When choosing an air conditioner (AC), you’ll want to balance comfort, efficiency, and cost. Here’s a clear breakdown to guide you:
- Type of AC
Window AC – Cheaper, compact, easy to install, good for single rooms.
Split AC – Quieter, more powerful, aesthetic, suitable for larger rooms or whole apartments.
Portable AC – Movable, no permanent installation, but less efficient.
Central AC / Ducted system – Best for whole-house cooling, requires ducts and higher upfront cost.
- Room Size & Cooling Capacity (BTU/Tonnage)
Match AC capacity to room size:
Up to 150 sq. ft → ~0.8–1 ton (≈ 5,000–6,000 BTU)
150–250 sq. ft → 1–1.5 ton (≈ 7,000–12,000 BTU)
250–400 sq. ft → 1.5–2 ton (≈ 12,000–18,000 BTU)
Over 400 sq. ft → 2+ ton (18,000+ BTU)
Oversized ACs waste energy; undersized ones won’t cool properly.
Note: The room exposed to the evening sun,need choose a bigger cooling capacity ac.
- Energy Efficiency
Look for EER/SEER/ISEER rating or Energy Star certification.
Higher efficiency saves electricity bills long-term.
- Climate & Humidity
Hot & dry climate → Look for fast cooling & inverter ACs.
Humid areas → Choose models with dehumidifier mode.
Extreme heat → Higher tonnage or more powerful unit needed.
- Features to Consider
Inverter technology → More efficient, quieter, stable temperature.
Air filters / ionizers → Good for allergy-prone users.
Smart controls (Wi-Fi, app, voice assistant) → Convenience.
Sleep/eco mode → Saves energy at night.
Noise level → Important for bedrooms.
- Budget & Running Cost
Initial cost vs. long-term savings → Inverter & higher star-rated ACs cost more upfront but save money on bills.
Maintenance & service availability → Check brand reliability and local support.