Purchasing your first air conditioner can be difficult. After all, there are so many parameters to consider.
If you’re one of those people buying their first AC and feeling confused about what to look for while selecting one, don’t worry. In this air conditioner buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know as a beginner.
From choosing the right AC type and cooling capacity to exploring the best AC brands in India — I’ll walk you through it all. So, keep reading our AC buying guide till the end.
Summary: Air Conditioner Buying Guide
| What to Check | What You Should Know |
|---|---|
| 1. Type of AC | – Split AC: Best for most homes (quiet & powerful) – Window AC: Cheaper, needs a window – Portable AC: For rented rooms, easy to move |
| 2. Room Size | – Up to 120 sq. ft. → 1 Ton – 121–180 sq. ft. → 1.5 Ton – 181–250 sq. ft. → 2 Ton |
| 3. Inverter or Not? | – Inverter AC: Saves electricity, better performance – Non-Inverter: Cheaper, but higher bill |
| 4. Star Rating | – Choose 3-star or higher for energy savings |
| 5. Useful Features | – Auto Restart – Turbo Cooling – Wi-Fi/Smart control – Air filters (PM2.5) |
| 6. City Weather Tips | – Very hot areas (Delhi, Jaipur): Go for higher tonnage – Humid areas (Mumbai): Look for dehumidifier |
| 7. Trusted Brands | – LG, Voltas, Daikin, Blue Star, Panasonic, Hitachi |
| 8. Price Range (2025) | – Window AC: ₹25,000–₹35,000 – Split AC: ₹30,000–₹60,000 – Portable AC: ₹30,000–₹40,000 |
| 9. Where to Buy | – Online: Amazon, Flipkart – Offline: Local shops (good for quick service) |
| 10. Quick Tips | ✅ Measure your room size first ✅ Don’t go for too small or too big ✅ Always check warranty & service center nearby |
Top Picks
Read our following guides, to know all about the best ACs offered by different brands, for different needs of people.
- Top 5 Best AC for small room
- Top 5 Best AC Under 40000 Rs
- LG vs Voltas AC: Don’t Waste Your Money Before Seeing This!
- LG vs Panasonic AC: Which One is Really Worth Your Money?
- Blue star vs Lloyd AC – Which One is Best in 2025?
Air Conditioner Buying Guide
1. Types of Air Conditioners in India
There are four types of air conditioners in India:
- Split AC (Most Popular for Indian Homes)
- Window AC (Best Budget Option)
- Portable AC (Move It Anywhere)
- Cassette & Central AC (For Large Homes & Commercial Use)
Let’s talk about each of them one by one.
Split Air Conditioners
A Split AC consists of two units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.
The indoor unit is mounted on the wall of your room (e.g., bedroom or living room), while the outdoor unit is placed outside your house.
Pros:
- Silent operation, as the compressor is located in the outdoor unit
- Efficient cooling performance
- Helps reduce electricity bills
- Wide capacity range (0.8 tons to 2 tons) to suit different room sizes
- Smart features such as Wi-Fi support, auto-clean, air purification, self-diagnosis, etc.
- Elegant and modern designs
Cons:
- Requires wall space for installation
- Slightly more expensive than window ACs
- Needs professional installation
Who Should Buy Split AC?
Split ACs are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and workspaces. They work well for various room sizes — from small 100 sq. ft. rooms to large 200 sq. ft. halls.
They’re one of the most efficient choices for both home and office cooling.
Window Air Conditioners
Unlike Split ACs, Window ACs are single units without separate outdoor units.
They fit easily into a window or a wall opening.
They generally cost less than Split ACs, making them a budget-friendly option.
Pros:
- Affordable option for budget-conscious buyers
- Simple and easy to install
- Suitable for temporary setups, such as rented homes
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Noisier, as the compressor is inside the room
- Consumes more electricity compared to Split ACs
- Less aesthetically pleasing than sleek Split ACs
Who Should Buy Window AC?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly cooling solution with simple installation, go for a Window AC.
