AC buying guide: 10 important features not to miss while buying a new AC in 2025

AC

Buying a new AC does not look like a tedious task. But, it is more complicated than you think. With so many options, features, and capacities to choose from, it is one of the most important questions that one should answer before making the decision to buy the AC for your home. These questions include things like what is the right capacity of AC, should you buy the non-inverter model or interval one? Is Wi-Fi as a feature that important? And, most importantly, the capacity in tons is more important than the capacity in cubic centimetres matters. All of these and more we’ve answered for you to help you make an informed decision.

Budget is important, but be flexible with it

Now, setting the price range for a new product is perhaps the most important part when buying a new product and AC should be no different. Once you are fixated on the budget, don’t treat it as ‘Laxman-rekha’. Be a little flexible with it – a couple of thousands more or less can get you a much better product.

Capacity in tons is a crucial factor
When it comes to choosing the right AC for your home, make sure to choose the size of the AC based on the room size. For instance, a smaller room can be cooled with 1-ton AC. But at the same time, a bigger room will need a bigger AC – 1.5-ton or bigger. Another factor is that if your room is on the top floor or exposed to direct sunlight then, always choose a capacity bigger. Instead of 1-ton go with 1.5-ton AC and so on.

Window AC or Split AC is a million-dollar question
Both Spit and Window ACs are good enough provided your room is equipped the right way for it. Window ACs are relatively more affordable compared to Split ACs, but only if your room has space to fit the AC. Otherwise, the Split ACs make more sense in almost all aspects. They are more featured packed, offer better efficiency, and work in all sorts of interiors. So, Split AC is a better option overall unless you want something that’s relatively more affordable.

Think about your pocket before buying
You are buying a new AC and that’s a good thing, but make sure it is not that heavy on your pocket when it comes to operational cost. So, choose the AC with at least a 4 or 5-star rating. 5 stars should be preferred here. But, if you want to keep the AC cost in check, a 4-star AC will get the job done too. And, it will make AC ownership more affordable in the long run.

Inverted AC or Non-inverted ACs: An important question with simple answer
While most AC brands have moved to Invertered technology when it comes to AC, but, there are a few things you should know. Non-inverted ACs aren’t as power efficient as the Inverter ones. But, they tend to deliver relatively better cooling in initial run. On the other hand, the Inveted ACs are more power efficient and balance the cooling pretty well by quickly managing the compressor to sustain the set temperature.

Always choose R32 coolant AC over others
R32 is a balanced coolant that are now being used in ACs. It is relatively less harmful to the environment our ozone layer and also relatively affordable compared to other coolants.

Cooper compressor key for longevity
Copper compressors are less prone to corrosion and are also more durable. So, in the longer run, they tend to sustain the coolant leaks and even harsh temperatures and situations pretty well. Make sure that your AC has a copper condenser.

Cooling capacity is the most important thing
When you go to buy a new AC, the sales person only talks about the 1-ton or 1.5-ton AC capacity. It is important, but what’s more important is the overall cooling capacity of the AC. For instance, a 1.5-ton AC can have 4400W of cooling capacity and another AC can offer 5200W of cooling capacity.

So, if you look at the broader picture, the 1.5-ton AC with more cooling capacity will offer faster cooling over the less cooling capacity one and it will also sustain the cooling for longer and end up saving a lot of money.

Filters and smart features
Apart from these, you can also look for additional filters like dust, PM 2.5, etc. And, if you are invested in a smart home setup, you can choose a smart AC as well. However, any AC can be converted into a smart AC using a small device that costs just Rs 1500.

Service duration and extra warranty

Some AC brands offer extended warranty option with their ACs and long-term warranty on the compressor. Look for them in an AC that you might be planning to buy. This not only makes the ACs more reliable, but also helps keep the after sale service better and in proper budget.