Whats the best air conditioner in India for this year? We compare the features and price of best selling AC in India to create this list of top 10 best AC in India in 2022

If you want to avoid spending hours researching air conditioners, trying to understand which AC you need, then you’re at the right website. In this review, we will find out the best AC that suits your needs. We will also help you decide whether to go for 1.5 ton AC or 1 ton AC, inverter AC or normal AC, window AC or split AC. Is it prudent to pay more to buy an Inverter AC or a  5 start BEE rated AC. Find out which air conditioner offers the best value for money.

Below are our comprehensive review and comparison to answer the all-important question: “What’s the best air conditioner for the majority of people?”

Here goes..

Key Decision-Making Factors

So, when it comes to determining which are the best AC on the market in 2022, how do we go about it? In rating air conditioners, we use a set of five criteria.

  1. Features: We look at the overall features offered by the manufacturer relative to how expensive the air conditioner is.
  2. Customer Experience: We review buyer ratings on a variety of online platforms to find out the best and worse customer experience.
  3. Price: We consider upfront cost of the air conditioner and the cost of operating it and the cost of maintenance over the years..
  4. Durability: We consider the durability of air conditioners and the manufacturer’s warranty policy.
  5. Brand/Service Quality: We consider the ability of manufacturer to provide good after sales service over a long period of time and to every part of the country.

Lets now look at our list of best AC in India for the year 2022.

Looking for a 2 Ton Air Conditioner? Check out our post for Best 2 Ton AC in 2022. For 1 on AC, check out our post for Best AC in India 1 Ton.

Top 10 Best Air Conditioners in India? – 1.5 Ton Inverter, Split & Window AC

#1 LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Dual Inverter Split AC – Best Overall

Buy on FlipKart

LG Split AC with dual inverter compressor is our pick# 1 in our list for best air conditioner in India 2022. LG MS-Q18YNZA is a 1.5 Ton inverter split AC with 5 star energy rating and 4.73 ISEER Value. LG offers 1 year comprehensive, 5 year on PCB, and 10 year compressor warranty on this model. It is fitted with copper condenser with Ocean Back anti-corrosive coating and R32 Environment friendly refrigerant gas.

In-door Unit for LG Air Conditioner

It comes with unique ‘Anti-Virus’ protection layer fitted HD Filter. The filter mesh is coated with Cationic Silver Ions (AgNPs) that may deactivate Virus and bacteria in contact.

The best AC in India 2022 is LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star, Dual Inverter Split AC Click To Tweet

This LG AC is exceptionally quiet, yet amazingly powerful, comfortable, and energy saving. Its auto clean feature is really useful if you live in an area with high humidity. It evaporates moisture from AC’s internal unit, thereby preventing bacteria or mold from breeding and eliminate potential odors.

It also comes with a low refrigerant detection feature which will be handy as your AC ages and you will know when to get refrigerant topped up.

While you can get several air conditioners cheaper than this one, but it offers you exceptional quality, more features, and promises a longer life. Further, LG is a time tested brand, has good service network of its own and manufactures great quality product.

Does LG MS-Q18YNZA Meet Our Criteria for Best Inverter AC in India 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Dual Rotary Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Present –  Ocean Black (Better than Goldfin & Bluefin)
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5000 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 818.81 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 31 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 Year Comprehensive, 5 Year PCB, 10 Years (Compressor)
Bottom Line If you stay near sea/coastal area or area exposed to industrial pollution, then stop your search here and buy this air conditioner of appropriate tonnage now. It offers best protection that an AC would need to survive the corrosive atmosphere present in such areas. This AC is also great for brand cautious buyers who don’t mind spending a little extra for a better product. Its a product that may last for several years if maintained properly.

#2 Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Twin Cool Best Inverter Split AC

This Panasonic air conditioner is our #2 pick in the list of best air conditioner in India for year 2022. It is also the best inverter AC in India for 2022.

Panasonic CS/CU-NU18WKYW is 1.5 ton Inverter AC that comes with a wifi that is compatible with Panasonic’s Miraie platform and Amazon Alexa. This makes this AC a “Smart AC” that can be controlled through a mobile App or voice commands if you have alexa.

Even if we assume that this AC does not come with a wifi feature, it is still a great product with copper condenser, twin inverter compressor, hydophillic anti-corrosive coating, 5 star BEE rating, self diagnostics , PM 2.5 Air purification system, stabilizer-free operation, and several other features.

The AC can operate within a range of 145V to 285V, which means you don’t need to purchase a stabilizer for this air conditioner. This means savings of rupees 2500 to 4000.

