Today are going to talk about air conditioners in the Indian market. We are going to take a look at the best models and their features. We are also going to try and answer some of the common questions people have regarding air conditioners. The topics covered in this article are:
- Best air conditioners in India
- Split AC vs. windows AC
- Copper coil vs. aluminum coil
- What is BEE star rating and ISEER value?
- Common AC problems
- AC buying guide
- How to lower your air conditioning bill?
Let’s get started.
Best Air Conditioners In India
1. Sanyo SI/SO-10T3SCIA 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
The Sanyo SI/SO-10T3SCIA is the leading 1 ton split AC with Full Inverter technology. It adjusts its power utilization according to the amount of heat in the room. This saves electricity and dramatically cuts back on power costs. The Sanyo SI/SO-10T3SCIA has a 100% copper condenser with hydrophilic fins.
The anti-corrosive coating on the fins prevents deposition of atmospheric acids and salts on the outer layer of the coils. This averts clogging and allows air to move more freely between the coils, thus speeding up heat transfer and cooling. It also keeps the coils from rusting and reduces maintenance.
The AC uses R-32 refrigerant gas to cool air. It has Sleep mode which auto-regulates the temperature when you are asleep, keeping the room comfortably cool. It has a timer function which lets you set the operation time before sleeping. When the set time elapses, the AC automatically turns itself off, thus saving power.
The Sanyo air conditioner comes with a remote control with glow-in-the-dark temperature control and power on/off buttons. It has an Auto Restart feature which saves the last temperature settings and restores it when you power up the device again after a break or a power cut. It also has an Eco mode which maintains an even indoor temperature to limit power use.
The device is fitted with a PM 2.5 filter and an anti-dust filter. It has a Glacier mode which amps up the fan speed by 35% over medium speed to offer instant chilled air. Energy rating of the AC is 3 Star, annual energy consumption is 741.94 units and ISEER value is 3.7.
2. LG KS-Q18YNZA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
The LG KS-Q18YNZA is another top selling 1.5 ton split air conditioner with Dual Inverter Compressor. It has a High Temperature Cooling Score of 5 and 100% grooved copper fins with Ocean Black Protection. It has a tonnage of 1.5 and is perfect for 111 to 150 ft2 rooms.
The LG KS-Q18YNZA has a BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) energy rating of 5 and an ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value of 4.73. It has a Dual Rotary R-32 compressor with a cooling of 5100 watts. Air circulation rate of the device is 653 CFM (inflow)/1093 CFM (outflow).
Power input is 1440 watts, running current is 6.6 amp and power supply is 220-240 volts/Single phase/50 Hz. The AC has Dual Inverter Compressor with Varied Speed Dual Rotary Motor which cools fasters, saves electricity and lasts longer. It has a High Temperature Cooling Score of 5 which means it has excellent cooling capacity even at temperatures as high as 48 ᵒC.
The AC has a dual row pure copper condenser. The copper tubes are grooved to enable oscillatory movement of the refrigerant for rapid heat dissipation. The grooving also increases the strength of the tubes so that they can work better under high pressure.
The evaporator and condenser units have Gold Fin technology and Ocean Black Protection. The two coatings protect the fins from corrosion caused by moisture, pollutants, industrial smoke and atmospheric salts and acids.
The AC has Active Energy Control which regulates energy consumption based on how hot the room is. It has Himalaya Cool for extreme hot weather. It also has Sleep mode, Mosquito Away mode, Auto Clean and adjustable up/down air swing.
3. Carrier ESKO NEO HYBRIDJET 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
The Carrier Esko Neo Hybridjet is arguably one of the best air conditioners in India at the moment. It has a tonnage of 1.5 and is suitable for 111 to 150 square feet rooms. It has a copper condenser for better heat dissipation and longer service life.
The Esko Neo Hybridjet has Flexi Cool Hybridjet technology. This technology has 4 operating modes – free running for when the weather is very hot, 100% for when the weather is hot, 75% for moderately warm weather and 50% for comfortable weather. This feature saves electricity and helps you keep the AC operating cost low.
