Selecting the appropriate window air conditioner (AC) is crucial to ensure optimal cooling, energy efficiency, and comfort in your living space. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the room effectively, while an oversized one may lead to increased energy consumption and inadequate humidity control. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to choosing the right-sized window AC for your room.
Before diving into the specifics of selecting a window air conditioner, it’s essential to understand the factors influencing cooling requirements. The primary determinant is the room’s size, measured in square feet. However, other elements such as room orientation (sunny or shaded), ceiling height, insulation quality, and the number of occupants also play significant roles in determining the appropriate AC capacity.
For instance, a standard 1-ton window air conditioner typically offers a cooling capacity of 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, suitable for rooms up to 150 square feet. However, if the room is in direct sunlight or has poor insulation, a higher capacity unit may be necessary to compensate for the additional heat load.
Features and benefits
When selecting a window air conditioner, consider the following features to enhance performance and user experience:
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): A higher EER indicates better energy efficiency, leading to lower electricity bills. Look for units with an EER of at least 10.
- Programmable timer: Allows you to set the AC to turn on or off at specific times, ensuring the room is cool when needed and conserving energy when not in use.
- Remote control: Provides convenience in adjusting settings without having to approach the unit.
- Dehumidification function: Helps in reducing humidity levels, improving comfort, and preventing mould growth.
- Washable filters: Easy-to-clean filters ensure consistent air quality and reduce maintenance costs.
Top 5 best-selling window air conditioners in the market with price and specifications
Here are some top-rated window air conditioners available in the market:
- LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window AC
- Cooling Capacity: 18,000 BTU
- Energy Rating: 5 Star
- Price: Approximately Rs. 35,000
- Features: Dual inverter compressor, low refrigerant detection, and ocean black protection.
- Voltas 1 Ton Window AC
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU
- Energy Rating: 3 Star
- Price: Approximately Rs. 25,000
- Features: High ambient cooling, copper condenser, and eco-friendly refrigerant.
- Blue Star 1.5 Ton Window AC
- Cooling Capacity: 18,000 BTU
- Energy Rating: 4 Star
- Price: Approximately Rs. 30,000
- Features: Anti-corrosive blue fin, self-diagnosis, and sleep mode.
- Daikin 1 Ton Window AC
- Cooling Capacity: 12,000 BTU
- Energy Rating: 4 Star
- Price: Approximately Rs. 28,000
- Features: Neo Swing compressor, power chill operation, and stabilizer-free operation.
- Hitachi 1.5 Ton Window AC
- Cooling Capacity: 18,000 BTU
- Energy Rating: 5 Star
- Price: Approximately Rs. 32,000
- Features: Tropical inverter, auto climate technology, and filter clean indicator.
Buying guide
To select the right-sized window air conditioner, follow these steps:
- Measure the room size: Calculate the room’s square footage by multiplying the length by the width. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide them into smaller sections and calculate the area of each.
- Determine the required BTU capacity: Use the following guidelines to match your room size with the appropriate BTU rating:
- 100 to 150 sq. ft.: 5,000 to 6,000 BTU
- 150 to 250 sq. ft.: 6,000 to 8,000 BTU
- 250 to 350 sq. ft.: 8,000 to 10,000 BTU
- 350 to 450 sq. ft.: 10,000 to 12,000 BTU
- Adjust for room conditions: Modify the BTU requirement based on specific room conditions:
- Sunlight exposure: Increase capacity by 10% for rooms with direct sunlight.
- Shaded rooms: Decrease capacity by 10% for rooms with heavy shading.
- Additional occupants: Add 600 BTU for each additional person regularly occupying the room.
- Kitchen use: Increase capacity by 4,000 BTU for kitchen areas.
- Consider energy efficiency: Opt for units with higher EER ratings to ensure energy savings. ENERGY STAR certified models exceed federal minimum standards for efficiency by at least 10%.
- Check installation requirements: Ensure the window dimensions are compatible with the AC unit’s size. Also, verify that the unit’s weight is manageable for installation.
Benefits of buying AC with Bajaj Finserv’s financing options
- Easy EMIs: Convert the total AC price into manageable monthly instalments, making it affordable without straining your budget.
- Zero down payment: Purchase your desired window air conditioner without any upfront payment, easing the financial burden.
- Flexible tenure of repaying 1 month to 60 months: Choose a repayment tenure that aligns with your financial situation, ranging from short-term to long-term options.
How to buy AC using Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card
- Visit a Bajaj Finserv partner store: Locate a partner store near you offering the EMI Network Card facility.
- Choose your preferred brand and model: Browse through the available window air conditioners and select the one that fits your requirements.
- Select any of Bajaj Finserv’s financing options and convert the cost into Easy EMIs: Opt for the EMI Network Card as your payment method and choose a suitable repayment plan.
- Complete your purchase at checkout: Provide necessary documents and complete the purchase process to bring home your new window air conditioner.
Conclusion
Selecting the right-sized window air conditioner involves understanding your room’s dimensions, considering specific room conditions, and evaluating various AC features. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can make an informed decision, ensuring efficient cooling and comfort in your living space. Remember to consider energy efficiency and financing options to make your purchase both economical and convenient.
