10 Best AC for Low Power Consumption in India [2022]: Reviews & Full Guide

March 7, 2022 / RefrigeratorPro Team

If you are looking for best air conditioners that consume low power, then you are at the right place. We have detailed reviews and guide so that you can choose among top ACs in India.

AC is not a small investment, and there are many aspects to look for before purchase. Most important of these is the brand, tonnage (capacity) and star rating. Thus, we have taken the most reputed brands and their most energy efficient ACs and reviewed them in detail.

Truth About Low Electricity Consumption ACs (Must Read)

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under Government of India mandates that 5 star ACs should have lowest energy consumption. Usually, a 1.5 ton 5 star AC will not consume less than 815 kWh (units) per year (as per BEE). Even then you will find some 1.5 ton 5 star ACs showing less than 600 kWh annual consumption. How is this possible?

This is because these ACs are not really 1.5 ton. Then what is the right way to find out the real tonnage? Check out the output wattage. This is how the output wattage should look like.

• 1 Ton AC: 3517 Watts
• 1.5 ton AC: 5275 Watts

Its sad to see that some ACs labelled as 1.5 ton are rated as low as 3200 Watt. In reality, these are not even 1 ton ACs. Since energy consumption depends directly on the Wattage, their energy consumption is very low. This is clear misinformation. Check out one example here:

Whirlpool 1.5 Ton AC

In fact, none of the 1.5 ton ACs is actually rated as 5275 Watt, but come with a wattage of 5000 to 5200 Watt!

Hence, the first thing to check before finding the annual power consumption is the wattage which should be close to above-mentioned guideline.

Lowest Power Consumption 1.5 ton AC in our list is LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Convertible AC, which consumes 818 kWh, but this is possible because its output wattage is slightly less at 5000 watts. Not sure if this is misinformation, but you as a customer should be aware of this.

Best way to find the most energy-efficient ACs is to find 5 star inverter ACs. There is not much difference between energy consumption of different 5 star inverter ACs with similar wattage.

It’s clear that lower tonnage/wattage results in lower power consumption. Hence, if you want to know which is the lowest power consumption AC in India, you can view the best 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split ACs. Here we have reviewed the most energy-efficient AC in India, which is LG 1 Ton 5 Star Split AC with annual energy consumption of only 571.9 kWh per year. Below is the list of low power consumption ACs with 1.5-ton capacity.

No one will tell you this, but RefrigeratorPro strives for honest communication and reviews.

Best Low Power Consumption AC with Energy Rating

Product	Best Energy Efficient AC	Energy Rating	Check Price
	LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Sanyo 1.5 Ton 5 Star Dual Inverter Wide Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Whirlpool 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	Panasonic 1.5 Star 5 Ton Split AC	5 Star	View on Amazon
	LG 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 4-in-1 Convertible Cooling	5 Star	View on Amazon

Best AC for Low Electricity Consumption in India

The list of the Best Split Air Conditioners with low power consumption is not only based on power consumption but also star rating, energy efficiency ratios, noise levels and customer reviews. Let’s look at the list of top rated air conditioners in India.

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star 5-in-1 Split AC saves electricity and packs in several high-end features. Let’s look at its top features.

One exciting feature of the AC is its convertibility feature. This LG AC comes with 5-in-1 convertible option. This regulates the compressor to allow it to work in different capacities- ranging from 40% to 110% to deliver optimal cooling as per your cooling requirements.

The LG AC also features a dual inverter compressor that gives wider rotational frequency to save more power and produce less friction during operation. Thus, this AC saves decent amount of power and lasts longer because of lower friction.

Also, LG’s inverter compressor keeps the indoors cool, even if the ambient temperature is more than 50 degrees Celsius.

Another excellent feature of the AC is its filtration tech. It comes with HD filter with anti-virus protection. This filter comes with cationic silver ions that blocks 99% of viruses and bacteria from the air. Next comes its Ez clean filter that is easy to handle and clean. This improves the life of the AC.

The coils of this AC are made up of 100% copper and come with ocean black protection. This protection tech is used in both indoor and outdoor units for providing decent durability and extending the life of the AC. On top of this, it has hi-grooved copper that provides dual benefits of oscillatory movement and better heat dissipation.

This AC uses R32 refrigerant, which is better in many aspects as compared to other refrigerants out there. It makes AC more efficient and is quite eco-friendly with lower global warming potential, ozone depletion potential and ease of recycling.

The smart diagnosis feature of this AC helps in resolving problems quickly with the help of error codes. One of the features that is a part of self detection feature is its low gas detection functionality that displays the error on the AC panel when it detects low volume of refrigerant. This helps in easy maintenance and extending the life of the AC.

The stabilizer-free operation ensures that the voltage fluctuations do not damage the AC.

Lastly, its Auto-Clean feature inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi by keeping the heat-exchanger clean and dry.

Pros

• 5-star energy rating ensures better energy savings
• 5-in-1 convertible option gives better control over power consumption
• Dual inverter compressor gives noise-free operation
• HD filter with anti-virus protection purifies air from harmful germs

Cons

• High cost

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Daikin is one of the best brands in AC and it is considered as one of the premium AC brands that sells some of the best low power consumption ACs in the country. In fact, this Japanese manufacturer is credited as the inventor of split AC and multi-split AC. In this list of best air conditioners, we bring you one of Daikin’s best-selling models- Daikin 1.5 ton 5 star inverter split AC. Read further to know its key features.

This AC comes with Neo Swing Compressor. This is an inverter compressor technology that is developed by Daikin and is one step ahead of Daikin’s swing compressor. This type of compressor not only gives energy efficiency (because it is inverter compressor), but also prevents leakage of refrigerant. This means it is more long lasting than other inverter compressors.

This AC comes with highest 5-star rating, and at the same time gives high cooling efficiency. This is the reason why we have this AC among top ACs of our list.

