Fin technology for coating the condenser coils.
7. What is Air
Purifier, dust, bacterial filters in AC?
Indoor air has a lot
of dust. This dust and bacteria can cause respiratory problems. In the normal
circumstances when you do not use the AC, you keep the doors and windows of the
room open. This ensures circulation of the air. But, when you operate the AC,
you have to close the windows and doors. This entails that you inhale the same
air.
The AC units have dust
and bacterial filters that trap these ingredients from recirculation. The
modern-day AC units come with air purifiers as well. This ensures that you have
pure and clean air to breathe. You will understand the amount of dust in the
air when you remove these filters from the AC for cleaning. Imagine the amount
of dust you inhale in the normal course.
8. What is a
dehumidifier?
In the normal course,
the air contains a lot of humidity. Running the AC in normal mode entails that
you circulate the humidified air through the machine. This is why you have the
dehumidifier mode in the AC.
This is also known as
a Dry mode where the AC removes the excess humidity from the room without any
significant change in the temperature. Hence, people living in areas near the
coast should go for ACs with dehumidifiers. They add to the comfort value of
the AC.
9. What is a dual
inverter AC?
You find this Dual
inverter compressor in certain brands of LC AC units. The very name suggests
that you have double the efficiency that you experience in a single inverter
AC.
This technology
ensures that the AC functions with less noise and cools faster as well. When it
cools faster, it entails that the compressors function at low speeds most of
the time. Hence, you save a lot in your electricity consumption
10. What is Mosquito
Away technology?
The Mosquito Away
technology is present in the latest brand of LG AC units. This technology is
based on ultrasonic sound to keep away mosquitoes. The AC units emit this sound
that is beyond the hearing power of humans.
But, it can discourage
mosquitoes. LG uses this technology in their phones, washing machines, and
televisions as well.
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