Types of Air Conditioners: A Guide To Mastering Comfort
Air conditioners are found to be amongst the most commonly used electrical appliances in Indian homes. They are essential to keep cool during hot weather and relieve the sweltering summer heat. In the past few years, the world of air conditioning has experienced remarkable growth and witnessed innovation and development in types of air conditioners. Today, there are a plethora of options that cater to different needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the diverse world of air conditioners and understand the unique features of different types. Have a look!
Popular Types of Air Conditioners
The world of air conditioners offers a wide array of options. From traditional window units to sophisticated ductless systems, there are multiple options to meet different cooling needs and preferences. Each type of air conditioner comes with its own set of merits and considerations, which makes it important to select wisely based on your unique requirements.
Here are some popular types of air conditioners to choose from.
Window Air Conditioners
Starting off our list with the most classic and cost-effective solution for cooling individual rooms- Window Air Conditioners. These are traditional air conditioners that comprise one single unit that fits into a standard window frame, with the cooling and exhaust components facing outside. They are highly versatile, easy to install, and cost-effective, which makes them a staple in homes, offices, and apartments.
Design and Components:
Talking about the design, a window AC features two main components. One is the front panel that features adjustable louvres and control buttons or knobs to set the desired temperature, fan speed, and other settings. It also houses cooling coils and a blower fan.
The other component is the part of the AC that stays outside. It contains the condenser coil, compressor, and exhaust fan. This part of the unit expels the heat generated during the cooling process to the outside environment.
Features of a Window Air Conditioner
- Cooling Capacity (BTUs): These air conditioners come in various cooling capacities, which are measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). This helps people to choose according to the area they desire to cool.
- Single Unit Design: They are self-contained units that are packed with all components in one, like compressor, condenser, evaporator, and fan.
- Easy Installation: Window ACs are comparatively easy-to-install. They are designed to be mounted in a window or a wall opening, with the front part sitting inside the room and the back end hanging out of the window. With just one unit, the installation process is also not time-consuming.
Pros
- More affordable than other cooling options
- Highly efficient and requires less time in cooling a space
- Being compact, they are perfect for rooms with limited space
- Come with user-friendly controls for easy adjustment
Cons
- They are not a great choice for cooling large spaces
- Can be noisy or loud during operation
- Comes with a low energy-efficient rating
Best Window AC in India- Our Top Recommendations
| Voltas 183 Vectra Pearl Fixed Speed Window AC | Price– Rs 46,990 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 3 Star Cooling Power– 1.53 KW Special Features– Dust Filter, Requires low maintenance Dimensions– 74.5 x 66 x 43 cm Weight– 54 kg | Buy Now |
| LG RW-Q18WUZA Window AC | Price– Rs 65,990 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 5 Star Cooling Power– 5680 W Special Features– Inverter Compressor, Remote Controlled Dimensions– 77.9 x 66 x 45 Weight– 50 Kg | Buy Now |
You might want to take a look at this well-curated list of top-rated window ACs in India that are the most budget-friendly options.
Split Air Conditioners
Another type of air conditioner that is a popular choice among modern households is a split air conditioner. They are undoubtedly one of the highly preferred options for their greater efficiency and impressive performance. Split ACs consist of two units and come in various configurations, making them ideal for homes with multiple rooms. Also, they offer a balance of performance, aesthetics, and versatility that makes them blend seamlessly with interior designs. Experience the cooling choice of the majority with our selection of the best-selling ACs in India.
Design and Components:
Split air conditioners consist of two distinct units: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit consists of an evaporator, coil, blower fan, and air filters. This unit is mounted on a wall or ceiling inside the room and is responsible for distributing cool air across the room.
On the other hand, the outer unit is either placed on the roof, ground, balcony, or sides of your building. It houses a condenser coil and compressor and is designed to release the heat extracted from the indoor air to the outside environment.