It also feature a unique coanda airflow. This technology ensures that the cool air is distributed uniformly in the room. This enhances the cooling capability of the AC.

The refrigerant used in this AC is environment friendly R32 refrigerant. It has less global warming potential, no ozone depletion potential and is easier to recycle. In contrast, R410A, another common refrigerant has global warming potential three times of that of R32 and it is difficult to recycle as it is a mixture of 2 gases. This makes R32 one of the best choice in terms of its impact on the environment.

Daikin has also worked hard in terms of durability and safety of this product. Its outdoor power supply is designed to give protection against fire accidents.

Another feature of this AC is the Econo Mode. When you run the AC in Econo mode, it runs at lesser speed and capacity to give cooling without using much electricity. You can use this feature during cool nights / days when not much cooling is required. Also, it can be a good option to use when the AC and other electrical appliances are using same electrical circuit.

Daikin AC comes with self-diagnosis feature. Basically, in case of any issue with the AC, you can get the error code at the press of a button. You can share this code with the customer care executive for quick and hassle-free error resolution.

It also has a power chill operation for rapid cooling. It is similar to ‘turbo cooling’ function in other ACs. This can be helpful during very hot days.

Its condenser coils are made of copper, that are better than aluminium in terms of efficiency and durability. Chances of leakage in aluminium coils is slightly higher.

And lastly, this AC comes with an in-built stabilizer. This is not a unique feature as most of the split ACs come with in-built stabilizer these days. In-built stabiliser is a necessary feature to have in a country like India that witnesses high voltage fluctuations especially during summers.

Pros

• Excellent cooling performance.
• 5-star energy rating.
• Econo mode to save on electricity bills.
• Fire-proof outdoor unit.
• Copper condenser coil.
• Inbuilt stabilizer.

Cons

• Higher price can be an issue for some customers.

Sanyo 1.5 Ton 5 Star Dual Inverter Wide Split AC

Sanyo is more than 70-year old multinational corporation known for bringing some of the best technologies in ACs. Sanyo manufactures TVs and ACs in India and its ACs are known for high energy efficiency.

This model is one of the best-selling models from Sanyo. Read more below to understand its main features.

This AC is a 5-star rated product with high ISEER rating. As discussed, Sanyo ACs are known for their high ISEER rating resulting in lower power bills.

This AC comes with unique Dual Inverter Technology. This inverter is different from inverters used in regular ACs because it has two independent rotors inside the compressor that ensure quick and energy-efficient cooling.

On top of this, it comes with an Eco Function which is an energy saving option. This feature optimizes the performance of the AC and you can use it when you want savings on your power bills along with decent performance.

This AC also comes with a Glacier Mode that is an option to increase the speed of the fan. This mode increases the speed by 35% to give faster cooling.

Sanyo inverter AC is equipped with PM 2.5 and anti-dust filters that remove dust, pollen and suspended particles from the sir. This can be helpful in areas with high air pollution.

You can use the Self Diagnosis feature of this AC to troubleshoot AC in case of any problems. It allows you to get error codes displayed on the temperature display area for quick and easy trouble shooting. You can share this error code with the customer care executive for fast resolution of issues.

Condenser coils can corrode over long period of time. To prevent this, Sanyo AC comes with Copper condenser coils with Hydrophilic Fins, which are resistant to corrosion. Also, the heat transfer is faster and the cost of maintenance is also low for these condensers.

This AC uses the eco-friendly R32 refrigerant, which powerful and energy efficient refrigerant. It does not deplete Ozone hole like some of the other refrigerants such as R410A can.

Pros

• High energy efficiency
• Powerful cooling
• Advanced air filtration
• Self-diagnosis feature

Cons

• The fins are exposed without any grill protection
• Produces slightly more noise

Whirlpool 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Whirlpool is not only known for quality washing machines and refrigerators, but it is also one of the best-selling brands of air conditioners in India right now. We bring you one of its most popular air conditioners- Whirlpool 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC. Read further to know all of its key features.

Whirlpool 1.5 Ton AC is a 5-star rated AC which is the highest rating out of 1 to 5 star rating from Bureau of Energy Efficiency under Government of India. This ensures maximum power saving and thus lower electricity bills. This AC comes with 6th Sense Fast Cool Technology. This feature cools the room uniformly and in very less time. On top of this, it features Intellisense Inverter to reduce power consumption of the AC. This prevents wastage of electricity to keep you power bills in check.

This compressor also helps in maintaining cool temperature even when the outside temperature is as high as 55 degrees. Another technology to help in enhanced cooling is its MPFI technology. This Multi Port Fluid Injection (MPFI) uses 4×4 evaporator circuit design for rapid heat exchange. This results in better cooling and power-saving.

This AC uses R-32 refrigerant for cooling. This R-32 is energy efficient, emits fewer greenhouse gases and requires less volume to operate. Thus, it is an eco-friendly and economical way to reduce burden on the environment.

One unique feature of this AC is its self-diagnosis technology. This feature diagnoses the error without much human intervention. It detects the error automatically and displays the code which you can share with the authorised service centre for speedy resolution. Thus, you can easily troubleshoot in case of any problems with the AC.

It also comes with a sleep function that adjusts sleep friendly settings automatically at a pre-determined time. It also comes with an in-built stabiliser that can withstand voltage fluctuations ranging from 145 to 290 Volts.

Pros

• Powerful cooling.
• 5-star energy rating.
• Attractive Pricing.
• 10-year warranty on compressor.
• Self-diagnosis feature.

Cons

• No energy-control feature to vary tonnage.

Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Voltas is a well-known AC brand in India. It is known for its constant innovation and for bringing high-quality air conditioners into the Indian market. This adjustable split AC is one of the best air conditioners in the market right now. Let’s discuss its key features.