The device has an energy rating of 5 Star, annual energy consumption of 871.01 units and an ISEER value of 4.62. It uses R-32 refrigerant which has a moderate global warming potential of 675. 100% cooling capacity is 5200 watts and 50% cooling capacity is 2600 watts.
The gadget does not require a separate stabilizer. It can manage its operation between 150 V to 280 V at 48 ᵒC on its own. It has high ambient cooling and works effortlessly at temperatures as high as 55 ᵒC. It can also run at voltages as low as 195 volts without any issues.
The Esko Neo Hybridjet AC has a PM 2.5 filter and an electrostatic dust filter for removing airborne contaminants. It has air directional control. It has Auto mode, Sleep mode, security lock and a timer for setting the operation time. The device has an air flow rate of 670 CFM and 4 fan speeds. It has a low noise level of 44 dB. It includes an LCD remote with backlit buttons.
4. Blue Star 3WAE081YDF Window AC
Blue Star is known for its high-quality window air conditioners. The 3WAE081YDF is one of its best entry-level 0.75 ton window AC for small 110 square feet (or smaller) cabins and rooms. It has an energy rating of 3 Star, an annual energy consumption of 650.25 watts and an ISEER value of 2.98. It is affordably-priced and easy to install.
The Blue Star 3WAE081YDF has a rotary copper condenser for faster heat exchange and cooling. It has an anti-freeze thermostat on the indoor coil for greater safety. The evaporator and condenser fins have a layer of hydrophilic Blue Fin coating to fortify them against humidity, salts, acids and dust. It checks corrosion, rust and general wear and tear. It also prevents deposition of debris and minerals on the coils, thus allowing air to flow freely between the coils for rapid heat transfer between the refrigerant and the air.
The gadget relies on R-410A refrigerant gas which does not affect the ozone layer but has a moderate global warming potential.
The AC has an intuitive Sleep mode which constantly monitors the temperature after you have gone to sleep and auto regulates cooling to keep you comfortable throughout the night. It also has a Dry mode for countering excessive humidity. This function is useful during the monsoon season and in humid regions like coastal areas and places that receive a high amount of rainfall annually. Indoor noise level of the AC stays within 52 dB. The package includes a remote control.
5. Daikin FTKP50TV 1.5 Ton 4 Star Inverter Split AC
The Daikin FTKP50TV is a powerful split AC with an inverter compressor. It adjusts its cooling intensity according to the heat load. It saves energy and helps you manage your household electricity spending.
The AC has a tonnage of 1.5 and is suitable for medium-sized rooms with a floor area of 111 to 150 ft2. It has an energy rating of 4 Star and its annual energy usage is 928 units. ISEER value of the product is 4.17 and rated power consumption is 1680 (full)/510 (half).
The FTKP50TV has a copper condenser for better heat conductivity. It uses R32 refrigerant which has zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential. A built-in PM 2.5 air filter removes air pollutants like dust mites, animal hair and fur, pollen, spores and smoke.
The AC features a Neo Swing Compressor which reduces friction and vibration, prevents leakage of refrigerant and has whisper-quiet operation. It has a Coanda Airflow feature which ensures the breeze is not focused on a single place but is circulated throughout the room for a more even cooling. It has an in-unit stabilizer so you don’t have to invest in an external one.
Other useful functions of the Daikin FTKP50TV include Econo mode which optimizes energy use, Power Chill which provides quick cooling in extreme hot conditions and Good Sleep Off Timer which turns off the AC after the set time elapses to prevent over-cooling when you are asleep.
6. Voltas 183 JZJ/183 JZJ5 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split AC
The Voltas 183 JZJ/183 JZJ5 is an affordable 1.5 ton split AC for 110 to 150 ft2 rooms. It has a single speed non-inverter compressor. It has high ambient cooling which maintains a comfortable indoor temperature even when it is 50 ᵒC outside. It has Turbo Cool for instant cooling during peak summers.
The AC has a high-quality copper condenser. Copper condensers cool air faster and last longer than aluminum condensers. An active dehumidifier monitors humidity and keeps it within the desirable limit especially during monsoons.
The appliance has a 4-stage air filtration process to take out airborne impurities like microbes, dust, smoke, animal fur, chemical fumes and odors. It has a smart self-diagnosing function which detects anomalies in operation and resets itself to correct the glitch.