The brand Panasonic is a great company based in Japan that manufactures quality products in India. It has a wide network of service centers all over India and therefore, the serviceability of these air conditioners will not be a problem.

Does Panasonic CS/CU-NU18WKYW Meet Our Criteria for Best AC in India 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Dual Rotary Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Present –  Bluefin
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5100 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 840.75 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 39 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 year on product & condenser, 10 years on compressor
Bottom Line This Panasonic AC offers great value for money as it has every feature required in new age AC and comes at a reasonable cost. This AC is powerful, quiet, provides protection against sand, salt, industrial smoke, and humidity, and also has a WiFi feature. This is a great package and therefore one of the best AC in India 2022

#3 Sanyo 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC – Value for Money

Sanyo Inverter Split AC is another air conditioner from Panasonic under Sanyo brand. Panasonic acquired Sanyo brand and currently it is a subsidiary of Panasonic in India. Sanyo is an online only brand. It saves the distribution and middlemen cost and therefore the product is cheaper that Panasonic and other brands in the category. Also the features provided are pretty basic. There is no wifi, advanced air filters, motion detection, and other fancy features. But the basic AC machine is pretty solid. I have used these air conditioners for 2 years now, and they are working without a problem.

Sanyo Indoor Unit
Sanyo AC indoor Unit

Talking about this particular model, it is suitable for rooms under 150 sq ft area. It is an Inverter split AC that comes with R32 refrigerant, 3 star BEE rating, stabilizer free operation (145V to 285V) and PM 2.5 air filter. It also comes with hydrophilic fins that are corrosion resistant. Sanyo offers 1 year comprehensive and 5 year compressor warranty on this model.

This is hands down buy, for the price sensitive customers as you get a powerful machine, which is cheaper, energy efficient, and comes with latest inverter technology. However, if you are Brand cautious, then go for LG, Hitachi, or O-General air conditioners.

The customer ratings on Amazon confirm the popularity of this model and the fact that this AC offers best value for your money and that’s the reason this AC finds itself at #3 in our list for Best AC in India 2022.

Does Sanyo SI/SO-15T5SCIA Meet Our Criteria for Best Air Conditioner in India for 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Dual Rotary Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Present – Hydrophillic coating
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5100 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 857.89 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 43 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Great
Warranty 1 year on product & condenser, 5 years on compressor
Bottom Line If you are a budget cautious person, then this AC is for you. Sanyo has done a great job of offering an inverter AC with such great features at an unbelievable price. This is truly the AC of India that most Indian middle class families can afford and beat the summer heat. This is the best AC in India 2022 for budget customers.

#4 Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

This Daikin air conditioner is our #4 pick in the list of best air conditioner in India for year 2022.

Daikin FTKR50TV the best 1.5 ton inverter AC in India that comes with a wifi compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. This makes this AC a “Smart AC” that can be controlled through a mobile App or voice commands if you have alexa device.

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star AC

Even if we assume that this AC does not come with a wifi feature, it is still a great product with copper condenser,  Neo Swing inverter compressor, 5 star BEE rating, self diagnostics , latest R32 refrigerant gas, low noise level of 35 dB, power chill operation, inbuilt stabilizer and several other features.

The brand Daikin is a great company based in Japan that manufactures quality products in India. It has a wide network of service centers all over India and therefore, the serviceability of these air conditioners will not be a problem.

The reason we placed this AC at number 4 instead of number 1 is due to its cost. Daikin charges premium price for its air conditioner and later for spare parts and after sales service. This can be frustrating for some people. However, if budget is not a problem for you, then this is the machine for you!

Another premium brand to consider can be O-General. If buying O-General AC, purchase only from local retailer/shop as purchasing from online stores may invalidate your warranty as per the disclaimer on the official website:

Fujitsu General (India) Private Limited has not authorized any e-Commerce company to sell our products. Installation and Warranty for General brand air conditioners purchased through e-Commerce companies will not be provided by Fujitsu General (India) Private Limited.

https://www.fujitsu-general.com/g-in/

Does Daikin FTKR50TV Meet Our Criteria for Best 1.5 Ton Inverter AC in India

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Rotary Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Not Present
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5000 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 824.08 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 35 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 year on product & condenser, 10 years on compressor
Bottom Line This Diakin AC is comparatively costlier than the other models in our list but it has every feature required in a new age AC. This AC is powerful, quiet, comes with inbuilt stabilizer, and also has a WiFi feature. This is a great package and therefore one of the best 1.5 Ton Split AC in India

#5 Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Best Inverter Split AC

Voltas 185V JZJT is a 5 star BEE rated split inverter AC with 1.5 ton capacity. It is suitable for cooling a room of under 150 sq ft of size. This AC comes with a unique adjustable mode with which you can choose to operate this AC in 1 Ton or 1.5 Ton mode. This is a great feature to use and can help you save on electricity bills.