Just like LG 1.5 ton AC and few other ACs in our list, this Voltas AC comes with excellent 5-star BEE energy rating. This rating is provided by Bureau of Energy Efficiency under Indian government. 5-star rating means highest energy efficiency in its category, ensuring lower power-bills. It is able to operate in lower energy because of its adjustable mode functionality.

One of the best features of this AC is its Adjustable Mode. The AC automatically senses the outside temperature and load required based on factors such as number of people in the room etc. The AC then adjusts its cooling based on this input automatically. It can run at 1-ton or 1.5-tons based on the requirement. This prevents wastage of power.

Another notable feature of this AC is its ability to cool even at 52 degree outside temperature. This can be useful in hotter regions of India where we can witness high temperatures during summer season.

You can use the turbo cooling feature to cool the room quickly with the help of its louvre design and higher air flow. Another notable feature of this AC is its Super Dry mode. This super dry mode dehumidifies the room within few minutes. This helps in quick air-cooling by capturing extra water vapours at much faster rate.

Air pollution in India is very high with certain regions even witnessing very high pollution during winter season. Thus, you should always consider ACs with efficient filtration system. Voltas 1.5 ton split AC comes with advanced multi-stage filtration system thatremoves pollutants such as dust, bacteria, allergens such as pollens etc. so that you breathe quality air.

On top of this, its CO2 reduction technology reduces CO2, volatile organic compounds and other harmful gases from the room. It also comes with environment-friendly R32 refrigerant. It is a better than other types of refrigerants such as R410A in protecting the environment.

The in-built voltage stabilizer protects the appliance from high voltage fluctuations between 100 V to 290 V. Thus eliminating the need for purchasing additional voltage stabilizer separately.

Pros

• Adjustable inverter technology for optimum cooling and efficient energy usage.
• Excellent 5-star energy rating.
• Multi-Stage Filtration.
• Stabilizer free operation.
• Super Dry Mode
• CO2 reduction technology

Cons

• Compressor warranty of 5 years can be less
• No auto-energy control feature

Hitachi 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 

Hitachi is more than 100 years old company with more than 30 years of operation in India. Johnson Control-Hitachi sells ACs in India, which is a global joint venture between Johnson Controls, U.S. and Hitachi, Japan. It is one of the largest AC manufacturers in the world right now.

Over the years, Hitachi has faced stiff competition in this space. Nevertheless, some of its ACs are most sought-after. Hitachi 1.5 ton 5-star inverter split AC is one such AC. Read further to know its key features.

This AC comes with expandable inverter technology. ‘Expandable inverter technology’ is developed by Hitachi that adjusts the speed of the compressor constantly based on the heat load and can expand its cooling when ambient temperature increases. In fact, this Hitachi AC can work efficiently even at a high temperature of 52°C.

To ensure efficient cooling, this AC makes use of stepless compressor control and Penta Sensor technology. Stepless compressor control technology consists of micro-controllers that sense the indoor and outdoor temperature and vary the temperature evenly instead of ‘step-wise’ increment. This gives more comfort.

Penta Sensor technology also uses microcontroller to protects critical components of the AC and it further optimises cooling by sensing load variation. It also gives energy-efficient, low noise cooling. Noise level of this AC is medium at 34 decibels. Add on to its energy saving capabilities is its BEE 5-star energy rating, which is the best energy rating a device can get.

This AC also comes with a copper condenser coil. Copper has better thermal efficiency resulting in efficient heat transfer, and it is less prone to corrosion. Hence, this AC delivers decent cooling performance and requires less maintenance.

Pros

• Ideal for tropical countries.
• Inverter compressor.
• Low-noise performance.
• Copper condenser coil.
• In-built stabilizer.

Cons

• Service network is not good in some places.

Panasonic 1.5 Star 5 Ton Split AC

Panasonic is one of the oldest and most reputed appliance manufacturer world-over. This Japanese multinational is touted as number one AC brand in Japan. Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split AC is one of its best-selling air conditioners. Read further to know all of its key features.

Most advanced feature of this AC is its voice control feature. You can use this feature, to control the AC setting with your voice. It means that if you have Google Assistant (present in most Android phones) or Amazon Alexa, then all you have to do is connect the AC with either of these and you will be able to give voice commands to change temperature, modes etc.

Additionally, you can install its dedicated phone app to control the AC via phone by connecting it with your home WiFi.

This AC comes with twin-inverter technology, BEE rating of 5 star and ISEER value of 4.7. All these features make it very energy efficient. ISEER value of 4.7 is quite high when we compare it to many other 5 star models. (Higher ISEER value is further drill down inside the rating system.)

One exciting feature of this AC is its customised sleep profile. With the help of this function, you can schedule temperature profile as per day and timing of the week. For example, you can create separate temperature profiles for weekdays and weekends.

Inverter compressor not only ensures high energy efficiency, it also produces less noise. However, noise level of 43 dB is slightly more than other models in the range. It comes with powerful mode to quickly cool the room. You can use it while starting the AC. Another mode is the dry mode (also called dehumidifier). This mode is useful in the monsoon season to suck out the moisture.

The coils in which the refrigerant runs is made of 100% copper, which ensures better efficiency and long life. On top of this, it is covered with blue coating (called Shield Blu technology) to enhance its life further. This is important because he condenser coils are exposed to water and air constantly, which can decrease the coil’s lifespan.

Also, the refrigerant used in this AC is eco-friendly R32. This refrigerant has low global warming potential and no ozone depletion potential. On top of this, it is more efficient and easily recyclable than other common refrigerant R410A. This, thus refrigerant is one of the best refrigerants out there.

Pros

• Twin-inverter compressor.
• High energy efficiency.
• Voice command feature.
• Custom sleep mode.
• Eco friendly.

Cons

• No protective grill in the outdoor unit.

Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Carrier is an American multinational that is one of the most reputed AC brands worldwide. In fact Willis Carrier, the founder of Carrier, invented modern air conditioning system. Carrier is reputed for its advanced technology. Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC is one of its best-selling models.

This AC comes with FlxiCool Hybridjet Inverter technology. With the help of its 4-in-1 flexicool hybrid technology, you can run the AC in four different modes- 50%, 75%, 100% and free running mode. Thus, when you require lesser cooling, you can choose 50% or 75% modes, while 100% and free running are a good options when outside temperature is higher or number of people in the room are more.

Also, this AC has an excellent 5-star energy rating. Please note that Any AC with 5 star will always come in higher price bracket because it saves on your power-bills. Therefore, in the long run, higher energy ACs will cost you less if you add up your electricity bills to your cost.

Its dual filtration system is equipped with PM 2.5 and HD Filter. This blocks PM 2.5 and other ultra-fine particles from the air inside the room to give you fresh air to breathe. This is especially useful in areas with higher air pollution.

It also comes with a unique follow me feature. Upon activation of this feature, the AC will ‘follow’ the remote and will adjust the temperature around the remote control. Thus, the AC becomes aware where you are situated and adjusts the temperature around you.

This AC can maintain the room temperature even if the outside temperature is as high as 52 degrees. This can be useful in some of the northern and other parts of India where temperature can cross 50 degrees in summer season.

On top of this, power supply tend to be erratic and many parts of India witness voltage fluctuations during summer season. This AC comes with in-built voltage stabilizer that can withstand a decent range of fluctuation (150 – 280V).

Another feature that is beneficial during low voltage is its ability to deliver proper cooling even at 195 voltage.

Also, it comes with 100% copper condenser, which has low maintenance cost and helps AC consume less power. Thus, it helps reduce overall cost of this AC even during operation.

Pros

• 5-star energy rating
• 4-in-1 flexicool hybrid technology gives 4 different running capacities
• Inverter compressor
• Low voltage operation
• 100% copper condenser

Cons

• No auto-energy control feature

LG 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC 4-in-1 Convertible Cooling

LG is brings one of the best and most sought-after ACs with excellent technology at decent pricing. It is a leading AC brand not only in India, but also in North America. No wonder, we have another LG AC in our list.  LG 1 ton 5 star convertible AC consumes less energy and has a high ISEER value for lower energy consumption. This is a 4-in-1 convertible AC, which gives you four different modes of usage to reduce energy consumption. We have explained its working in details in this review.

One of the exciting features of this AC is its 4-in-1 convertible feature. With the help of this feature, you can optimize cooling and based on the number of people in the room. It basically have 4 modes and you can run the AC in these 4 different capacities.

These 4 modes allow you to run the AC in 100%, 80%, 60% and 40% energy consumption modes. It means that when number of people are in the room are less, then you can choose to run it at 40% capacity. And you can increase this when number of people increase.

Another feature that this AC is known for is its low noise performance. It is one of the most silent ACs with a minimal 21 dB sound. To put things in perspective, 20 dB sound is similar to whispering from 5 feet away!

Also, like many other LG inverter ACs, this AC also uses dual inverter compressor. This dual inverter compressor uses wider rotational frequency which uses less energy and gives higher speed cooling range. This means that the dual Inverter cools faster, last longer and gives off less noise.

This AC features low gas detection. The air conditioner will start displaying CH 38 in the AC display panel when it is the right time for maintenance and refrigerant refilling. (CH 38 is the error code for low refrigerant level). This will ensure that you refill the refrigerant on time, thus enhancing the life of your AC.

This AC also comes with ocean black protection technology. This technology uses special paint to coat on indoor and outdoor units to increase their life and durability. This technology is also used on it copper coils, which are prone to dust accumulation and corrosion. On top of this these copper coils are more efficient and durable as compared to aluminium coils that have higher chances of leakages.

Other features include smart diagnosis, R32 refrigerant and in-built stabilizer.

Pros

• Low noise operation
• 4-in-1 convertible
• Low gas detection feature
• Ocean black technology
• R32 refrigerant
• Smart diagnosis

Cons

• Slightly low capacity of 1 ton

Best Low Power Consumption AC India- Buyers’ Guide

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

Air conditioners have increasingly become a part of our lives, but still many of us are not aware about its working. Here, we will try to explain the working of an AC in an easy way so that you can understand it and explain to anyone if need be.

First of all let us understand basic principle of cooling. Grade 5 science says cooling is caused due to evaporation. Just like sweat produced in our body evaporates to producing cooling effect. AC works on the same principle of evaporation! It is also called vapour compression refrigeration cycle.

Short explanation:

Refrigerant flows in the coils and this process is aided by the compressor. Refrigerant is sent to condenser (outside unit) for loosing heat. This process is aided with the help of a fan that blows hot air onto the condenser. After this, refrigerant is cooled further, it flows into the indoor unit and a fan blows from inside towards the coils. This cool air then flows into the room. And the refrigerant goes back to the condenser and the process is repeated.

Detailed explanation:

Let’s see the main components of an AC.

• Refrigerant
• Compressor
• Condenser Coil
• Evaporator Coil
• Expansion Valve

Refrigerant: A refrigerant is an the gas / liquid that is ultimately responsible for cooling effect. Once it cools, a fan blows air from towards the coil containing the refrigerant, producing cool air, that get thrown out into the room.

Compressor: A compressor is the engine of an AC. It ensures that the refrigerant gets circulated continuously inside the coil. Also, it compresses the refrigerant into high-pressure liquid.

Coil: Refrigerant runs in the coil of an AC. Coil has two distinct parts– condenser coil and evaporator coil

Condenser Coil: Condenser coil is responsible for cooling down of the refrigerant, therefore they are situated in the outdoor unit. As soon as the refrigerant reaches condenser coils, the refrigerant starts loosing heat. This is further enabled with the help of a fan.

