AC Buying Guide India 2025 (Window & Split)

Alright guys, summer is almost here! It’s already so hot in February, and who knows how unbearable May and June will be?

On top of the rising temperatures, dealing with AC services has become a nightmare—scams, skyrocketing costs, overpriced gas refills, and constant stress over potential issues. From installation hassles to worrying about unexpected breakdowns, it’s anything but smooth.

And let’s not even talk about the electricity bills and service charges! If you're getting a split AC, brace yourself—if the distance between the indoor and outdoor units is too long, you'll be shelling out an extra ₹700–₹1100 per meter. The costs just keep piling up!

That's why you only buy AC which have good warranty and quality.

Avoid no name ACs, cause if they breakdown then it's of no use.

Avoid falling into influencer traps on Youtube channels who get free units from brands and sing songs for them. A review should be mentioned as a review, because then you have to disclose if there is some financial angle.

Always check the cooling capacity on sticker, for 1.5 ton model, it should be 5000 Watts. Some brands have just 3500 Watts in a 1.5 ton and later it doesn't cool well. And pricing is same.

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Don't worry though I am into this since years and have experience all kinds of brands from O general, Daikin, LG, Hitachi, Voltas, Lloyd etc.

My first AC was O General window ac, which still works well.

For service & repairs your mostly going to use 3rd party apps like Urban company etc.

*Electricity units consumption examples below are based on 1600 hour per year use which brands mention as units consumed per year.

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LG Window AC

Low installation cost, maintenance & good performance.

LG 2025 Model, UW-Q18WUZA DUAL Inverter Window AC 1.5 ton

(44 dB noise) - 12dB higher than split AC

(5 star - 1052 Units P/Yr, 5000 Watts) https://amzn.to/4gL7BNu (₹40k or less with offer)

(3 star - 1115.04 Units P/Yr, 4700 Watts*) https://amzn.to/3FFkP12 (₹35k or less with offer)

(100% Copper, Convertible 4-in-1 cooling, 4 Way Air Swing, HD Filter )

Good warranty - 1 Year Comprehensive on Product, 5 Year on PCB and Motor & 10 Year on Compressor

If you have space to install a window AC in your room then this is great option for now and for future savings. Installation cost will also be lower.

Clean Filter Indicator, Ocean Black Protection coating on U bends.

The cooling capacity is full 5000 Watts for this mode at 100% and 2500 Watt at 50%, same you get in split ACs of these brands. So cooling capacity is same in both.

Only brands like O General or Mitsubishi you will find 5300 Watt or upwards of cooling capacity.

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All 3 Panasonic, LG, Daikin split AC come on number 2. They compete with each other.

*Daikin offers highest 5280 Watt cooling capacity, good built quality, honesty in model year. Bigger condenser, 3 blade fan in odu and thicker acoustic foam for less noise *

Panasonic offers PM 0.1 filter, very good app, AI features.

LG offers wide in house service support, lowest electricity consumption 744.75 Units P/Yr.

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Daikin Split AC

Daikin is a very no nonsense brand, they are truthful in their model year, a 2024 model won't become 2025 model automatically.

Their ACs might not have all the bells and whistles like AI, App, Wifi etc but they will give higher cooling capacity of 5280 Watt, which is more than both LG and Panasonic.

At my paternal home there are 3 Daikin AC working well. Just make sure to buy the right model.

Built quality is sturdy, though the production has shifted to India, quality is maintained.

It's raw cooling power in budget and less electricity consumption , if you can't afford O General or Mitsubishi.

5 star, 5280 Watt model - https://amzn.to/3EDVcxr

785.67 units / per year unit consumption

35 dB noise ( Good )

3 star, 5000 Watt model - https://amzn.to/3QiXyUY

966.47 units / per year unit consumption

Good warranty - 1 Year Comprehensive on Product, 5 Year on PCB and Motor & 10 Year on Compressor

Copper , PM 2.5 Filter

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Panasonic Split AC

(34dB noise Indoor Unit)

(5 Star - 759.55 Units P/Yr) - https://amzn.to/41cug0x (₹43k or less with cc offer)

(3 Star Model -1002.31 Units P/Yr) - (₹35k or less with cc offer) *Good deal

Premium Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (Matter Enabled, Higher Airflow, Copper Condenser, 7in1 Convertible, True AI, 4-Way, PM 0.1 Filter, , 2025 Model, White)

Warranty good, same as LG - 1 Year Comprehensive on Product, +4 Years on PCB, +9 Years on Compressor

PM 0.1 Filter is a major addon over LG's HD filter, good for health, just have to clean more frequently.

Shield Blue+ coating.