The Voltas 183 JZJ/183 JZJ5 comes with a remote control with backlit buttons for better visibility in dark rooms. It has a security lock for locking the settings of the AC so you don’t have to reset them every time you turn on the AC.
The device has a dual display that shows both the set AC temperature and the room temperature. It has an energy rating of 3 Star, annual energy consumption of 1122.45 units and ISEER value of 3.53. Indoor air flow volume of the device is 900 CMH and noise level is less than 46 decibels. Refrigerant gas used is R-22.
7. LG KS-Q18YNXA 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
The LG KS-Q18YNXA is another top-selling AC in India. It has Dual Inverter Compressor and a High Temperature Score of 5. It has Active Energy Control and Himalaya Cool. Its indoor and outdoor units have Ocean Black Protection and gold nano coating for long lasting performance.
The LG KS-Q18YNXA has 100% copper condenser and evaporator coils. The insides of the coils are grooved to increase tube strength and facilitate oscillatory movement of the refrigerant for rapid heat exchange. The coils have Ocean Black Protection which is a special coating applied to the coils to safeguard them from corrosion and rust.
The AC has dual inverter technology which cools faster, saves power and keeps the noise low. High temperature Cooling Score of the air conditioner is 5 which means it can cool air within seconds even at 48 ᵒC ambient temperature.
The device has Active Energy Control for optimizing power usage. It limits energy consumption between 40% to 80% for everyday use. It conserves up to 57% electricity and keeps your monthly electricity bill low.
The LG KS-Q18YNXA has a function called Low Refrigerant Detection which automatically detects low refrigerant levels and notifies you so that the room does not become uncomfortably hot. It has Himalaya Cool which offers super-chilled mountain-like breeze as soon as you turn on the AC. It also has an HD air filter to remove harmful air pollutants like bacteria, mold, pollen, dust mites and pet dander.
8. Voltas 123 LYI/123 LZF 1 Ton 3 Star Window AC
The next product is a top-rated window AC by Voltas. It is the 123 LYI/123 LZF 1 ton window AC. It has a 100% copper condenser for super-fast cooling and a long service life. Copper has a higher tensile strength than aluminum and is better at conducting heat.
Therefore, it suffers less wear and tear, and cools air faster. This fact is evident from the high ambient cooling capacity of the AC which enables it to cool air even when the outside temperature is 50 ᵒC.
The AC has Turbo mode for instant cooling on extreme hot days. It has an Eco mode for economical use of energy when the weather is not very hot. On this mode, the AC automatically gauges the heat load and accordingly regulates its power consumption to prevent excessive cooling. It also has Sleep mode which maintains a comfortable room temperature as you nap and prevents over-cooling.
The Voltas 123 LYI/123 LZF has a dual filtration process. It eliminates dust, pollen, mold, pet hair, smoke and bacteria from the indoor air. It has a self-diagnosing system wherein any operational glitches are resolved automatically by the machine’s internal self-rectifying processes.
The appliance has an active dehumidifier which fights humidity during monsoons. It has a high EER rotary compressor. It uses R-22 refrigerant gas. Energy rating of the device is 3 Star and ISEER value is 2.93. Rated cooling capacity is 3350 watts and rated power input is 1143 watts. Air flow rate (indoor) is 400 CMH and noise level (indoor) is 54 dB. The package includes a remote control.
9. Voltas 183V DZU/183 VDZU2 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
The Voltas 183V DZU/183 VDZU2 is a 1.5 ton split air conditioner with a variable speed inverter compressor. It has a coverage area of 110 to 150 ft2. It has a 3 Star BEE rating, an annual energy consumption of 1058.16 units and an ISEER value of 3.8.
The 183V DZU/183 VDZU2 is powered by a Steady Cool compressor and DC Inverter technology. It reduces power use by maintaining an ideal mean temperature at all times without turning on or turning off the compressor frequently. It has a copper condenser coil capable of high ambient cooling at temperatures as scorching as 52 ᵒC. It self-diagnoses operation failures and corrects them automatically.