Other than that, it also comes with a dehumidifier, multi stage air filtration, turbo mode, sleep mode, and several other features. This AC is capable of operating in voltage range of 100-290V and hence you would not need to install a stabiliser with this AC.

For air purification, it comes with Anti Dust Filter, Catechin Filter, Acaro Bacterium Filter, Silver Ion Filter, and CO2 Reduction Filter.

If you look at customer ratings, most of the people left a positive feedback for this product. This is a great rating and confirms the over all satisfaction level of customers using this AC.

Because Voltas brand is customer’s favourite, we therefore place this AC in #5 position in our list of best AC in India 2022

Does Voltas SAC_185V_ADS Meet Our Criteria for Top 10 AC in India for 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Not Present/No Mention
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5200 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 892.32 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 46 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Good
Warranty 1 year on product, 5 years on compressor.
Bottom Line We have placed this AC at number 5 among the Best 1.5 Ton AC in India for the only reason that it does not come with an anti-corrosive epoxy coating. Other than that, its a great machine. Avoid if you stay near sea/coastal area.

LG 1.5 Ton 3 Star Hot and Cold Inverter Split AC

LG LS-H18VNXD is a 1.5 ton all season, best hot & cold inverter split AC with 3 star BEE rating. It comes with goldfin coated copper condenser, inverter compressor, and stabilizer free operation (120-290V)

This air conditioner is a great choice for someone looking for a single machine for dealing with summer heat and winter chills.

Old Model – LG Hot & Cold AC – Using It for last 15 Years without a Single Problem!

This LG air conditioner, comes with superior Goldfin coating on evaporator and anti-corrosive ocean black coating on condenser that makes it immune to harsh weather conditions like salty air, rain, dust and other corrosive elements.

Moving on, LG LS-H18VNXD uses dual rotary inverter compressor with twin rotors for faster cooling, high energy savings, low operational noise & greater stability. The self-diagnosis feature that alerts you of a fault in operation is a great help. Plus its premium looks will add to beauty of your living or bed room.

Overall, it is a great machine for anyone looking to buy an all season AC and thus takes #5 place in our list of best air conditioners in India. .

Does LG LS-H18VNXD Meet Our Criteria for Top 10 AC in India

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Rotary Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Anti-Corrosion Coating Present –  Goldfin, Ocean Black
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5200 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 1015.70 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 38 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 year on product, 10 years on compressor with gas charging
Bottom Line If you are looking for a high performance air conditioner, that will beat the heat in summers and chills in winter  then this is the air conditioner you should buy. It comes with powerful copper condenser coated with anti corrosive coating that increases its life and durability.

We have now read about the top 5 best 1.5 Ton Split AC in India, Lets now checkout the list of best 1.5 ton window AC in India. Here we go..

#6 LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Window AC

LG JW-Q18WUZA is a powerful 1.5 ton windows AC with inverter compressor and WiFi. It comes with a 5 star energy rating and has R32 refrigerant which is eco-friendly and more efficient than the R410A. LG offers a 1 year warranty on product and a 10 year warranty on compressor of this model. It is suitable for a room of up to 150 Square feet.

This LG windows AC comes with a unique top air discharge design that looks trendy and gives it a premium look. The WiFi feature of this AC works with LG ThinQ, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. With the last two, you can use voice commands to control the functions of this AC.

It has all the features that you see in LG air conditioners like Low Gas Detection, Clean Filter Indication,  Anti-corrosive Ocean Black Protection, and smart diagnosis.

This LG AC takes #1 place in our list of Best 1.5 Ton Window AC in India for its performance, durability, latest features, and wifi connectivity.

Does LG JW-Q18WUZA Meet Our Criteria for Best AC in India for 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Dual Rotor Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Present
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5000 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 1106.25 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 44 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 Year (Comprehensive), 10 Years (Compressor with Gas Charging)
Bottom Line If you are looking for a Windows AC, then its the best AC in India 2022 you can purchase. This AC is even suitable for areas that see high humidity and industrial pollution. Thanks to its steel body, copper condenser, and anti corrosive coating. With features like WiFi incorporated, this AC is future ready and surely the best you can purchase in India.