Features of a Split Air Conditioner
- Energy Efficient: They are often rated high than window ACs, indicating better cooling while conserving energy. By installing such air conditioners, you can save on electricity bills and prevent environmental damage.
- Flexible: Split ACs are flexible and can be installed in any room, regardless of size or shape. They need to be mounted on the wall, which has nothing to do with the shape of the room.
- Quiet Operation: These air conditioners are generally quieter and operate at low noise levels. This is because of the separation of the compressor and fan units, which are located in the outer unit.
Pros
- They eliminate the need for extensive ductwork
- With high cooling capacity, they are good for larger rooms
- The sleek design makes them look clean and aesthetically pleasing
- Come with built-in air filters to improve air quality
Cons
- Requires professional installation for accurate setup
- Needs regular cleaning of air filters and periodic maintenance
- There’s always a risk of coolant leaks
Best Split ACs in India- Our Top Recommendations
| Lloyd GLS18I3FWAMC Split AC | Price– Rs 58,990 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 3 Star Cooling Power– 4.74 KW Special Features– 5 in 1 Convertible, Clean Filter Indication Dimensions– 23 x 80 x 29.5 cm Weight– 9.5 kg | Buy Now |
| Panasonic CU-NU18YKY5W Smart Split AC | Price– Rs 63,400 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 5 Star Cooling Power– 17400 BTU Special Features– Wi-fi enabled, 7 in1 Convertible, PM 0.1 Filter Dimensions– 23.5 x 107 x 29 cm Weight– 12 Kg | Buy Now |
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central air conditioning is a comprehensive cooling solution that is powered by modern technology to cater to the needs of larger homes, commercial buildings, and offices. They offer scalable and efficient cooling and ensure that it reaches every corner of the space, leaving no spit uncooled. Known to provide a luxurious and comfortable indoor environment, these air conditioners are the perfect investment.
Design and Components:
Being designed to offer optimal cooling on a grand scale, these air conditioners are complex setups. They involve multiple components that work together to provide cooling throughout a building. Some of the major components are the central unit, air handler, ductwork, and thermostats.
Among these components, the central unit is the heart of the system, which is located outdoors and houses a condenser, compressor, and fan. This is needed to expel heat that is generated while cooling. Other than that, the air handler is the indoor unit that consists of the evaporator coil, blower fan, and air filter. Ductwork is the network of ducts and vents that carries the conditioned air from the handler to different parts of the building. Moreover, there are multiple thermostats that are located in different zones and help to regulate the temperature and optimise energy usage.
Features of a Central Air Conditioner
- Even Cooling: These are the air conditioners that provide uniform cooling throughout the building. They ensure that every room in the building receives the same amount of cooling and comfort.
- Dehumidification: Such ACs are known for reducing indoor humidity levels. They improve the air quality and ensure that you breathe clean air.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Unlike window or split air conditioners, these central air systems cause no impact on interior aesthetics. Their central unit gets installed outside, making sure that it does not interfere with the interior design.
Pros
- Operates silently, offering a quieter environment
- They are energy efficient and reduce electricity bills
- Allows you to customise settings in different areas
- Cools the entire space through duct systems
Cons
- High installation and maintenance cost
- It requires a lot of ductwork
Best Central ACs in India- Our Top Recommendations
| Voltas 3Ph Scroll SAC C2-NVenture I-Cassette AC | Price– Rs 1,49,000 Capacity– 4 Ton Cooling Power– 3190 W Special Features– Antibacterial coating, Dehumidifier Dimensions– 40 x 10.5 x 99.5 cm Weight– 94 Kg | Buy Now |
Portable Air Conditioners
Next, we have versatile and mobile cooling units that can easily be moved from one place to another. Portable air conditioners are relatively new additions in the market that have emerged as an excellent choice to stay comfortable even if you have limited space or living in a rented place where you can’t install a permanent AC. While being flexible, these air conditioners are a perfect blend of mobility, ease of installation, and efficient cooling, making them an attractive choice to beat the heat.