Evaporator Coil: Evaporator coil is present in the indoor unit. It is responsible for absorbing the heat and moisture, resulting in cooling effect.

Expansion valve: It is responsible for cooling of the refrigerant.

If you have understood the components of an AC then let’s see how the whole cooling cycle works.

• As soon as you switch on the AC, the compressor will pressurize the refrigerant and convert it into high-pressure liquid.
• Now, this hot liquid (refrigerant) will pass through condenser coils situated towards outside of the room (on the exterior wall in case of split AC) for condensation. Here, the refrigerant will cool down as it will release heat. An additional fan is present to speed up the cooling process.
• Now the temperature of this refrigerant is further reduced by expansion valves present inside the unit. This refrigerant gets cool enough to be passed towards the evaporation coil in the indoor unit.
• As soon as the cool refrigerant passes through evaporation coil, fan present in the system blows air from the inside towards outside passing though cool coils. This cools the air coming out of the AC.
• After some time, the refrigerant loses its low temperature as it absorbs the surrounding heat . It is then transported towards the compressor to convert it into liquid again and the cycle continues.

What is Inverter AC?

If you are looking for air conditioner for your home or office, you must have come across inverter ACs. You might be wondering what is an inverter AC?

Inverter AC uses inverter compressor for cooling. A compressor is the engine of an AC and it therefore directly effects its efficiency.

Inverter compressor regulates the speed of cooling constantly by adjusting as per the current load. A regular compressor cannot regulate the speed constantly, thus, an inverter AC consumes as much as 50% less power as compared to regular AC.

Difference between Inverter and Non Inverter AC

On an average, 10% of the power bills for households comes from Air conditioners. Therefore choosing an AC with lower energy usage makes sense.

Non-Inverter AC	Inverter AC
Its compressor only switches on or off instead of adjusting as per the current temperature	It contains an inverter drive that controls the motor speed (and compressor speed) as per the required load.
Produces comparatively more noise while running	Gives quieter operations.
They consume more power as they are not efficient	The save good amount of power due to efficient usage by inverter
Lifespan is less comparatively	Longer life as compared to non-inverter units
Price is lower than Inverter ACs	More expensive as compared to non-inverter ones

Reading Suggestion: Inverter AC vs Non-Inverter AC

Advantages of Inverter Air Conditioner

Inverter air conditioners come with many advantages.

Energy efficient

Inverter ACs are very energy efficient as compared to non-inverter ACs. It can save up to 50% more electricity as compared to non-inverter ACs. Also, inverter ACs can vary their capacity depending on manual or auto input. For example some dual inverter 1.5 ton AC can run with 1.5 ton as well as 1 ton capacity as per the requirement. This variation is not possible in non-inverter ACs.

Faster Cooling

Start-up time for Inverter AC is up to 30% less as compared to non-inverter ones. Also, inverter compressor always give more faster cooling because the inverter senses the current temperature constantly and regulates the required cooling quickly.

Low Noise

Inverter ACs produce far lesser noise as compared to non-inverter ACs. Some inverter As even produce noise at 20 dB. 20 dB is similar to whispering or rustling of leaves. On the other hand, non-inverter ACs can produce noise at even 45 dB.

Comfortable Experience

Since, inverter ACs maintain precise temperature, they are more comfortable than non-inverter ACs which witnesses up and down cycle of temperature.

This illustration below explains this point visually.

Power Consumption – Inverter AC Vs Non-Inverter AC

There is significant difference between energy consumed by inverter ACs and non-inverter ACs. Non inverter ACs and inverter ACs have separate star ratings and separate energy consumption.

We have done some calculations to make it easier for you to understand the difference.

• A 5 star rated non-inverter AC is around 50% more energy efficient as compared to 3 star rated inverter AC.
• A 5 star rated non-inverter AC is around 9% more energy efficient as compared to 3 star rated non-inverter AC.
• A 5 star rated inverter AC is at least 30% more energy efficient as compared to 3 star rated inverter AC.

It means that non-inverter AC will consumer least energy irrespective of its star rating. Therefore non-inverter 5-star AC is most energy efficient.

Different Types of Air Conditioners

ACs are primarily of two types- Window AC and split AC.

1. Window Air Conditioner

Window ACs used to be very common in India till about only few years back. These ACs are less costly and are easy to install. The working of such ACs is similar to central air conditioners. Its components include a fan, evaporate coils, a compressor and a refrigerator.

Window ACs come in 0.75 ton – 2 ton range. Larger the size, bigger the cooling power. Even then, window AC is not powerful enough for larger rooms. Also, window ACs usually are non-inverter ACs, which means that they use regular compressors rather than inverter compressors. This helps in keeping the manufacturing cost lower.

Advantages of Window AC:

• Ideal for small rooms.
• Easy to install and uninstall.
• Additional ductwork is not required.
• Less costly as compared to other types of air conditioners such as split AC and central air conditioning.

Disadvantages of Window AC:

• Produce more noise than other systems of air conditioning.
• You need to occupy your window for installing it.
• Not suitable for larger rooms.
• Additional adjustments have to be made such as cutting the grills, securing the gaps etc.
• Location of power socket plays a role in finding right place for installation.
• Limited features.

2. Split Air Conditioner

Split ACs are powerful air conditioning units that have gained popularity in urban and hotter regions of India.

These ACs come with two units- indoor and outdoor. The indoor unit has a cooling coil, an air filter and a blower. The outdoor unit is installed on the outside of the wall. This unit contains a condenser coil, a compressor, and capillary tube.

Refrigerant absorbs the heat and moisture from the room when it is in the indoor unit, this process results in cooling effect (cold is nothing but absence of heat). The refrigerant then passes though the conduits to the outdoor unit. Here, it releases the heat in the condenser coil and cools further in the expansion valve and goes back to the indoor unit again.