#7 Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window AC (Copper, PM 2.5 Filter, 2020 Model, CW-XN181AM White)

Panasonic CW-XN181AM is a 1.5 ton 5 star window AC with single stage compressor and copper condenser. It also comes with a bluefin anti-corrosive coating on condenser which ensures long life of this AC.

With all these features, Panasonic CW-XN181AM ensures a powerful cooling performance, quieter operation, long life, and peace of mind. We therefore have placed this AC at #2 in our list of best AC in India 2022 (Window AC).

This AC comes equipped with a PM 2.5 Filter to provide dust free, clean air by removing the PM 2.5 particles in the air.

Samsung offers 1 year warranty on this AC  and 5 years on compressor.

Does Panasonic CW-XN181AM Meet Our Criteria for Top 10 AC in India

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Rotary Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Present –  BlueFin
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5050 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 1168.90Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 56 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Excellent
Warranty 1 Year (Comprehensive), 5 Years Compressor
Bottom Line This Panasonic 1.5 ton window AC is an excellent air conditioner to purchase. It is not just powerful, but also durable and energy efficient. If you don’t need the wifi feature, then this is probably the best window AC you can purchase for your home or office. Panasonic CW-XN181AM is at #2 in our list of Best Windows AC in India

 

#8 Voltas 1.4 Ton 5 Star Window AC

Voltas 1.4 ton windows AC ranks #8 in our list for best air conditioner in India 2022. It is #3 pick if you are looking specifically for a best 1.5 ton window AC in India.

Voltas 175 LZH is the best selling 1.4 ton AC this year on Amazon India. The reason for this out performance is very clear. It comes with a 5 star energy rating and still does not cost a bomb.

This AC comes with copper condenser coil, two stage filtration, eco-mode, turbo cooling and other regular features. At this cost, you can’t ask for more.  This is the best windows AC for a price sensitive customer.

Does Voltas 175 LZH Meet Our Criteria for Best AC in India for 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Rotary Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Not Present
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 4840 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 830 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 54 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Good
Warranty 1 Year (Comprehensive), 5 Years (Compressor)
Bottom Line This is a great windows AC for someone looking for a 5 star AC at a budget price. Cons of this AC include the absence of anti-corrosive coating and Inverter technology.

#9 Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC


Voltas WAC 185V DZA is the 3rd Voltas AC that makes it to the list of best air conditioners in India. It is suitable for a room of upto 140 Square feet. It is an Inverter AC and has a 5 Star BEE rating. It has a wide operating voltage range of 45~270 volts and therefore does not need a stabilizer. As it is a 5 star rated inverter AC, your savings on monthly electricity bill will easily pay back for the extra amount you will spend in purchasing this air conditioner.

This voltas AC is our #9 pick in our review of best AC 2022 in India.

Does Voltas WAC 185VDZA Meet Our Criteria for Best AC in India 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type High EER Inverter Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils Not Present
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5100 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 1111.97 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 54 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Good
Warranty 1 Year (Comprehensive), 5 Years (Compressor)
Bottom Line This model is not popular among customers as its costly and one can get a split AC for that price. Purchasing this model makes sense only for someone who does not like split AC or if its not feasible to install a split AC in his home/office.

#10. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Window AC – Best 1.5 Ton Window Air Conditioner

Any list for best air conditioners will be incomplete if it does not include a Panasonic AC. This brand is know for manufacturing best quality air conditioners that are powerful and durable.

Panasonic’s CW-LN181AM is a latest model air conditioners made of 100% copper condenser coated with BlueFin anti rust coating, and rotary compressor. It has cooling capacity of 5050 watts which is among the best offered by any 1.5 ton window AC in India. For its powerful performance, we have placed this AC at #10 place in our list of best air conditioners in 2022.

The cons of this AC include absence of Inverter feature.

Does Panasonic’s CW-LN181AM Meet Our Criteria for Best AC in India for 2022

Important Specifications Value
Compressor Type Rotary Compressor
Condenser Type Copper
Hydrophilic-Coated Coils None
Cooling Capacity @ 100% 5050 Watts (1W = 3.4121 BTU/hr)
Annual Electricity Consumption 1,300 Units/Year (1600 Hours)
Noise Level (Indoor) 54 dB(A)
Service Network & Quality Good network of Service Centers
Warranty 1 Year (Comprehensive), 5 Years (Compressor)
Bottom Line If you want a powerful windows AC and there is a service center of Panasonic in your city, then you can go for this air conditioner.