The Voltas 183V DZU/183 VDZU2 is armed with anti-bacterial and anti-dust filters for cleaning the indoor air. It inhibits bacteria, dust mites, pollen, odors and pet dander. It has an active dehumidifier for comfortable monsoons. It also has a 4-way louver for circulating air uniformly across a room.
The AC has stabilizer-free operation. It does not need a separate stabilizer which makes it cost-effective. It has a low-frequency torque control which optimizes energy consumption and further lowers cost of running the AC. The appliance uses R410A refrigerant gas, also known as Puron. It has zero ozone depletion potential but a moderate global warming potential of 2088.
10. Godrej GSC 18KTC3-WSA 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split AC
The next awesome air conditioner we want to talk about is the Godrej GSC 18KTC3-WSA. It is a 1.5 ton 3 Star eco-friendly split air conditioner with a 100% copper condenser and connecting tubes. The condenser and evaporator have anti-corrosive Blue Fin coating to guard against humidity, rain, vehicular smoke, acids and salts.
The appliance relies on R-32 refrigerant gas for cooling air. R-32 has a moderate global warming potential of 675 and nil ozone depletion potential. The AC has a stabilizer-free operation. It is designed to function without a stabilizer and can handle a voltage of 160 to 280 volts. It offers power-efficient cooling, thanks to an inverter compressor which cools according to the amount of heat in the room.
The best thing about the Godrej GSC 18KTC3-WSA is that it not only cools the air but also purifies it. It has a triple-stage air filtration process consisting of an anti-dust, anti-bacterial and active carbon filter (with green tea extracts).
The dust filter removes dust mites, pet dander, pollen, etc., the bacteria filter roots out microbiological pathogens, and the carbon filter eliminates odors, volatile organic compounds and smoke.
The device has an Auto Blow function which checks the growth of bacteria inside the AC. It sanitizes the AC and keeps it free from allergens. A multi-layer acoustic jacket prevents noise from escaping the machine and allows you to sleep in peace. Energy rating of the Godrej AC is 3 Star, annual energy consumption is 1122.45 units and ISEER value is 3.52.
11. Carrier Esko Neo 1 Ton 3 Star Split AC (F001)
If you are looking for an air conditioner for a small 100 ft2 room, you should check out the Carrier Esko Neo 1 ton split AC. It is a 3 Star air conditioner with a 100% copper condenser. It is capable of intense cooling regardless of how hot it is outside. It has an annual power consumption of 758.62 units and an ISEER value of 3.62.
The Carrier Esko Neo AC has an intelligent Follow Me feature which adjusts the cooling rate according to the ambient temperature around the remote. It has a Turbo mode for instant super-chilled breeze and Economic Sleep mode for power-saving operation while you sleep. It also has Auto mode, Dry mode, Auto Restart, Security Lock and a timer.
The AC has an air flow rate of 380 CFM and adjustable air directional control. It has an automatic swing which remembers the last louver position. The appliance purifies air with the help of a PM 2.5 filter and a composite air freshening mesh. It has an automatic cleansing feature to inhibit bacteria, viruses and mold from breeding inside the air conditioner. It comes with an LCD remote with a backlit control panel.
The Esko Neo AC uses R-32 refrigerant gas. In case of refrigerant leakage, the device automatically detects the anomaly and alerts you.
12. Hitachi RSB518HBEA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
The Hitachi RSB518HBEA is another widely sold split AC in India. It is an energy-saving AC with an annual electricity consumption of 869.21 units. It has an BEE rating of 5 Star and an ISEER value of 4.70. It has a 100% cooling capacity of 5275 watts and a 50% cooling capacity of 2637.50 watts.
The RSB518HBEA is suitable for medium-sized rooms with an area of 131 to 150 square feet. It has a rotary inverter compressor with variable speed. The compressor regulates energy use depending on the heat load. It conserves electricity and keeps your bill low.
The AC uses R410A refrigerant gas which does not have any ozone depletion potential but has a moderate global warming potential of 675. The AC has a wide-angle air deflector for disbursing cool breeze over a large area. It comes with a timer for prefixing the operation time.
The device does not need a stabilizer. It comes with a remote control. It has an air flow rate of 583 CFM which is perfect for comfortable cooling. The AC has whisper quiet operation and does not exceed 33 dB. It has a power consumption of 1449 watts.
