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AC Buying Guide

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bikidas2060
AC Buying Guide

https://www.croma.com/lg-6-in-1-convertible-1-5...

Points to remember

Area and Tonnage

  • 80-120 Sq.Ft. -> 1 Ton (~3516.85 watt Cooling Capacity)
  • 140~160 Sq.Ft. -> 1.5 Ton (~5275 watt "")
  • 180~200 Sq.Ft. -> 1.8 Ton (~6447 watt "")
  • 240~260 Sq.Ft. -> 2.5 Ton (~8792 watt "")
  • 290~310 Sq.Ft. -> 3 Ton (~10550 watt "")

You need to factor other things such as exposure to sun light, number of occupants, windows, heat generating appliances etc. If you have a 110 Sq.Ft. room and say it is in the top most floor and the roof is exposed to scorching sun light then maybe 1 Ton ac will not do justice to you. Go for 1.5 Ton AC.

LG 3 star 1.5ton AC has 4400 watt cooling capacity -> 1.25 Ton . Beware of fake 1.5 Ton ACs.

Amperage of MCBs and Wires

Take an example of Daikin 1.5 Ton FTKT. max rated power is 1650 Watt. So, current required -> 7.5A. Starting current can be 1.5 X 7.5A i.e. 11.25A. So, 20A should suffice. (Without Stabilizer) It also says in the online fact sheet of that AC.

Formula = (max electrical power consumption kW) / (0.9 X 220V)

Different gauges of wires are available. Multiply by 6 to get a ballpark figure.

AC Buying Guide


Image is from -> Finolex's spec for its wires. Check the wire box before buying the wire.

PF = 0.9 (assuming), Max Power = 1680W, Voltage Available 90V, then current needed is 20.74A. (Assuming Stabilizer has 90~220V rating). But most 1.5ton ACs and 4kVA stabilizers use 2.5 sq.mm wire. Stabilizers themselves have output voltage range. And V-Guard VE400 has a current capacity of 12A.

Please @andromeda bhai. please shed some lights into it. I am really confused. The electrician has given a 32A MCB and 2.5sq.mm wires. And please shed some light on the type and capacity of MCB

Use thick wire for earthing.

Proper Planning Before Installation

Outdoor unit should be shielded from direct sunlight. If there is no option, one can have a makeshift shed around it. But ventilation should not be blocked. Indoor Unit should be properly aligned otherwise you might see drainage issues. Indoor Unit's top should have at least 1 or 2 feet gap from the roof. If you put a bed directly under the AC then you might face issues during servicing. (From my own personal experience.)

Use at least 2.5 sq. mm wires for phase. Proper earthing should be done.

Use a stabilizer even if it says your AC has stabilizer free operation.

Efficiency and BEE Star Rating/Manufacturing Year

More Stars -> More Power Savings. But...

Product 1 3 Star one 4th Photo says that it has an ISEER rating 4.00.

Product 2 3 Star one 4th Photos says that it also has an ISEER rating 4.00.

Spot the difference guys 4400 watt cooling capacity vs 5000 watt cooling capacity. But same ISEER rating. Please read those labels carefully.

And the labels are valid from 1st July 2022 to 31st Dec 2024. 🐒

Please don't be fooled, when the sales person says that this model is 2022 model and this model is 2024 model. Bhai no difference. All that matters is cooling capacity and that star label.

Companies are very smart. Daikin's FTKT model has 5.28 kW cooling capacity but it's 2022's model. All of its recently launched 3 star 1.5Ton ACs have 5 kW cooling capacity. Price can be made more competent, quality can be compromised. 🐒

Service Coverage

Please check if your area has good service. Otherwise it is no brainer to invest in a high end model, who has poor reach to you.

Here are my suggestions. I will cover from 1.5Ton(including fake ones) only. But it is easy to select one, once you get to know the criteria.