Best AC in India by Price

Looking for best air conditioners categorized by price? Check out the following post:

If your budget is less than 15,000 then you should consider purchasing a cooler for your home.

Best AC in India 2022 – Which AC Do You Need? (Buyer Guide)

 This is the most important question you should ask yourself before reading any further.  Air conditioners don’t come cheap and you don’t buy a new AC every next year like your mobile handset. So, its important that you buy a great machine that remains good for years to come and meets requirement of your family not just on regular days but also during small family gatherings.

1 Ton, 1.5 Ton or 2 Ton Air Conditioner?

This can also be measured in terms of BTU by calculating area of a room in sq. ft. and then multiplying it with 30 or with 40 if your room is at top floor and exposed to sunlight from roof or from more than two sides. The number of windows, area of windows, max summer temperature in your city, no of people occupying room, ceiling height, heat emitting appliances in room, and lots of other factors affects the BTU calculations.

Important Note: When calculating BTU for your room, add 600 BTUs for every additional person that is expected to be in the room. Also add 10 percent more BTUs if room is sunny or if your city temperature goes above 40°C in summers.

Once you have calculated the BTU required for your room, compare it with BTU power supplied by different air conditioners as given in table below and then decide the capacity required for your AC.

Power of 1 ton, 1.5 ton and 2 ton AC

AC Capacity (tons)Power (BTU/hr)
1 Ton AC12000 BTU/hr
1.5 Ton AC18000 BTU/hr
2 Ton AC24000 BTU/hr

If that calculation is tough for you (It actually is), then refer to the simplified information below:

Condition 1 Ton AC 1.5 Ton AC 2 Ton AC
If Max Temp in Your City goes past 40°C Avoid, unless you stay in a room that gets no sunlight. Max room size 100 Sq. Ft For rooms under 140 Sq. Ft For rooms upto 180 sq ft
If Max Temp in Your City remains under 35°C For rooms under 100 Sq. Ft For rooms under 150 Sq. Ft For rooms upto 200 sq ft
If you expect AC to keep it cool during gatherings of up to 10 people including your family. City Temp Above 40°C Avoid Avoid For rooms under 120 Sq. Ft
If you expect AC to keep it cool during gatherings of up to 10 people including your family. City Temp under 35°C Avoid For rooms under 120 Sq. Ft For rooms upto 160 sq ft

Alternatively, visit the link below for an easy to use BTU calculator:
https://www.bluestarindia.com/roomacs/tonnage-calculator

Also, check the electricity consumption for your AC here: https://energyconversiondevices.com/air-conditioner-power-consumption-calculator/

Inverter AC, or Normal AC- Which one is Better?

 In short, go for an Inverter AC.  Don’t fall for low upfront cost, discounts, or freebies. Inverter ACs are more comfortable, highly durable, and last longer that the non inverter air conditioners.

If you buy a 5 star inverter AC, it will save you more money than its cost over a span of 10 years.

Pro Tip: On an average, an AC uses 350-700 units a month (for 12 hours of use daily) costing you ₹1800 to ₹4500 per month in electricity bills in all major cities of India. With an Inverter AC, this cost comes down significantly.

Whats so special about Inverter AC?

An inverter type air-conditioner operates at constant speed after achieving desired indoor temperature so that the temperature never goes up again.  Whereas in ordinary AC, compressor turns off after achieving desired indoor temperature and turns on again when temperature goes up.

Non-inverter air-conditioners stops and starts repeatedly. A 1.5 ton inverter AC would work at 0.3 to 1.7 ton power based on cooling requirement. As a result, inverter air conditioners are more energy-saving and comfortable than non-inverter air-conditioners.

See the Diagram below for better understanding:-

Best Air Conditioners

Source: https://www.daikinindia.com/inverter-technology-0

BEE Ratings: 2 Star, 3 Star, 4 Star or 5 Star Rated AC – How much of a difference does it make?

Air conditioners are given energy star ratings by the BEE – Bureau of energy efficiency. More the number of stars, more is the energy efficiency of the appliance. The available stars are between a minimum of one and a maximum of five.

An AC with a 5 star BEE ratings save you upto 20 to 40 % in electricity bills when compared to a 1 star AC. Therefore, it makes sense to pay some extra money and purchase an AC with 4 to 5 star energy rating, as it will save you much more money in the long term.

Split AC, Window AC, Portable AC, or Cassette AC

Portable air conditioners, and Cassette air conditioners are not very popular in India. You can find cassette air conditioners in showrooms, or offices but very rarely someone purchases them for their home. Portable air conditioners are even more unpopular.