13. IFB FastCool 1.5 Ton 3 Star Eco Inverter Split AC (IACC18IA3T4C/ IACI18X83T3C)
The IFB FastCool Eco Inverter AC is designed for super-chilled cooling. It has a twin rotary DC compressor and a copper condenser. It has a BEE rating of 3 Star, an annual energy consumption of 1101.45 units and an ISEER value of 3.65 watts.
The IFB FastCool Eco Inverter cools air rapidly even at 58 ᵒC ambient temperature. It has a cooling capacity of 5190 (1200~5650) watts and a power input of 1840 (500~2100) watts. It has an air flow rate of 850 CMH. Refrigerant gas used is R-32. There is a Dry mode for controlling humidity during monsoons and a Turbo mode for instant cooling on unbearably hot days. There is also a Fan mode and a Cool mode to suit different cooling preferences. Eco mode optimizes power usage and Sleep mode maintains an even temperature during sleep hours.
The FastCool Eco Inverter AC has an aerodynamic 360 degree blower and a 4-way auto cooling mechanism for disbursing cool breeze in all directions. It has an air-throw distance of 30 feet which is quite impressive. It has variable air flow speed for adjusting the intensity of cooling. The device has a 100% copper condenser and evaporator.
The evaporator fins have a coating of titanium dioxide to prevent corrosion and germ build-up. The condenser fins also have anti-corrosion protection. The IFB FastCool Eco Inverter AC has a comprehensive 6-stage Bio Filter consisting of a dust filter, a nano filter, an activated carbon filter, a catechin filter, an anti-bacterial filter and a vitamin-enriching filter. These six filters make sure your house air is clean and free of dust, chemicals, bacteria and odors.
14. Whirlpool Magicool Pro 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC
The next product is the Whirlpool Magicool Pro. It is a 1.5 ton AC with IntelliSense Inverter technology which reduces power use by cooling as per requirement and not continuously. It has a 6th Sense FastCool technology which provides super-chilled breeze the instant it is turned on. It also has Turbo Cool which uses MPFI technology to reach the desired temperature in the shortest possible time.
The Magicool Pro is designed to operate at 55 ᵒC. It has a 100% copper condenser for rapid heat dissipation. It uses R-32 refrigerant gas which has a low negative impact on the environment.
The device has a 100% cooling capacity of 5240 watts and a 50% cooling capacity of 2700 watts. It has an energy rating of 3 Star, an annual electricity consumption of 1097.67 units and an ISEER value of 3.7. Air circulation rate of the AC is 760 CMH. It generates very less noise and seldom crosses 42 dB. It purifies air with the help of an HD filter. It also self-diagnoses its operational mal-functions and fixes itself.
The AC self-cleans and sterilizes its internal components to inhibit growth of germs. It has Eco, Turbo, Sleep and Auto modes for adapting to different needs. It has a 2-way auto air swing and a timer for further adjustments. It comes with a remote control for easy usability.
15. Godrej GIC 18MTC5-WSA 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC
The final product on our list of best air conditioners the Godrej GIC 18MTC5-WSA is an energy-saving 5 Star split AC. It has a pure copper condenser and connecting pipe for maximum cooling and long-lasting performance. It has a tonnage of 1.5 and cools air effectively within an area of 110 to 150 ft2.
The Godrej GIC 18MTC5-WSA is one of the best air conditioners in India with a BEE rating of 5 Star and a high ISEER value of 4.6. It has an annual energy consumption of 887.24 units. Its 100% cooling capacity is 5275 watts and 50% cooling capacity is 2638 watts.
The AC uses R-32 refrigerant gas which has a moderate global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential. It has stabilizer-free operation and powerful cooling even at extreme hot ambient temperature. It has Blue Fin coating which is an anti-corrosive water-resistant coating applied to the evaporator and condenser coils. It protects them from rust and clogging due to deposition of salts and acids.
The gadget has a multi-stage air filtration process. It uses a dust filter to remove dust and dust mites, an anti-bacterial filter to fight disease-causing pathogens and an active carbon filter to reduce odors and VOCs. It also has an Auto Blow function that prevents moisture build-up inside the gadget, thus inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria and viruses.