5275.28W -> 1.5 Ton, This is the formula. Actual Tonnage = (Cooling Capacity)X(1.5/5275.28)


Godrej 5-In-1 Convertible Cooling 2023 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split Inverter With Heavy Duty Cooling at Extreme Temperature AC - White (AC 1.5T EI 18TINV3R32 WWD, Copper Condenser)  1.36Ton, 4800W Cooling capacity, ISSER 3.85, 1year warranty, No idea about PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, No spec available, 30990 

Daikin 2023 Model 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split Inverter AC with PM 2.5 Filter - White (MTKL50UV16V3/RKL50UV16V/ V3/MTKL50UV16VA/RKL50UV16VA, Copper Condenser) 1.42Ton, 5000W cooling capacity, 3Star, ISEER 4.0, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, (160~265V), Spec, Max Ambient Temp 50°,36990

Try to get a Daikin FTKT A true 1.5Ton AC, 3Star, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, Max Ambient Temp 54°, Should cost you around 37/38k.

Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (Copper Condenser, 7 in 1 Convertible with True AI Mode, PM 0.1 Air Purification Filter, CS/CU-SU18ZKYWT, 2024 Model, White) 1.43 Ton, 5050W cooling capacity, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, (145~285V), Spec, Max Ambient Temp 52°C, 36990

CARRIER 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split Inverter AC - White (CAI18NO3R32H0, Copper Condenser) True 1.5Ton, 5300W Cooling Capacity, ISEER 4.25, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, 39990 (Local Stores are selling this at 35k)

Hitachi 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC, RAS.G318PCAISF (Silent Airhexa Sensor, Ice Clean, Ambience Light, 100 Percent Copper, 2023 Launch)(581110416) as per Spec 5190W i.e. 1.47Ton Cooling Capacity, ISEER 3.92, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty, max ambient temp 52°C as per the catalogue, which I don't have, 5 years comprehensive warranty if you do maintenance by them for the next 2 years by spending 200 per service i.e. 800 in total. 38990 (Offline price will be around 35500/35900) (Check for good service. If yes then buy it otherwise don't buy.)

Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, 100% Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, 2023 Model, White with Chrome Deco Strip, GLS18I5FWBEV) 5Star, 5100W cooling capacity->1.45Ton, ISEER 5.06, Spec Matches with , Max ambient temp 52°, (100~300V), No idea if 5 year warranty is on PCB, 40990

Samsung 1.5 Ton 5 Star (5-in-1 Convertible Cooling, 2023 Model, AR18CYNZABE, Free Installation Worth Rs 1500), Stabilizer Free Operation, Inverter Split AC 5Star, 5000W Cooling Capacity -> 1.42Ton, it says max cooling capacity can be extended till 6600W -> 1.84 Ton (That's impressive engineering), ISEER rating 5.16, no PM filter, more spec @drupal bhai says Samsung has the option to avail 5 years warranty on PCB  43990

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper,2022,FTKM50U,White), True 1.5 Ton, 5Star, (130~285V), Max Ambient Temp 54°C, Spec, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty 45990

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, PM 1.0 Filter, 2022 Model, JTKJ50U, White) True 1.5Ton, 5Star, (130~285V), ISEER 5.2, 54°C Max ambient temp, 1year warranty, 5 year PCB warranty, 10 year Compressor warranty 50990 (Very premium model)

Top Comments
Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Take an example of Daikin 1.5 Ton FTKT. max rated power is 1650 Watt. So, current required -> 7.5A. Starting current can be 1.5 X 7.5A i.e. 11.25A. So, 20A should suffice. (Without Stabilizer) It also says in the online fact sheet of that AC.

I'm not sure where did 1.5 come from, this could be from traditional induction motor based, but the recent inverter model one's do not put out this much of starting current. I haven't happened to see more than the rated current during any startup on inverter acs.

PF = 0.9 (assuming), Max Power = 1680W, Voltage Available 90V, then current needed is 20.74A. (Assuming Stabilizer has 90~220V rating). But most 1.5ton ACs and 4kVA stabilizers use 2.5 sq.mm wire. Stabilizers themselves have output voltage range. And V-Guard VE400 has a current capacity of 12A.