The remaining two types of air conditioners are very popular. And making a choice between these two is relatively easier. As far as efficiency is concerned, there is no difference. Both are equally good at cooling a room. However, the window air conditioners usually consume more electricity than their counterparts.

Lets look at pros and cons of a window AC and a split AC.

Window AC Split AC
Cost Cheaper by ₹3000 to ₹8000 Product is costlier and the installation cost is also higher
Electricity Cost High Less than Window AC of same tonnage.
Looks Looks Old Fashioned Looks fashionable
Comfort/Features Makes lots of noise. Usually has less features. Quiet Operation, Usually comes with features like auto clean, bacteria filter, air purifier, etc
Maintenance Service cost is almost half. Service cost is high

Now that we know the pros and cons of window and split AC, it should be easier for you to make a final decision on the type of best air conditioner to buy.  We recommend going for a split AC but purchasing a windows AC in not a bad idea either.

Type of Compressor & Condenser

If you are looking for comfort and efficiency, you would want your AC to be less noisy, and capable to maintaining a constant indoor temperature. You can achieve this by preferring an AC with Inverter compressor over those that come with a simple rotary type compressor or reciprocating compressor.

Inverter Compressor

Actually, inverter compressor is also a type of rotary compressor. The only difference is that it has a DC inverter to control the speed of the compressor according to the cooling requirement. In such air conditioners, the compressor never shuts off completely. This results in less wear and tear to the parts, stable room temperature, no sharp fluctuations in current, and overall quieter operation.

MCHE or PFC Condensers

When it comes to the efficiency of condenser, MCHE (Microchannel heat exchange) condensers made of e-coated aluminium alloy is the best.

The MCHE coil construction provides for excellent heat transfer due to the enhanced surface area and the metallurgical bond between tube and fin. Air conditioners with MCHE coil will cool the rooms much quickly and will be capable of cooling rooms in cities that see temperatures soaring above 45 degree Celsius.

When MCHE is used as a condenser in an air-conditioning unit, it is commonly called a Parallel Flow Condenser (PFC).

However, these condensers are susceptible to corrosion, hard to clean, and hard to repair.

RTPF Aluminium-Fin-Copper-Tube Condensers

RTPF (Round Tube Plate Fin) heat exchanger, made of aluminum fin and copper tube condenser coil, are the most common type of condensers used by air conditioners in India. Such heat exchanger are are not as efficient as the MCHE condensers but are not bad either.

Also, one major advantage of these copper tubes is that they are repairable but the aluminium condensers would more likely need to be replaced when damaged.

For its lower maintenance cost, corrosion resistance, and durability, copper tube-aluminium fin condenser is our choice for condensers. The latest condensers of this type are also high in efficiency with the use of grooved copper tubes and dual inverter compressor.

Durability of Air Conditioner

While durability of any appliance is very important, it is even more important when it comes to purchasing an AC, especially for the people staying closer to coastal areas.

If you live near the coast, your air conditioner is a lot more susceptible to damage from the surrounding salty and humid air. If not protected, your air conditioner body will rust and condenser coil will suffer corrosion, resulting in cooling gas/refrigerant leak. This would lead to premature repair or replacement of broken parts due to galvanization and salt corrosion.

To avoid such situation, you must purchase a AC that comes with some kind of hydrophillic coating on condenser and evaporator. Such coatings don’t let water to stick to the coil or fins and therefore prevent corrosion.

Such coatings are known by different names like bluefin coating or goldfin coating, or titanium dioxide coating. Whether, you have a copper-tube-aluminum-fin condenser, or a MCHE condenser made of aluminium alloy, it should always come with a cathodic e-coating of some hydrophillic material like epoxy, etc. This is a must for longer life of your AC.

Also read our post on how you can prevent coil corrosion and refrigerant leak in air conditioners.

Type of Refrigerant Gas

Most customers will not care about this factor and the sales men at showroom will also not care to mention this aspect of air conditioners. However, it still makes a difference, not just in performance but also in future serviceability and cost of maintainance of your air conditioner.

If you have an old AC at your home, it will probably have R-22 refrigerant in it. While it works great for cooling performance but when leaked into atmosphere, it contributes to the depletion of ozone layer. This was a real problem for safety of enviornment and governments in several countries including Indian Government has therefore banned its use. Needless to say, you should avoid purchasing new AC that comes with R-22 gas.