The Godrej GIC 18MTC5-WSA has a variable-speed compressor for matching power use with heat load. It has a special multi-layer acoustic jacket for absorbing machine sounds to keep the noise level to a minimum.
Split AC vs. Window AC
The ‘split AC vs. window AC’ is an ago-old debate. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. They are unique and serve different needs. While split ACs are generally more convenient in modern urban housing complexes, window ACs offer a more compact and affordable cooling solution for the vast majority of the Indian populace living in small towns, slums and rural areas.
Split ACs have a higher number of models with 5 Star BEE rating and higher ISEER values than window ACs. Therefore, when it comes to energy conservation and cooling efficiency, split ACs have an edge over window ACs.
One of the key differences between a split AC and a window AC is that the former has two units, one indoor and one outdoor, while the latter has a single window-mounted unit. In a split AC, the indoor unit houses the evaporator and the outdoor unit houses the condenser. In a window AC, both the evaporator and the condenser are contained inside a single box-shaped metal cabinet.
Split ACs require more space. You need to have space inside the house as well as outside. Window ACs just need a window. The front part of the AC consisting of the louvers and the control panel faces inwards while the rear part projects outwards.
Split ACs are installed by trained professionals and might involve some masonry. Window ACs are relatively easy to install, and might or might not involve masonry.
Split ACs are aesthetically more pleasing. Their indoor units come in sober colors and have minimalistic frames for blending in with the walls and décor of the house. Window ACs are bulky and not very soft on the eyes.
Split ACs operate quietly while window ACs are known to be a little noisy. Split ACs also have more features than window ACs. However, split ACs do not have built-in heaters whereas window ACs do. This makes the latter more versatile and useful both during summer and winter.
Copper Coil vs. Aluminum Coil
Air conditioner coils, also called fins, are made of either aluminum or copper. Copper is expensive but is more widely-used as a raw material for making fins because of its unique properties that aid air conditioning. First up, copper is a better conductor of heat than aluminum.
Hence, it is a better medium for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air. Copper has a higher tensile strength, meaning it does not break easily upon stretching or impact. It is more malleable and has a higher tolerance for stress. It handles abuse quite well. It does not bend easily and maintains the gap between the coils for air to flow unhindered.
Cleaning aluminum fins can be tricky as they tend to bend under pressure. They need to be kept in heavy-duty enclosures to prevent damage. Copper coils are not so delicate. They are easy to clean and can withstand a normal amount of handling pressure. Aluminum fins are difficult to repair. In case of damage, they often have to be completely replaced.
Copper fins, on the other hand, can be repaired easily and don’t have to be replaced unless it is a major issue. To conclude, we can say that copper coils are better than aluminum coils. They have better cooling efficiency and low maintenance. They consume less power, and despite their high cost, hold up better in the long run.
What is BEE Rating and ISEER Value in Air Conditioning?
BEE stands for Bureau of Energy Efficiency. BEE rating is a measure of energy efficiency of an appliance on a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being the least efficient and 5 being the most. The BEE rating system was launched by the Indian government in May 2006. It is applicable to a range of home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, ceiling fans, TVs, industrial motors and pumps, water heaters, washing machines, gas stoves, etc.
The purpose of the rating is to indicate how efficient an appliance is in terms of power use. The higher the rating, the lower is the energy consumption of the device and greater the power savings. An AC with a high BEE rating provides more cooling for the same amount of energy consumed as an AC with a low BEE rating. In other words, an AC with a low BEE rating consumes more power to provide the same amount of cooling as an AC with a high BEE rating.
The BEE continuously upgrades its rating standards. For instance, an AC that had received a 5 Star rating in 2010, would be downgraded to 3 Star in 2015 and 1 Star in 2018. The idea is to push for environment-friendly innovations and have companies comply with energy-efficient norms.
In January 2018, the BEE launched a new rating system for air conditioners called ISEER or Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This system factors in variance in temperature at different times of the year to measure the energy efficiency of an air conditioner in India. It is based on weather data collected from 54 major cities in India.