First and foremost, if you are considering to live in an area where it drops voltages to 90V, you should think of alternate locations. Lower voltages are expected in summers due to increased load on the grid, but 90 in my opinion is very rare. Even if the stabilizer can operate at 90V despite its nominal working voltage of 220V, I would not let it go through additional stress. The boost conversion (90V to 220V) is not very energy efficient, in other words the PF would not be sitting at 0.9. So I wouldn't stress much on it.

Regarding MCB selections, your electrician's choice seem to be fair. The manufacturers have some details/guide about the selection. It's one's own preference if you know the details.

Example:

https://www.goldmedalindia.com/blog/how-to-choo...

https://eshop.se.com/in/blog/post/mcb-miniature...

Use a stabilizer even if it says your AC has stabilizer free operation.

Sure, if you want to treat the unit like a baby. For that matter the stabilizer is also an equipment which can operate without stabilizer. Essentially most home applicances have a stabilizer in-built, in other words they have a power stage inside which can take a range of voltages and work with them to give a stabilized output to the electronics inside. But hey, I'm not against using them, please do use if it helps with one's peace of mind.

Spot the difference guys 4400 watt cooling capacity vs 5000 watt cooling capacity. But same ISEER rating. Please read those labels carefully.
And the labels are valid from 1st July 2022 to 31st Dec 2024. 🐒Please don't be fooled, when the sales person says that this model is 2022 model and this model is 2024 model. Bhai no difference. All that matters is cooling capacity and that star label.
Companies are very smart. Daikin's FTKT model has 5.28 kW cooling capacity but it's 2022's model. All of its recently launched 3 star 1.5Ton ACs have 5 kW cooling capacity. Price can be made more competent, quality can be compromised.

ISEER is all about ratio of the total annual amount of heat that the equipment can remove to the total annual amount of energy consumed by the equipment in the given duration. While cooling capacity is what the equipment is capable of handling. Just because a car carry 5 passengers, it doesn't mean the fuel efficiency is going to be the same irrespective of load on the car. Higher the cooling capacity, faster is the rate of cooling. It is where you may see those modes like Himalayan Burst, or Thunder Cool or those fancy modes. Sure it consumes additional/high power during that time, but that's what one pays to get what they desire.

The labels has a duration mentioned as makers come up with more and more models competing with their own past models in being energy efficient. The 5-star graded unit 5 years before cannot be the same 5 stars in the recent times. The scale is dynamic. I bring in another model next year, if it can consume a couple of 100s of watts for the same cooling, I get 5 stars, while the existing 5 may get downgraded to 4. It's all relative.

Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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How does open sewage drain affects gas leakage?

Benevolent Benevolent
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Anaerobic bacteria in sewage decompose protein and sulfur & produce H2S (Hydrogen sulfide).H2S reacts with Cu (Copper) & creates Cu2S (Copper sulfide) scales / flakes.Continual flaking leads to coil thinning and eventually causing pinholes & gas leaks.
132 Comments  |  
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Benevolent Benevolent
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Great efforts taken as usual wink
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Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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Where can we get 2.5 ton AC? The max I could find online was 2.0 or 2.2 ton?

Are the higher tonnage ACs (2.5 - 3 ton) are custom made (assembled with components)?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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No idea 

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Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Take an example of Daikin 1.5 Ton FTKT. max rated power is 1650 Watt. So, current required -> 7.5A. Starting current can be 1.5 X 7.5A i.e. 11.25A. So, 20A should suffice. (Without Stabilizer) It also says in the online fact sheet of that AC.

I'm not sure where did 1.5 come from, this could be from traditional induction motor based, but the recent inverter model one's do not put out this much of starting current. I haven't happened to see more than the rated current during any startup on inverter acs.