It’s a great choice for people living in rental properties where professional installation of Split ACs may not be allowed.
Portable Air Conditioners
Can’t install either a Split or Window AC? Don’t worry — a Portable AC can help.
As the name suggests, it’s portable. It’s a standalone, movable cooling unit that doesn’t need to be permanently fixed to a wall or window.
It comes with wheels and a flexible hose that needs to be connected to a window or an exhaust point to release hot air.
Think of it as a large air cooler with the cooling features of an AC.
Pros:
- No permanent installation required
- Easy to move from one room to another
- Great space-saving option for temporary use
- Ideal for tenants who can’t make property modifications
Cons:
- Louder than both Window and Split ACs
- Cooling is less effective than Window and Split ACs
- Not suitable for sealed rooms (requires an exhaust outlet)
- Higher electricity consumption
Who Should Buy Portable AC?
If installation isn’t an option and you want a mobile cooling solution, a Portable AC is worth considering.
Cassette & Central ACs
Split ACs are powerful, but they have limitations in cooling very large spaces. That’s where Cassette and Central ACs come in.
These are installed in the ceiling (cassette) or within a duct system (central AC).
Cassette ACs are excellent for large office rooms and halls, making them a solid choice for commercial use.
Pros:
- Uniform cooling in large rooms
- No visible wall-mounted units
- Ideal for commercial applications
Cons:
- Most expensive among all AC types
- Requires a false ceiling and ductwork
- Installation and maintenance are complex and costly
Who Should Buy Cassette & Central ACs?
If you’re looking to cool large workspaces or commercial areas, consider Cassette or Central AC systems.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Ideal For | Room Size | Price Range (INR) | Noise Level | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Split AC | Homes & offices | 120–250 sq. ft. | ₹30,000–₹60,000+ | Low | High |
| Window AC | Budget buyers | Up to 150 sq. ft. | ₹25,000–₹40,000 | Moderate | Medium |
| Portable AC | Temporary setup | Small rooms | ₹30,000–₹45,000 | High | Low |
| Cassette/Central | Large buildings | 400+ sq. ft. | ₹1,00,000+ | Low | Very High |
2. AC Capacity
Your AC’s capacity directly affects how well it cools your room. It is measured in tons — the higher the capacity, the more powerful the air conditioner.
If you choose a smaller capacity, say 1 ton, for a larger room (like 150 sq. ft.), it may not cool the space as efficiently as expected.
Now, you might be wondering how to decide the ideal AC capacity for your room.
Don’t worry — just refer to the table below.
| Room Size (sq. ft.) | Recommended AC Capacity |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 sq. ft. | 0.8 Ton |
| 100 – 120 sq. ft. | 1 Ton AC |
| 121 – 180 sq. ft. | 1.5 Ton AC |
| 181 – 250 sq. ft. | 2 Ton AC |
| Above 250 sq. ft. | 2 Ton+ (or multiple ACs) |
How to choose the right AC capacity?
Before selecting the right AC tonnage, here are some key factors you must consider:
- Room Size (in sq. ft.)
- Ceiling Height
- Floor Level (Top floors receive more heat)
- Sunlight Exposure
- Number of People in the Room
- Heat-Generating Appliances (e.g., TV, computer, etc.)
Simple Formula to Calculate AC Capacity
You can use this easy formula to estimate the required AC capacity:
AC Capacity (Ton) = Room Area (sq. ft.) / 100
Examples:
- A 150 sq. ft. room → 150 / 100 = 1.5 Ton AC
- A 100 sq. ft. room → 1 Ton AC
Tip: Add 0.25 to 0.5 ton extra if:
- Ventilation is poor
- The room is on the top floor
- It receives strong sunlight
Pro Tip: Ideal Adjustments in Capacity for Indian Climate
You can adjust the capacity of your AC in different case scenarios.