Advantages of Split AC

• Split ACs are produce very less noise. A regular split AC will produce noise between 30 and 45 dB. To put things in perspective, 30 dB noise is similar to ruffling of leaves.
• Split ACs can be installed anywhere even in a room without a window.
• Easy to maintain and clean.
• Compressor can be installed on a convenient location irrespective of the location of the AC.
• Energy efficient
• Much more additional features.
• Ideal for rooms of almost all sizes in a regular house.

Disadvantages of Split AC

• It is more expensive than window AC.
• Split AC cannot be installed needs trained professional for installation.
• Outdoor unit gives off lot of noise, which can be inconvenient for neighbours.

Suggested Reading: Window AC vs Split AC

3. Portable AC

Portable ACs are smaller, movable ACs that can be used in place of window ACs.

These are different from air coolers  as the working principle is similar to other air conditioners. Main modes of operation are air conditioner, dehumidifier and fan. They have to be placed near the window. One key difference in the specifications is that instead of tonnage, their capacity is measured in BTUs. Also, many portable ACs can cover even larger rooms of up to the 500 sq. ft.

Its availability in India is limited, but they do not come cheap as one might assume.

Advantages of Portable AC

• Quick and easy installation
• Can be moved between different rooms easily as compared to window ACs
• Better than air coolers in cooling and dehumidification
• Usually, three modes available- AC, fan and dry

Disadvantages Advantages of Portable AC

• Take floor space unlike other ACs
• Create Noise
• Cooling is not as efficient as other ACs

4. Hot & Cold ACs

Hot and cold ACs can be used all round the year because they work as heaters during the winters, while during summers, they work as regular ACs. These ACs cost higher than regular ACs and require more maintenance.

Advantages of Hot & Cold AC

• Can work in all seasons
• Better than room heaters because room heaters use nearby oxygen to produce heating. This reduces oxygen level in the room. Use of AC does not cause depletion of oxygen
• AC removes the humidity during winters, which increases comfort level and it keeps the windows and doors clear of moisture

Disadvantages of Hot & Cold AC

• Higher price
• Requires more maintenance as it is used more often

Things to Consider Before Purchasing an AC

There are few important things that you have to keep in mind before purchasing an AC. Since they cost decent amount of money, it is always a good idea to be aware about various factors that should be considered before you make your purchase. Read on further to know more.

1. Capacity

Most important thing to consider before buying an AC is its cooling capacity. Capacity of an AC is measured in tons. It refers to the amount heat that can be extracted by the AC in one hour.

Ideal capacity mainly depends on the size of the room. Higher the room size, more the capacity required. However there are other factors as well that come into play such as number of people in the room, individual preferences for cooling etc.

Also, the ideal capacity also varies depending on the brands and models, therefore you should always check the recommended room size of any given AC from the manual.

We have given a table below which shows ideal capacity based on the size of the room.

Room Size*	AC Capacity
100 sq. ft.	0.8 ton
100 to 150 sq. ft.	1.0 ton
150 to 250 sq. ft.	1.5 ton
250 to 400 sq. ft.	2.0 ton

*Considering 5 people in the room

2. Power Consumption, Star Ratings, EER, ISEER

Once you have decided your ideal capacity, next factors you should consider are the energy efficiency and power consumption.

Air Conditioners in India are mandated by the BEE under Government of India to include Energy Star Ratings in the label of the appliance.

Energy rating of 1 is the least and it means lowest energy efficiency and energy rating of 5 means best energy efficiency in its category. Basically, a 5-star rated air conditioner will give consume lower power as compared to lower rated appliances.

Apart from star energy ratings, you should also pay attention to ISEER ratings. Higher the ISEER rating, better the efficiency.

EER is the Energy Efficiency Rating and ISEER means Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

ISEER is Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency ratio. It is relatively new but international method adopted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to cater to Indian seasonal system. It was necessary to bring this system because cooling and energy efficiency depends on the outside temperature as well which BEE rating system does not take into account.

Let us see different ways to measure energy efficiency of ACs

1. Energy Efficiency Ratio

EER is the amount of heat extracted by the AC per hour divided by the amount of power consumed by it.

EER = BTU/hr/Watt.

BTU means British Thermal Unit. 1 BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1° F.

This means that higher EER will lead to better heat extraction. Thus, higher EER is always preferred.

2. Star Ratings

For Non inverter ACs and window ACs, Star Rating of ACs is based on the range of EER. Below chart shows minimum and maximum EER rating for a given Star rating.

Star Rating	Min EER	Max EER
1	2.7	2.89
2	2.9	2.99
3	3.1	3.29
4	3.3	3.49
5	3.5

These ratings keep on changing as the BEE makes the ratings more stringent every few years. As you can see, higher star rating of an AC means higher energy efficiency. The EER is included on the same label of star ratings, and BEE has mandated every room AC to display this on the label.

3. Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER)

AC’s efficiency depends on the temperature outside. This current temperature largely depends on the current season. For example, an AC will consumer higher energy for keeping the temperature at 23 degrees when the outside temperature is 40 degrees as compared to when the outside temperature is 27 degrees. Also, ACs are used far less in winters than summers.

The SEER ( Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the total amount of heat removed by the AC divided with the total amount of energy it consumes annually when it is in the active mode of cooling.

Every country has their own SEER rating. Thus, ISEER rating is Indian SEER to cater to Indian seasons.

BEE defines ISEER per the different climate profile of India.

1. CSEC (Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption) – It is the total amount of energy consumed annually by the AC when it is in the active mode for cooling operation.
2. CSTL (Cooling Seasonal Total Load) – It is the total amount of heat that is removed by the AC when it is in the active mode of operation on an annual basis.

Thus,  ISEER =CSTL/CSEC

It means that ISEER denotes amount of heat extraction for every unit of power consumed.