PF = 0.9 (assuming), Max Power = 1680W, Voltage Available 90V, then current needed is 20.74A. (Assuming Stabilizer has 90~220V rating). But most 1.5ton ACs and 4kVA stabilizers use 2.5 sq.mm wire. Stabilizers themselves have output voltage range. And V-Guard VE400 has a current capacity of 12A.

First and foremost, if you are considering to live in an area where it drops voltages to 90V, you should think of alternate locations. Lower voltages are expected in summers due to increased load on the grid, but 90 in my opinion is very rare. Even if the stabilizer can operate at 90V despite its nominal working voltage of 220V, I would not let it go through additional stress. The boost conversion (90V to 220V) is not very energy efficient, in other words the PF would not be sitting at 0.9. So I wouldn't stress much on it.

Regarding MCB selections, your electrician's choice seem to be fair. The manufacturers have some details/guide about the selection. It's one's own preference if you know the details.

Example:

https://www.goldmedalindia.com/blog/how-to-choo...

https://eshop.se.com/in/blog/post/mcb-miniature...

Use a stabilizer even if it says your AC has stabilizer free operation.

Sure, if you want to treat the unit like a baby. For that matter the stabilizer is also an equipment which can operate without stabilizer. Essentially most home applicances have a stabilizer in-built, in other words they have a power stage inside which can take a range of voltages and work with them to give a stabilized output to the electronics inside. But hey, I'm not against using them, please do use if it helps with one's peace of mind.

Spot the difference guys 4400 watt cooling capacity vs 5000 watt cooling capacity. But same ISEER rating. Please read those labels carefully.
And the labels are valid from 1st July 2022 to 31st Dec 2024. 🐒Please don't be fooled, when the sales person says that this model is 2022 model and this model is 2024 model. Bhai no difference. All that matters is cooling capacity and that star label.
Companies are very smart. Daikin's FTKT model has 5.28 kW cooling capacity but it's 2022's model. All of its recently launched 3 star 1.5Ton ACs have 5 kW cooling capacity. Price can be made more competent, quality can be compromised.

ISEER is all about ratio of the total annual amount of heat that the equipment can remove to the total annual amount of energy consumed by the equipment in the given duration. While cooling capacity is what the equipment is capable of handling. Just because a car carry 5 passengers, it doesn't mean the fuel efficiency is going to be the same irrespective of load on the car. Higher the cooling capacity, faster is the rate of cooling. It is where you may see those modes like Himalayan Burst, or Thunder Cool or those fancy modes. Sure it consumes additional/high power during that time, but that's what one pays to get what they desire.

The labels has a duration mentioned as makers come up with more and more models competing with their own past models in being energy efficient. The 5-star graded unit 5 years before cannot be the same 5 stars in the recent times. The scale is dynamic. I bring in another model next year, if it can consume a couple of 100s of watts for the same cooling, I get 5 stars, while the existing 5 may get downgraded to 4. It's all relative.

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Thank you so much Bhai. Just one more question. Please tell me regarding the thickness of the wires to be used. Is 2sq.mm good? Is 4sq.mm going to be an overkill?

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Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Is there any window ac which covers gas leak as warranty? I live closeby to open drain and this is regular issue?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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No idea. 

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Beacon Beacon
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What is the usual cost of PCB if it needs to replace after warranty period ? 

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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4-5-6k

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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How's Onida brand?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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No idea

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Deal Baba Deal Baba
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Someone please shed light on how to get the best price for O'General ACs?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Contact the dealer. 😊😊😊
Deal Hunter Deal Hunter
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Good info. Thanks for sharing. Vu

Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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How does open sewage drain affects gas leakage?

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Same question ⁉️ is it related to humidity?

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Benevolent Benevolent
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Very informative! Kudos to your efforts! Bookmarked & Vu! 👍🏼  

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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window ac?

Benevolent Benevolent
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Tonnage required?

Commentator Commentator
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Very helpful... Any live deal for 1.5 ton? Need immediately in 2-3 days

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Bhai check in offline stores. You ll get card offers. 