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Room gets direct sunlight | Add 0.25 Ton |
| Room is on the top floor | Add 0.25 Ton |
| Multiple people (4+ persons) | Add 0.25 Ton |
| Located in hot/dry cities (Jaipur, Nagpur, Delhi) | Add 0.25–0.5 Ton |
| Coastal/humid areas (Mumbai, Chennai) | Focus on dehumidifier instead of higher tonnage |
Also, read our ideal AC temperature chart guide for hot cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong AC Size?
| If AC is Too Small | If AC is Too Big |
|---|---|
| Poor cooling, especially during peak summer | Wastes electricity |
| Compressor works overtime | More expensive upfront |
| Higher electricity bills | May cool too fast but leave room humid |
| Shorter lifespan | Compressor cycles on/off frequently |
3. Energy Efficiency (Star Rating)
If your air conditioner consumes less electricity compared to others, it is considered energy efficient.
Every appliance in India is rated by BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) with a star rating — from 1 star to 5 stars, based on its energy consumption for that particular year.
Simply put: 5 Star AC + Latest Year Model = Highly Energy Efficient
Note:
- A 5-star AC from 2023 might consume similar electricity as a 3-star AC from 2025.
- So, always make sure you’re buying the latest model for better efficiency.
If your usage is high (8+ hours a day), it’s best to go for a 4-star or 5-star rated inverter AC from the current year.
It may cost more upfront, but it will save you a lot on electricity bills in the long run.
4. Inverter vs Non-Inverter AC
An Inverter AC adjusts the compressor motor speed based on the cooling load and room temperature.
For example:
- If your room has 5+ people → The AC works harder
- If you’re alone and resting → The AC reduces power to save energy
On the other hand, a Non-Inverter AC cannot adjust its compressor speed based on the load.
It either runs at full capacity or turns off, which makes it less energy-efficient compared to Inverter ACs.
| Feature | Inverter AC | Non-Inverter AC |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Speed | Fast & Consistent | On/Off cycles |
| Noise | Less | More |
| Electricity Use | Less | More |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Always, consider Inverter AC over non-inverter AC. They will perform well and more beneficial in the long run.
5. Key Features to Look For
If you choose a good brand like Bluestar, LG, or Samsung, you usually don’t have to worry about essential features — most of them are already included.
Still, here are some key features you should know:
- Auto Restart – Remembers previous settings after a power cut.
- 4-Way Swing – Distributes air both vertically and horizontally for even cooling.
- Sleep Mode – Saves energy and maintains comfortable temperature at night.
- Wi-Fi / Smart AC – Lets you control the AC via smartphone (not available in all models).
- Dehumidifier – Removes excess moisture; ideal for coastal cities like Chennai and Mumbai.
- Anti-Bacterial Filters – Filters out dust and allergens for cleaner air.
- Turbo Mode – Enables quick cooling when you come home from the heat.
- Smart Diagnosis – Helps detect and troubleshoot errors automatically.
6. Noise Production
Whether you choose a Split AC or a Window AC, it shouldn’t be too noisy. After all, you want to rest peacefully — no one wants a noisy machine disturbing their sleep.
Tips:
- Look for ACs with noise levels below 45 dB.
- Split ACs are usually quieter than Window ACs.
7. Installation & Maintenance Tips
Before buying an AC, make sure to check the installation cost and service terms. Many brands charge extra for installation, even after purchasing the AC.
- Always read the warranty terms carefully.
- Use authorized service centers for installation to ensure your warranty stays valid.
- Clean your filters every two weeks.
- Service your AC twice a year – once before summer and once after the monsoon.
- Keep your AC temperature between 24–26°C for ideal comfort and energy savings.
Best AC Brands in India (2025)
Here are some of the most trusted and popular AC brands in India:
- LG
- Samsung
- Bluestar
- Hitachi
- Lloyd
- Daikin
- Cruise
- Carrier
Final Words on Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Choosing the right AC for your home becomes easy when you understand the basics — like capacity, type, energy rating, and key features.
We hope this air conditioner buying guide helped answer all your questions.
Still have doubts about purchasing an AC? Let us know in the comments below — we’re happy to help!