Air Conditioner Buying Guide 2025 : Comparisions & Infos

Introduction : Air conditioner buying guide

IN today’s world, an air conditioner (AC) is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially in regions with hot and humid climates. When a customer visits the market to buy an AC, they are often overwhelmed with multiple choices like Window AC, Split AC, Cassette AC, and Tower AC. For homes, however, the most common types are Window ACs and Split ACs. Both of these come with two major options: Fixed Speed AC and Inverter AC.

As someone who has worked as a retail dealer for Greendust Electronics, selling refurbished electronic products between 2014 and 2019, I have seen firsthand what works for customers and what doesn’t. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide you with a 100% practical and easy-to-understand air conditioner buying guide 2025 .

Types of Air Conditioners For Home

When you walk into a store or browse online, you’ll find various AC types:

Window AC: Ideal for smaller rooms, budget-friendly, easy to install.
Split AC: Stylish, better cooling, quiet operation, more expensive.
Cassette AC: Usually seen in offices, installed in false ceilings.
Tower AC: Free-standing units used in large halls or commercial spaces.

For most home users, the decision typically comes down to Window AC vs Split AC.

Window AC vs Split AC

Both these types have their pros and cons. Here’s a direct comparison based on practical aspects:

1. Installation and Maintenance

Window AC is installed through a window, making it easy to fit and maintain.
Split AC requires drilling, piping, and more complicated installation.
Maintenance Cost: Lower in Window AC.

2. Noise Level

Window AC is louder because the entire unit is in one box.
Split AC is quieter as the compressor is outside.

3. Gas Leakage & Water Leakage

Split ACs are more prone to gas leakage due to longer pipes and joints.
Window AC has simpler construction, less chance of leakage.
Water Leakage is a common issue in Split ACs if not installed properly.

4. Power Consumption & Cooling Efficiency

Split AC, when mounted at the top of a room, uses the natural flow of air (cold air goes down), making it more efficient.
Window AC is generally installed at window level (lower), so it may take longer to cool the room.

5. Aesthetic Appeal

Split AC looks modern and sleek.
But if pipes are visible, it ruins the look.
Window AC takes up window space but is compact.

My Verdict:

If your room has a proper window, Window AC is more practical, economical, and easier to maintain.

Difference Between Inverter And Non Inverter AC (Fixed Speed AC)

Once you finalize between Window or Split, the next decision is between Fixed Speed and Inverter Technology.

1. Working Mechanism

Fixed Speed AC:
- Compressor switches OFF when the set temperature is reached.
- It restarts when temperature rises.
- High power is used at every start.
Inverter AC:
- Compressor never turns OFF.
- It runs continuously at variable speed.
- Saves power once the room is cooled.

2. Power Consumption

Inverter AC uses more power during the first few minutes.
But after reaching desired temperature, it runs on low power.
Over time, it consumes less energy compared to fixed speed.

3. Maintenance Cost

Inverter AC uses PCB (primary circuit board), which can be expensive to replace.
Always check warranty details before buying.

My Advice:

If your budget allows and you want energy savings in the long run, go for Inverter AC. But remember, its repair costs can be high, so choose a brand with a strong service network and long warranty.

Key Features to Look For

With modern ACs boasting smart features like WiFi control, human sensors, and mobile app connectivity, it’s easy to get carried away. However, most of these features are marketing gimmicks. Here’s what really matters:

1. Cooling Capacity (in Watts)

A good 1.5 Ton AC should have minimum 5000W cooling power.
This is the actual measurement of how much heat it can remove from a room.

2. Power Consumption (Star Rating)

Look for a 5-star rating for energy efficiency.
Check the ISEER value (higher is better).

3. Room Size vs AC Capacity

1 Ton AC: Ideal for rooms up to 120 sq. ft.
1.5 Ton AC: Ideal for rooms up to 150 sq. ft.

4. After-Sales Service & Warranty

Go for brands with good service networks.
Look for 5-year compressor warranty and 1-2 years on PCB/parts.

Expert Tips from My Experience (2014-2019 as a Dealer)

Over my five years of selling refurbished and brand new ACs from Greendust, I followed a simple mantra: Practicality over fancy features.

Always educate customers to check cooling capacity, not just the “tonnage”.
A sleek remote, WiFi, or “Follow Me” feature sounds cool, but in a 10×12 ft room, do you really need it?
Don’t fall for showrooms pushing slow-selling models with fake discounts.
Always check pipe visibility in Split ACs before finalizing.
For inverter ACs, ensure the PCB has warranty and ask about replacement costs.
Always prefer a stabilizer-free model, especially in areas with voltage fluctuation.

Final Thoughts

An AC is a long-term investment. Buying the right one can give you years of comfort, while the wrong one can drain your pocket on repairs and electricity bills. Here’s a quick summary:

Criteria	Window AC	Split AC
Cost	Lower	Higher
Noise	More	Less
Maintenance	Low	High
Looks	Average	Sleek (if installed well)
Cooling Efficiency	Slower (bottom mount)	Faster (top mount)
Installation	Easy	Complex
Power Consumption	More	Less (especially inverter)