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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What's your view on Daikin Hot and Cold ACs? Planning to get a Daikin Hot and Cold 1.5 ton 3 star (I'm based in Delhi). 5 star is not available in the Daikin Hot and Cold variant. Wondering if it would be better to get a regular AC + oil heater or to get this instead?

Deal Subedar Deal Subedar
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Great info

Generous Generous
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best AC

1. Daikin , silent operation will cost more 

2.O general .. good in operation and will last long

3.LG .. medium in operation good on pocket

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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A question on Daikin AC and warranty. I purchased it from Flipkart and got it installed by my own technician. I received a call from the Daikin installation team saying that the warranty won't be applicable if I don't get it installed by them. Any suggestions?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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No suggestions. Your warranty is void. 

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Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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Steer clear of Bluestar's 80-month warranty; it won't offer you the protection you need. Their customer service has consistently ranked among the lowest in the industry.

Post Emperor Post Emperor
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Is this guide only for split AC ? Or window AC too

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Should be good for any AC

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Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Does anyone know which  stabilizer to use for my Panasonic 2 ton inverter split AC ??

Any link? Or specs ?

Are stablizer different for 2 ton split AC and 2 ton inverter split AC?

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Post Mogul Post Mogul
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guys i have 1.5 ton Voltas inverter ac with a built in range of 110-285 as stabilizer free operation. which range of stavlizer i should opt for? 90-300 cost too much.

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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If no serious voltage fluctuations are there then no need

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Commentator Commentator
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For 2.5 mm wire 1.5 ton AC 3 or 5 star, 20 A MCB will be good?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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25A b type MCB should do the job. 

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Mitsubishi kahan gaya?

Benevolent Benevolent
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Yeah Mitsubishi is one of the best buy it's a list of budget ACs.

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Helpful Helpful
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Please suggest good 2 ton wondow ac..choices are very less

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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Bhai, no experience in Window AC.
Crowdpuller Crowdpuller
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I am planning to  buy a 2nd hand ac,  where can I buy 2nd hand ac?

and any additional points to note for second hand ac other than this points?

Tech Guru Tech Guru
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No idea bhai. 

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Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Anyone is using Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 star model here ? Any concerns so far ? 

I am kind of confused between Carrier vs Daikin which one to buy ?

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Daikin

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Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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I have recently Bought a LG ac 1.5T and 5 Start, Cooling is very Avg, does not even chill the room when the start temp is 30* . I will for sure not suggest to Buy LG to anyone. Called LG support and Engineer said its working as expected but i'm feeling i bought a Cooler for a price of AC.  So prefer panasonic/Diakin than LG if you need proper cooling

Deal Cadet Deal Cadet
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Humans are generally comfortable between 22°C and 27°C, with a relative humidity of 40% to 60%. However, recommendations for summer and winter may vary due to humidity and clothing. For summer, the suggested range is 23–25.5°C (73–78°F), and for winter it's 20–23.5°C (68–74°F). Set to 25 Deg C. you can feel cold
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Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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Unfortunately, my experience with air conditioners from all the reputed brands has been disappointing. None have lasted more than four years. 

The coils corrode and develop leaks, leading to a refrigerant leak, and thereafter, they cease to function. It seems the quality of products has significantly declined.

Moreover, Companies seem to strategically launch new models annually, perhaps because they anticipate the older ones will fail within a few years, affecting their ratings. Thus, by introducing a new model, they essentially reset the product ratings.

It's disheartening to see the environmental damage caused by these low-quality products. There needs to be accountability for the production of such inefficient appliances. 

Benevolent Benevolent
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Frequent gas leakages is a limited problem for people residing near to sewage drains, in other areas same ACs last for 5-10 years without any leakage.

Companies are focusing on efficiency and star rating by using thinner coils to improve heat transfer. Durability is not a priority for them.

Deal Newbie Deal Newbie
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