Design and Components:
Portable ACs are self-contained units that are equipped with caster wheels to move the appliance from one room to another. They contain one cooling unit that is housed within the casing and features an evaporator coil, blower fan, and control panel. It helps to cool down the room while eliminating humidity. Other than that, it has an exhaust hose at the back of the unit and air filters inside the main unit. It also features a condenser and compressor to expel heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.
Features of a Portable Air Conditioner
- Portability: This is indeed one of the major benefits of portable air conditioners. They come with wheels and handles that make it extremely easy and convenient to carry them and move them between different rooms.
- Single Unit Design: These air conditioners are a single unit design. They integrate all necessary elements into one unit, which makes them easy and convenient to install. This also contributes to the compact size of the appliance.
- Comparatively Affordable: Portable ACs are often more affordable than other types of air conditioners. They have less upfront cost and help save money on the mounting of the appliance.
Pros
- They require no permanent installation
- Come with filters to improve the quality of air
- Takes less time to cool down a room
- Offers an array of added features
Cons
- They are a bit noisy due to the compressor and condenser
- Being effective for spot cooling, they won’t provide uniform cooling
Best Portable ACs in India- Our Top Recommendations
| Blue Star PC12DB Fixed Speed Portable AC | Price– Rs 39,000 Capacity– 1 Ton Cooling Power– 1350 W Special Features– Antibacterial coating, Dust filter Dimensions– 46.6 x 39.6 x 76.40 cm Weight– 33 kg | Buy Now |
| Cruise CPCATF-PQ3S12 Portable AC | Price– Rs 40,900 Capacity– 1 Ton Cooling Power– 3.5 KW Special Features– Wide angle swing, Smart control panel Dimensions– 10.7 x 19.4 x 28.1 cm Weight– 32 kg | Buy Now |
Inverter Air Conditioners
This is another major category of air conditioner that is great to consider. Inverter ACs are energy-efficient appliances that are engineered with advanced technologies to offer excellent cooling performance while consuming less power. They allow precise temperature control and offer quieter operation. Having them, you can adjust the compressor speed based on the cooling requirement to enjoy the ideal temperature without the need to pay huge electricity bills.
Design and Components:
Unlike traditional or conventional ACs, inverter air conditioners are powered by inverter technology that allows the compressor’s speed to be adjusted continuously, optimising energy usage. Also, they have a variable speed compressor to provide precise temperature control and are equipped with sensors that detect room temperature and adjust it accordingly. Beyond this, such ACs feature advanced thermostat controls and energy usage displays to help you keep track of your usage.
Features of an Inverter Air Conditioner
- Energy Efficiency: This is the primary feature of inverter air conditioners. Such ACs are equipped with variable-speed compressors to reduce electricity consumption and utility bills.
- Precise Control: Unlike other air conditioners, they avoid abrupt starts and stops of the appliance when the room temperature is stabilised. They maintain the speed at a level just sufficient to maintain the desired temperature.
- Longer Lifespan: Such air conditioners put less stress on the appliance with fewer on-off cycles, and this contributes to a longer lifespan of the AC unit.
Pros
- These ACs result in quieter and smoother performance
- They provide a more consistent indoor temperature
- Lower energy consumption reduces carbon footprint
- Operates at maximum capacity when they start up
Cons
- They have higher upfront costs than traditional ACs
- Requires professional installation, maintenance, and repair
Best Inverter ACs in India- Our Top Recommendations
| LG RS-Q19YNZE Inverter Split AC | Price– Rs 75,990 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 5 Star Cooling Power– 5400 W Voltage– 230 V Special Features– Dehumidifier, Fast Cooling, Auto Clean Dimensions– 21 x 99.8 x 34.5 cm Weight– 11 kg | Buy Now |
| Voltas 185V Vertis Elite Inverter Window AC | Price– Rs 49,990 Capacity– 1.5 Ton Star Rating– 5 Star Cooling Power– 1.64 KW Voltage– 230 V Special Features– Large LED Display, Anti-Rust Coating Dimensions– 75 x 66 x 43 cm Weight– 52.2 kg | Buy Now |
How to Choose The Right Air Conditioner for Your Home?