Another type of refrigerant is R410. This is used by a few brands like Daikin in India. However, it is also being phased-down for the same reason as R-22 refrigerant.

Finally, the latest refrigerant that is safest among all and is widely used in India now is R32. It  is a better choice for the environment and reduces electricity consumption up to approximately 10% when compared to that of air conditioners using R-22 gas.

For detailed information about refrigerant gases, read our post on Why AC Manufacturers Are Switching Over to R32 Refrigerant?

Brand and Service Availability

When purchasing expensive appliances like air conditioners, its important to limit your choices to best AC brands that have their own service centers in your area. For example, O’General air conditioners are great when it comes to the quality but when we talk about service availability, it is limited to only a few select cities in India. Then there are brands launched by e-commerce companies that sell for very cheap cost but offer poor after sales service. One must avoid such brands, particularly when there are better options available from brands like LG, Panasonic, Bluestar,  Voltas, Hitachi, and Diakin.

Best AC in India – Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best AC brand in India?

In India, Voltas and LG are two most popular and best AC brand in India. Other than these, Hitachi, Panasonic, Diakin, Godrej, Samsung, and O'General are also popular brands. Videocon was once a very popular brand of air conditioner but not anymore due to problems with the parent Videocon group. TCL has also comeup with reasonably priced air conditioners with great specifications in India. But the company is at a nascent stage and one should wait for them to establish a good network of dealers and service centers before purchasing their air conditioner. But it is surely a brand to keep watch on.

Which AC brand provides the best service?

LG, Panasonic, and Bluestar provide great service. You will find their service centers all over India. LG especially is a trusted brand name in India.  Voltas also has a good network of service centers but we have read several negative reviews about them and that makes us sceptical about the quality of service Voltas provides.

What is Blue Fin / Gold Fin technology?

Its a type of coating that protects condenser from corrosion and helps it last longer. Such coatings can be of several types, like goldfin coating, bluefin coating, and others. However, they are used for only one reason and that is to preven corrosion.

These coatings have hydrophillic character which enables water droplets to flow off the surface without facing a lot of resistance. Thus water does not conglomerate in large droplets and disperses easily.

Which condenser is better - Aluminium or Copper?

Copper tube condenser is better than the aluminium tube condenser. Always prefer purchasing an air conditioner with copper condenser, no matter what the sales man tells you. Many companies tried selling air conditioners made of aluminium metal or aluminium alloy but have failed maserably in India.

No matter, which type of AC you purchase, just make sure that it is coated with a hydrophillic coating. Such coatings ensure long life of condensers.

One major disadvantage of aluminium condenser is that it is hard to repair and would need replacement if broken. Copper condensers on the other hand are easy to repair.

Which type of AC consumes less electricity?

Electricity consumption depends on the tonnage or capacity of an AC. Higher the tonnage, more is the electricity consumed.

Among air conditioners of same tonnage, the ones with higher star energy ratings consume the lowerst amount of electricity and one star rated AC would use the highest amount of electricity.

If the tonnage and star ratings are the same, then the air conditioner with Inverter compresser will use less electricity.

Also, a Split air conditioner usually is more energy efficint than the Window AC of same capacity.

Is it safe to buy AC online?

Yes, its completely safe to purchase air conditioners online. Not only you save your time when shopping online but you can also take your time selecting the right AC from the right brand. Plus you save the money you would otherwise have to pay to transport AC to your home. Above all, you get better deals online than what you get in the stores.

Can a MCHE condenser AC lasts as long as a copper condenser AC?

When properly protected with a quality hydrophillic coating, a MCHE condenser lasts as long as a copper condenser if not more. Especially if you are not living near coastal areas. For more on this topic read our post: Copper Condenser vs Aluminium Condenser

What is better for health - Air Cooler or Air Conditioner?

There is no definative answer to this question. Air conditioners provide excellent cooling and some AC also come with air purifier features, resulting in better comfort, low humidity that prevents skin infections during monsoon, and easy maintenance. Air coolers on the other hand pull fresh air into rooms. This can be good or bad depending on air quality outdoors in your area. However, air coolers require frequent maintenance or coolers can grow all sorts of slimy stuff in the tank and cooling pads. For more on which one to choose among them, check out our post on Air Cooler or Air Conditioner – Which is Better & Why?

How can I know something is not right with the compressor of my AC?

When the compressor of your AC malfunctions, it reflects in dispersal of hot air from the indoor unit, unusual sound coming from it, reduced air flow, etc

Why water is dripping from the indoor unit of my AC?

When there is clogging in or disconnection of the condensate drain, water drips from the indoor unit instead of being drained outside.

