With rising temperatures every year, an air conditioner is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. But with so many models, features, and brands available in the market, choosing the right AC for your home can be overwhelming. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! In this post, “How to Choose Best AC for Home – Buying Guide,” we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to select the best air conditioner for your space, needs, and budget.
✅ 1. How to Choose Best AC Type
🌀 Split AC
A Split AC is an air conditioner with two units: an indoor unit that cools the room and an outdoor unit that releases heat. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and ideal for home use.
- Ideal for larger rooms and more efficient cooling.
- Quieter and aesthetically better.
- Requires installation and space for both indoor and outdoor units.
🧊 Window AC
A window air conditioner (AC) is a type of air conditioning unit designed to fit in a window or a hole in the wall. It cools a room by drawing in warm air, cooling it, and then releasing the cooled air back into the room, while expelling the heat outside. It’s a compact, self-contained unit that is ideal for cooling individual rooms.
- Suitable for small to medium rooms.
- Budget-friendly and easy to install.
- Slightly noisier and bulkier.
🧳 Portable AC
A portable air conditioner (AC) is a movable, standalone unit that cools a room by drawing in warm air, cooling it, and releasing chilled air back into the room. It typically has an exhaust hose to vent hot air outside through a window, making it easy to move between rooms without permanent installation.
- Moveable, no fixed installation required.
- Best for temporary use or rented homes.
✅ 2. Choose the Right Tonnage (Capacity)
Tonnage determines how effectively the AC can cool a room. The “ton” in air conditioning refers to the cooling capacity of the AC unit. One ton is equivalent to the ability to cool 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. So, a 1-ton AC can remove 12,000 BTUs of heat from a room every hour, making it suitable for cooling smaller rooms. The higher the tonnage, the larger the area the AC can cool effectively. For example:
| Room Size (Sq. Ft) | Suggested Tonnage |
|---|---|
| Up to 120 | 0.75 Ton |
| 121 – 150 | 1 Ton |
| 151 – 250 | 1.5 Ton |
| 251 – 400 | 2 Ton |
Note: Consider ceiling height, sunlight, and number of occupants too.
✅ 3. How to Choose Best AC Based on Energy Efficiency (Star Rating)
Higher star ratings = lower electricity bills.
- Look for BEE Star Ratings (1 to 5 stars).
- Go for Inverter ACs for consistent cooling and energy savings.
👉 For energy efficiency standards, refer to the BEE India Star Rating Guide.
✅ 4. Key Features to Consider
- Inverter Technology: Adjusts compressor speed for better efficiency.
- Air Purification: PM2.5, PM0.1, or anti-virus filters for clean air.
- Wi-Fi Smart Controls: Operate your AC via smartphone or voice assistant.
- Convertible Modes: Adjust cooling based on number of people or weather.
- Stabilizer-Free Operation: Withstands voltage fluctuations.
- Sleep Mode & Timer: Enhances comfort and saves power at night.
✅ 5. Check for After-Sales Service & Warranty
- Choose brands with good customer service.
- Look for longer warranty on compressor and PCB.
- Prefer brands with nationwide service centers.
✅ 6. How to Choose Best AC by Budget & Brand
Don’t just go by price—compare features, reviews, and brand reliability.
Top AC Brands to Consider:
- LG
- Daikin
- Blue Star
- Panasonic
- Voltas
- Samsung
- Whirlpool
- Carrier
📝 Final Thoughts
The best AC for your home depends on your room size, usage, budget, and feature preferences. A little research can go a long way in helping you invest in the right cooling partner for years to come.
Still unsure which model to choose?
Check out our latest post: 👉 Top 10 Air Conditioners for Summer 2025