These numbers are calculated for 1600 hours, which is equivalent to running AC for 4.4 hours every day! And this annual temperature profile is based on the weather profile of 54 cities across India.

3. Compressors

Compressor is the engine of an AC. It compresses the refrigerant into high-pressure liquid by heating it.

This high-pressure liquid passes through the condenser coil. Here it loses heat and this comes out of the AC as cool air.

Compressors are of mainly two types- Reciprocating Compressor and Rotary Compressor.

Reciprocating Compressor

This type of compressor consists of a cylinder and a piston just like automobile engines.The movement of the piston compresses and expands the gas inside it resulting in heating due to compression and cooling due to expansion.

This technology is comparatively simple, easy to maintain and works efficiently even in higher temperatures. However it produces noise, which can be quite inconvenient.

Reciprocating compressor are widely used in split ACs because of its simple design and efficient working.

Pros of reciprocating compressor

• Simple in design
• Easy to maintain
• Efficient even in high temperatures

Cons of reciprocating compressor

• Produces noise
• Gives off intense heat

Rotary Compressor

Rotary compressors consists of several rotors arranged closely together. These rotors move in opposite direction to produce high pressure.

Since this process produces less noise, it is suitable for industries and large offices. However, rotary compressors are costly as compared to reciprocating compressors and require more maintenance and higher usage to achieve optimal result.

Pros of rotary compressor

• Produces very less noise
• Very efficient

Cons of rotary compressor

• Require more maintenance
• Not suitable for home usage

4. Condenser Coil

Coil in an AC can made up of cooper or aluminum. Each come with their own advantages and disadvantages. These two types are most popular as they have high heat extraction ability (thermal efficiency).

Copper Coil

Copper is the most preferred choice of coil because of its very high thermal efficiency. On top of this, copper is durable and suffers from less corrosion, making them long lasting.

Pros of copper coil

• High heat extraction ability
• Consumes less energy
• Durable
• Easy to repair
• Requires less maintenance

Cons of copper coil

• Copper coils are expensive

Aluminum Coil

Aluminum coil has poor conduction as compared to copper, therefore they are less efficient. On top of this, it is not as long-lasting as copper. However, it is very cost effective as compared to copper.

Pros of aluminum coil

• Inexpensive
• Lower in density, therefore less amount of aluminum used to make coil. This further reduces cost
• Flexible material

Cons aluminum coil

• Corrodes more than copper, therefore frequent damage due to corrosion is not uncommon
• Less thermal efficiency than copper
• Maintenance is difficult, because the compressor is housed in strong cabinet to protect it unlike copper coils
• Consumes more energy

Reading Suggestion: Copper Coil vs Aluminum Coil          

5. Refrigerants

Refrigerant is a gas that runs through air conditioners and refrigerators to absorb heat from the room and release it outside.

As soon as you start the compressor, it compresses the refrigerant with high pressure and converts it into liquid. This liquid passes through the coil gets converted back into gas. 

There are different types of refrigerants used in air conditioners. You can read about the history and pros and cons of major refrigerants used today, here.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)

Most common CFC refrigerant is R12. Before 1990s, CFC was most commonly used refrigerant. However, it has one major drawback. It was found that CFCs were responsible for ozone hole depletion. This led to gradual incentivization of such refrigerants. Today this refrigerant is rarely used.

Hydro- Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC)

Most common HCFC refrigerant is R22. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), just like CFC has high ozone depleting potential (ODP), which means that it is not good for the environment just like the CFCs. However, still this refrigerant is being used by small number of manufacturers world over.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)

Most common HFC refrigerant is R410A. It is better than HCFC in terms of cooling efficiency and pricing.

R410A has 0 ODP (ozone depletion potential), which means that it does not harm the ozone layer. Due to this, it has replaced R22 gradually over short period of time. However, it has high heat-absorption potential, which means that it is a greenhouse gas which is responsible for global warming. This again led to hunt for newer types of refrigerants- HC

Hydrocarbons (HC)

Most common HC refrigerants is R32. It is currently most widely used refrigerant world over because of its high efficiency, low cost and low impact on the environment. It has 0 ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential. However, it is mildly-flammable. Even then it is perfectly safe in home conditions. Thus, R32 is rapidly replacing R410A as the refrigerant of choice for top AC brands in India.

R410A and R32 are the most common types of refrigerants in India right now. Even though R32 is gradually replacing R410A, it will take time until they are fully replaced as even R22 is still being used by some manufacturers in India.

6. Cooling Speed

ACs come with single speed, double speed and multiple speed options. Single speed ACs cannot change the speed of cooling, therefore such air conditioners should always be avoided because there are time when you need speedier cooling depending on the number of  people and outside temperature. Thus, 2 or more speed options should be available.

7. Air Filtration System

In countries with high air pollution, even indoor air quality is not good, therefore, it always makes sense to buy an AC with decent filtration system. Many ACs come with PM 2.5 filters. A good filter provides clean air to breathe, gives better cooling and wastes less energy, therefore decent filtration is important.

8. Noise Level

Split ACs are more silent as compared to window AC in terms of noise levels. Even in split ACs, come with different noise levels. Anything around 30 to 40 dB is usual noise level. Some inverter such as dual inverters produce very less because they are equipped with dual rotors that run in opposite phases. This negates the vibration which comes from individual rotors. Thus giving very less vibration resulting in lesser noise.

9. Dehumidifier

Almost every AC in the market today comes with ability to dehumidify. There are few ACs that give separate dehumidifier option. You can also purchase this type of AC if you live in areas with higher humidity such as coastal areas or during monsoons.

10. Remote Control

Most of the split ACs are beyond easy reach of users, therefore it becomes a necessity rather than convenience to have a remote control. Even in window ACs, remote control make it quite convenient regulate temperature, fan, cooling and so on. Modern ACs come with LCD remote with large displays, making them convenient to use.