Air conditioners are rated in BTU or British Thermal Unit. It indicates how fast an AC can cool a room at a fixed outside temperature. It is not dependant on the tonnage and capacity of the AC. However, India does not have a uniform climate and the temperature varies from month to month. Hence, in order to accurately calculate the efficiency of an air conditioner in India one must consider the variance in ambient temperature in different places of the country throughout a year. This is where ISEER comes in. It assesses the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner by factoring in the seasonal changes in temperature across the country.
How is ISEER Calculated?
In order to under the meaning of ISEER, we need to understand two important concepts: Cooling Seasonal Total Load or CSTL and Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption or CSEC.
The official BEE website defines CSTL and CSEC as follows:
‘Cooling Seasonal Total Load (CSTL) – Total annual amount of heat that is removed from the indoor air when the equipment is operated for cooling in active mode.
Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption (CSEC) – Total annual amount of energy consumed by the equipment when it is operated for cooling in active mode.’
ISEER is the ratio of CSTL to CSEC. It is the total annual amount of heat removed from a room by an AC when it is operated for cooling in active mode to the total annual amount of energy consumed by the AC during the same period.
Therefore,
ISEER = Cooling Seasonal Total Load or CSTL / Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption or CSEC
The method of calculating CSTL, CSEC and ISEER is based on the following:
- Bin hours of the national climatic zone
- Bin temperature range 24 to 43 ᵒC and 1600 operating hours for cooling per annum
In simple terms, the ISEER measures the energy efficiency of ACs based on a weighted average of their performance when the ambient outside temperature is between 24 ᵒC and 43 ᵒC. For more information on the method of calculation, parameters and conditions, please refer the official BEE website.
The ISEER value (or ratio) so calculated corresponds to a BEE star rating as shown in the following table. The ratings are valid from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2019. Please note that BEE and ISEER ratings are different for split and window ACs. A 4 star window AC cannot be compared with a 4 star split AC. They have different power consumptions and cooling efficiencies.
| ISEER ratings for Window ACs (Fixed and Variable speed ) | ISEER ratings for Split ACs (Fixed and Variable speed ) | |||||
| Star level | Minimum | Maximum | Star level | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 1 Star | 2.50 | 2.69 | 1 Star | 3.10 | 3.29 | |
| 2 Star | 2.70 | 3.89 | 2 Star | 3.30 | 3.49 | |
| 3 Star | 2.90 | 3.09 | 3 Star | 3.50 | 3.99 | |
| 4 Star | 3.10 | 3.29 | 4 Star | 4.00 | 4.49 | |
| 5 Star | 3.30 | 5 Star | 4.50 | |||
Common Air Conditioning Problems
Here are some common problems faced in air conditioning.
Insufficient Cooling
This is perhaps the most frequent complaint regarding air conditioners. It could be due to a number of reasons like a dirty air filter, low refrigerant level, a blocked drainage pipe or ice around the evaporator coils. It could also be due to a grubby outdoor unit with dry leaves and other debris blocking air flow. Sometimes, though, it might just be that it’s just too hot outside for the AC to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Most ACs can bring down the temperature by about 20 ᵒC, no more.
Clogged Filter
One of the most frequent causes of drops in cooling intensity is a clogged air filter. We suggest you read the user manual to understand how you can clean or replace the filter. Most filters are washable and just need a good rinse under a tap. Clogged air filters restrict air flow and increase pressure on the AC. If left uncleaned, it can cause the unit to freeze.
Refrigerant Leakage
This happens when the coils get corroded over time due to the action of formic acid and/or formaldehyde. It starts as a pinhole leak and gradually gets bigger. It causes fluctuations in temperature and hampers cooling. Refrigerants are a health hazard. In case you detect a leak, call a technician immediately and have it fixed.
Water Leakage
If you notice water leaking from your AC, it might be because of one of three reasons: the drainage pipe is blocked or it has developed leaks or the condensate pump has stopped working. Due to condensation an AC produces a lot of water which needs to be continuously drained out. But if the water is unable to get out, it starts leaking from the AC cabinet.