The process of buying a new AC can be quite confusing and cumbersome. It requires you to consider a lot of factors to ensure that you choose the right product that meets your cooling needs, energy efficiency goals, and budget. This is why, here are we are going to discuss some major factors that will help you understand which type of AC you should buy.
Cooling Capacity (BTUs)
First and foremost, you should pay attention to the cooling power of the air conditioner. It is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and indicates how well the appliance can cool down the room. Evaluate the size of the room you intend to cool and pick the appliance accordingly. It should effectively cool the area without being overpowered or underpowered.
Installation and Space
The availability of the space for installation is the major factor. Think about the available installation options and space constraints before you make a purchase decision. Also, understand if you are comfortable with DIY installation or if you just need professional assistance.
Energy Consumption
Look into the cooling technology employed by the AC and the energy it consumes. If saving on your electricity bill is your major purpose, you can pick a split conditioner. However, if low initial and maintenance cost values more than energy consumption, you can choose a window. Hence, understand your needs and make a purchase.
Budget
This is the primary driver in selecting the right air conditioning system for your home. You must get an AC that aligns with your budget as well as cooling requirements. Different types of ACs come with different costs. While some have high upfront purchase and installation costs, others have more long-term operating expenses. So, consider both the initial cost and potential long-term savings to make the right decision.
If you are still confused and finding it challenging to reach a decision, have a look at the given take to gain a clearer insight into which air conditioner is the right choice for you.
| Types | Best for |
| Window Air Conditioners | – Small apartments, dorm rooms, or single rooms – Those on a low budget – Spaces with limited installation options |
| Split Air Conditioners | – Homes, bedrooms, living rooms, and offices – Seeking efficient and quiet cooling – Spaces with aesthetic considerations |
| Central Air Conditioners | – Large homes, commercial buildings, multi-story properties – People who are seeking customisable cooling |
| Portable Air Conditioners | – Apartments, rented spaces, single rooms – Those who need temporary or spot cooling – People wanting easy installation and mobility |
| Inverter Air Conditioners | – Those who seek energy savings and optimal comfort – Homes, bedrooms, living rooms, offices |
Final Words
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or a powerful system, we have got you covered. The above-mentioned are the most commonly purchased types of air conditioners in the Indian market. When choosing the right air conditioner for your space, carefully consider different factors and make the selection. However, regardless of the type of air conditioner you choose, it will provide you with the utmost comfort and relief during the hot days of summer. Check out the list and let us know which one is your top choice.
Last but not least: we have also covered some of the best Tower ACs available online in India in our recently published blog. Do give it a read and let us know if you find it helpful.
FAQs
Which type of AC is best?
The choice of the best type of AC depends on your personal preference. It depends on several factors like cooling needs, the size and layout of the space, energy efficiency goals, budget, etc. So, the one that fits your needs and requirements is considered to be the best.
Are portable air conditioners effective for cooling larger spaces?
While you can use portable air conditioners in larger spaces, they are highly effective for spot cooling and smaller rooms. Their performance diminishes as the room size increases.
Which type of air conditioner is best for small apartments?
For small spaces, window ACs are considered to be the best. They are affordable, simple to install, and feature compact size.
Can I retrofit a central air conditioning system into an existing home?
Retrofitting is adding, modifying, or upgrading components of equipment to an existing building or structure. While this is possible with a central AC system, it can be complex and may involve modifications to accommodate ductwork.
Why Trust CashKaro Reviews?
Our dedicated and educated researchers at CashKaro put forth endless effort to provide you with the most trustworthy market information available. To compile a list of different types of air conditioners, we thoroughly evaluate various types and a number of products and learn about them. We really hope that you have found our lists helpful. We are sure that it will help you make an educated choice.