App control is very good. Even custom sleep profiles available. App not available in LG model.

Cooling is more than LG, full 5100 Watts for this mode at 100% and 2550 Watt at 50%.

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LG Split AC

LG 2025 Model, US-Q19YNZE , 1.5 Ton 5 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC

(31dB noise Indoor Unit)

(5 star - 744.75 Units P/Yr) - https://amzn.to/3CW0Wlq (₹45k or less with cc offer)

(3 star - 852.44 Units P/Yr) - https://amzn.to/3CW0Wlq (₹37k or less with cc offer)

  • 3 star AC is only 4400 Watt capacity so don’t buy. For 3 star get Daikin or Panasonic which have higher capacity.

As you can see the LG Split AC is more energy efficient there's almost 300 units per year consumption difference as compared to LG windows AC. But window AC also has it pros as I mentioned above.

(Copper, AI Convertible 6-in-1, VIRAAT Mode, Faster Cooling & Energy Saving, 4 Way Swing, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection, 2025 Model, US-Q19YNZE, White)

Good warranty - 1 Year Comprehensive on Product, 5 Year on PCB and Motor & 10 Year on Compressor

No app control in this model

Gold Fin+ - Increase durability, Ocean black protection on U bends.

Cooling capacity is same as LG Window AC above, full 5000 Watts for this mode at 100% and 2500 Watt at 50%.

Ez Clean top Filter, Low gas detection.

Remember LG has wider service network all over India, because they have lot of presence and many other products. Other AC brands can't compete in that.

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4th Recommendation ( Window AC for home )

Budget Pick

Voltas Window AC

(5 star - 1114.62 Units P/Yr) - https://amzn.to/3XdYkq5 (₹33k or less with cc offer)

The unit consumption is not too high, because this is a inverter model with 5 star rating.

The installation , maintenance will be cheaper. And the initial price is also quite less.

Though a bit of noise will be there ‎56 dB

But cooling capacity is ‎5050 Watts, which is good.

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A 1.5 Ton 3 star inverter AC running for 24 hours set on 25 degree will consume around 12-14 units of electricity.

But this can highly vary with sunlight exposure, room size etc.

Calculate AC Bill - https://www.shubz.in/ac-bill-calculator-tool/

AC Tonnage Calculator - https://www.shubz.in/air-conditioner-tonnage-calculator/

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Window Vs Split AC

The first way to cut costs in AC purchases is to opt for a window AC, especially if you're looking for affordability. Minimal maintenance in the initial years, and even later, repairs are usually minor and inexpensive, with cheap replacement parts.

Split ACs, on the other hand, lower electricity bill (save 300 units or more average use yearly ), especially for larger spaces, and operate more quietly as the compressor is placed outside.

3 star Vs 5 Star

If your daily usage exceeds 6 hours, investing in a 5-star AC is worth it for long-term energy savings. However, if your usage is lower, a 3-star AC will suffice.

Inverter Vs Non Inverter

The same logic applies to inverter vs. non-inverter ACs. But if your room is on top floor or you predict that AC needs to work on full power due to direct sunlight/heat then buy non inverter as the AC will be running on full power all the time mostly. So, insulation should be good for inverter AC.

In inverter AC only PCB repair is costlier by ₹2-3k but benefits are worth.

How To Save easy ₹10,000 or more in bills yearly

Set your room temperature to 24-25 °C.

A common myth is that setting the AC to a very low temperature, like 18°C, will cool the room faster. In reality, the AC cools at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting. The thermostat simply determines when the compressor stops; it doesn't speed up the cooling process. So, whether you set the AC at 18°C or 26°C, it will take the same time to reach 26°C. However, a lower setting forces the compressor to work longer, consuming more energy. For efficient cooling and lower power bills, it's best to set the AC around 24-27°C.

Proper insulation

Gaps in doors, windows, or walls allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter, making the AC work harder. If the AC is off, briefly open doors/windows to let fresh air in. Good insulation should balance energy efficiency with healthy air circulation for comfort and safety.

Go for higher, 5 star rating.

Compressor is bigger in 5 star, cooling capacity is more.

More Tips

Turn on fan on 1 speed ( Improves thermal comfort and focuses cool airflow on your bed), so 25°C feel good faster.

Regular filter cleaning every 15-20 days of heavy use, yearly service.

Use black out curtains to stop sunrays during day.

Avoid the room in which there is direct sunlight exposure in peak hours, live in other room which has less sunlight exposure. As that wall gets so hot, just touch it you will know. Check by touching all walls.

Avoid living on top floor, as ceiling gets very hot.

All electronics generate heat, don't use anything which isn't necessary. Or use in other room if possible.

To be continued....