Foul Smell
Sometimes you may notice an electrical odor emanating from the AC. This mostly happens due to overheating of the blower motor, loose electrical connections or seized bearings. If you notice a burning odor, it might be due to debris in the ducts.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Another common problem is a malfunctioning thermostat. The first thing to do here is to check if the thermostat is turned on. Make sure it is clean and placed away from the sun. If the calibration is off, have it recalibrated. If it loses its calibration frequently, it might be a good idea to switch to a digital thermostat that doesn’t lose calibration.
AC Blowing Hot Air
This may be due to debris in the condenser unit, a clogged filter or a low refrigerant level. Check for leaks and blockages in the indoor and outdoor units. Ensure it is clean and air flow is normal.
AC Making Strange Sound
A normal amount of sound is expected from all air conditioners. However, if you notice a squealing sound, it could be due to an improperly aligned belt. Call a technician and check if the belt needs replacing. If you hear a grinding noise, there might be a problem with the motor’s bearings. A popping or pinging sound indicates a loose flap of metal in the duct work. A rattling sound is a sign of loose cover panels.
AC Buying Guide
Here are the top factors to consider while buying an air conditioner.
Type
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a split AC or a window AC. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. A split AC cools faster, saves energy and has more features. It does not need the room to have a window and is wall-mountable. It is also less noisy. On the hand, a window AC is compact and suitable for small rooms. It is affordable and easy to install. It does not require drilling, and can easily be removed and transported when moving houses. Most window ACs have a built-in heater. So they are great for summers as well as winters.
Capacity
For proper cooling, the capacity of an air conditioner must be matched with the room size/ area. Here is a guide to help you select the right capacity.
- 9 feet x 10 feet room – 1 ton capacity
- 10 feet x 11 feet room – 1.2 ton capacity
- 10 feet x 15 feet room – 1.5 ton capacity
- 10 feet x 20 feet room – 2 ton capacity
In addition to the above parameters, there are other factors to consider like the height of the room, number of windows, and the floor on which the house is located. If the height of the room is more than 9.5 feet, if the room has too many windows, or if the house is on the top floor, you might need a higher-capacity AC.
Power Consumption
An AC with a high BEE rating and high ISEER value has a low (or nil) ozone depleting potential and low global warming potential. In light of the changing climate scene, it is advisable to go for a greener gadget. Your electricity bill will stay low and you will be doing your part in fighting climate change and global warming.
Inverter Technology
ACs with inverter technology use less electricity and cool air more quickly. They have consistent and uniform cooling. They also last longer and are less noisy.
Aluminum or Copper Coil
Most ACs nowadays have copper coils. Copper is stronger and more durable than aluminum. It is better at conducting heat, and hence, better at cooling. It is also less corrosive than aluminum.
Blue Fin and Gold Fin Technology
Opt for an air conditioner with corrosion-resistant evaporator and condenser coils. Blue fin technology uses epoxy and Gold Fin technology uses titanium dioxide to fight environment-induced decay and blockages. Your AC will last longer and you will spend less on maintenance.
Other Features
Other features that you might want in an air conditioner are Sleep mode, Auto mode, Dry mode, Economy mode, Turbo mode and timer. Air filters are a must for removing air pollutants like dust, bacteria and pet dander. Auto clean technology is necessary for preventing germs from breeding inside the AC unit. A rust-resistant cabinet, auto-detection of refrigerant leaks and an easy-to-use remote with backlit buttons are also essential for the smooth functioning of an AC.
How To Lower Your Air Conditioning Bill
If you have an AC at home and are wondering how you can lower your electricity bill this summer, here are a few things you can do to cut back on your power consumption.
- First up, turn off the AC when you don’t need it.
- Put it on economy mode if it is not too hot.
- Set the timer at bedtime if the weather is not unbearably hot.
- Set the thermostat at a higher temperature so that the room stays comfortably cool and doesn’t become too cold.
- Clean the filter, drainage pipe, evaporator and condenser units from time to time, preferably once every three months.
- Keep doors and windows tightly closed to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering the room. Keep curtains and blinds closed to keep out the sun.
- Use the ceiling fan to supplement the AC’s cooling.
- Turn off heat-emitting appliances like computer, TV, lamp and oven.
Let’s check the different product segment in air conditioning system in India –
Pro Tips : Air conditioning systems are better option for humid summers in India. For dry summer you can consider buying air coolers in India.