Which refrigerant is better?

R32 is better than R22 and R410A since it brings down operational cost and it is more eco-friendly.

Best AC India 2022 – Conclusion

We reviewed the most popular 50 air conditioners on the market, across a range of uses and settings. For it’s outstanding performance at a reasonable price, 5 star BEE rating, inverter technology, copper coil, service quality, and sleek design, the LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, Convertible 5-in-1 Cooling, HD...  is our number 1 pick in 1.5 ton split AC and LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Window AC (Copper, 2020 Model, JW-Q18WUZA,...  is our top pick in 1.5 ton window AC.

This was our list of best AC in India. Do let us know if you think there is a better AC that we should include in this list.

Riya Menon

Last update on 2023-12-04 / Images from Amazon

13 replies
  1. B.Mukherjee says:

    I am staying on the top floor in our flat at Kolkata. The roof get sunlight almost through out the day. The size of my rooms are approx 120,110 & 150 sqft. The Hall is approx 300 sqft.
    I want to know what capacity ACs are to be installed according to the size of the room.
    Whether false roofing will help to fix lower capacity AC. The number of person in my flat is 2.

    • Lavanay says:

      Hi B. Mukherjee,

      You will need a 1.5 ton AC for each of your rooms. For this, you can choose any of the options we have listed above.

      For hall, you would need a 3 ton AC. If a single 3 ton AC is not available, then you can install two 1.5 ton air conditioners in the hall.

      Alternatively, we recommend you to consider getting a Cassette AC for your hall. This ofcource if its within your budget, because it would also mean additional expense on false ceiling. Here are few options to choose if you are interested in Cassette ACs:

      https://amzn.to/2XTo0sz
      https://amzn.to/3dtWWqk

  2. Rohit says:

    Hi pls suggest my room size is aprox 220 sq feet. Will 1.5 ton AC sufficient for this. Additionally with ac provides max cooling in 1.5 ton range. I need non inverter Ac.
    Pls suggest some model. My budget up to 40k. Max.

    • Lavanay says:

      Hi Rohit,

      You need a minimum of 2 ton AC for your room. If your budget is 40K, you can purchase this AC https://amzn.to/2ZvqjnG which is well under your budget. But this particular AC sells out quickly, so make sure to take a decision quickly.

      If you are looking for Window AC, then buy this one https://amzn.to/3jaS3pk

  3. Hema says:

    Hello, We are planning to buy one 1.5 ton and one 1 ton AC. Below are the suggested list from friends and shop staffs.
    ***1.5 ton***
    1. LG LS-Q18ANZA
    2. LG LS-Q18HNZD
    3. Samsung AR18TY5QAWK

    ***1.0 ton***
    1. LG LS-Q12GWZA
    2. LG LS-Q12FNZD
    3. Samsung AR12TY5QAWK

    They say 2019 version is obselete and should buy 2020 model only and hence 2 and 3 were added.

    Please advise the best ASAP.

    • Lavanay says:

      All are good machines. Personally, I would have gone for LS-Q18HNZD and LS-Q12GWZA

  4. Raj Dagar says:

    a very good post shared by you with the best ac models.

  5. LAKSHMAN says:

    EXCELLENT ARTICLE OF HOW TO SELCT AN AC IN INDIA. BUT WHY WAS BLUE STAR A/C NOT INCLUDED? BLUE STAR A/C HAVE VERY HIGH QUALITY AND ENERGY EFFICENT A/C.PLEASE REVIEW ABOUT BLUE STAR A/C

  6. Tofik ahamad says:

    Gmr please suggest my room size 150 sq. Ft no any window available no sunlight come to my room my city temperature is approximately 40 only suggest sprite ac. Witch company with futcher….

    • Lavanay says:

      Go for 1.5 Ton AC. We like the brands LG (Premium) and Sanyo (Budget). Both are good and reliable brands with good future. Sanyo is an online brand of Panasonic, and LG needs no introduction. If you use room heater in winters, then consider purchasing a Hot & Cold AC. It will save your electricity in winters and provide better heating. Take a look at this Air conditioner: https://amzn.to/3AUj9tT

  7. Sujit says:

    Hello, I am very confuse between lg MS-Q18YNZA, or Panasonic (Cs/cu-nu18wkyw) But I already place order on Flipkart Panasonic which cost 34,500But still my mind was confuse to buy LG or Panasonic please help me.

    • Lavanay says:

      Panasonic is also an excellent brand. Stick with your purchase.

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