11. Timer & Sleep Timer

Almost all the ACs come with timer options. The timer will switch on the ac at specific time in future based on the time set by you. On the other hand, the sleep timer gives an option to switch off the ac automatically after a desired amount of time.

12. Digital Display

Digital display helps you with better visibility of various settings such as temperature, fan, capacity and so on. It can be especially handy during dim lighting conditions.

13. Control System

Some ACs come with slightly complex control system that can be inconvenient some times. You can try to choose ACs with simple and user friendly controls.

14. Fan-Only Operation

As the name suggests, fan-only feature will switch off the compressor and turn on only the fan inside the AC. This can be helpful if the temperature inside the room is already cold such as during nights. This will help save significant amount of power because compressor takes good amount of electricity to operate.

15. Modes of Operation

While window AC comes with limited modes, Split AC usually come with four main modes of operation- Air mode, cool mode, dry mode, fan mode

Auto Mode: This is one of the most convenient modes to run. Auto mode detects the outside temperature and number of people in the room cools as per the requirement. It can come in quite handy if you have to run the AC for long time so that it can adjust as per the temperature variations during the day and during night. Since this is an extra feature that requires sensors, it is not present in all the ACs.

Cool Mode: This mode is the opposite of auto mode where instead of the AC adjusting cooling automatically as per the requirement, the user sets the desired temperature. It is useful when you want quick cooling or when you want lesser temperature than what auto mode automatically sets.

Dry Mode: Dry mode removes the humidity from the room so that you can remain comfortable even during in outside humidity such as during rainy seasons. It can also be useful for people living in coastal areas that witness higher humidity.

Fan Mode: Fan mode will switch off the compressor and will only run the fan inside the AC. You can use it when the temperature is already cool and it does not need additional cooling. Thus, fan will blow naturally cool air. This will help save decent amount of electricity because compressor takes good amount of energy to run.

16. Additional Features

Apart from certain basic features such as temperature control and auto mode, modern ACs come with many special features such as

Turbo mode is one such feature that cools the room in very less time  by quickly running in full capacity

Sleep mode is another useful feature that helps in maintaining constant temperature whole night. (Usual temperature range is between 22 and 24 degrees)

Some inverter ACs are also equipped with advanced features such as automatic sensors, WiFi connectivity and so on. Please note that more features will attract higher pricing.

16. Cost

Air conditioners come in different brackets. Window ACs are the most cost effective ACs out there. But they may not be suitable for every household. As far as split ACs are concerned, energy efficiency plays a huge role in the cost of an AC. Inverter ACs are expensive as compared to non-inverter ACs because of this reason. Also, higher star rated ACs are more expensive than lower rated ACs. Typical examples for a given capacity:

• 5 star inverter AC will be costlier than 3 star inverter AC and 5 star non-inverter AC.
• 3 star inverter AC can be costlier than even a 5 star non-inverter AC. (Not hard and fast rule, but usual scenario).

For detailed information click here: Inverter AC vs Non-inverter AC vs Star Rating.

As far as pricing is concerned, cost of inverter air conditioners in India can range from 25,000 to 50,000 rupees. Also, more features also attract higher pricing.

17. Warranty

It is always recommended to read the warranty information carefully before purchasing an home appliance including AC. Typically, ACs come with 1 year of warranty. As far as compressor is concerned, some ACs come with 10 years of compressor warranty. This can always be beneficial in the long run because compressor repair can be costly affair. Again, please go through the terms carefully to see what all is included in the warranty.

18. Customer Service

It’s always a good idea to check after-sales service reviews either online or with your friends in your area. As a rule of thumb, reputed brands have better after-sales service as compared to lesser-known brands.

Tips For Maintenance of Air Conditioner

•  Filters of the AC should be cleaned properly before beginning to use in summer season. This is because these filters tend to accumulate dirt during non-summer seasons when they are not used. So, if you will run the AC with clogged filters, it will use more energy and put more pressure on the compressor. This can reduce the life of the AC apart from consuming more electricity.
•  The condenser of the AC is responsible for cooling off the hot refrigerant. It should be cleaned regularly because if it’s not clean, then the cooling of the refrigerant will not be efficient, thus impacting overall efficiency of your AC. You should also replace refrigerant regularly.
• Similarly, evaporator coil should be also be cleaned regularly. We recommend professional AC check-up from time to time.
• Temperature setting in the range of 23 and 25 degree Celsius is the most optimum in terms of saving on electricity consumption.
• Never place any electronic device such as laptop, TV, phone near the thermostat of the AC. This effects proper working of the AC and puts more load on the condenser.
• Doors and windows of the room should be closed when the air conditioner is running. You can also try placing rungs below the doors to properly insulate the rooms for effective cooling.
• Electronic devices also produce heat. Try not to keep lot of electronic devices such as TV, laptop, music system etc. in the same room. This will save electricity consumption of the AC.
• Cover the compressor when not in use for log duration such as non-summer seasons. This sill ensure long life of the compressor and it will also require lesser cleaning.
• You should try to use the AC in off-seasons by running it in fan mode, so that the AC does not get clogged.
• Ensure that the rear drain is working properly from time to time. If water get accumulated inside, then it can damage the coil and in some cases can also cause short-circuit.

How can you maximize the performance of AC?

There are a lot of things you can do in order to maximize the performance of your AC. First of all, you should ensure that the outdoor unit is facing an open area so that there is no blockage in the air flow. Secondly, you need to see that there is no blockage in the drainage pipe and therefore, you should place it a foot above the ground so that insects cannot get in or kids start pulling them. Thirdly, the indoor unit should not be placed on the wall which gets direct sunlight as it can get heated up.

Fourth, you should use blinds, curtains or sun films on the windows to reduce the heat input. This will ensure that the AC will take less time to cool the room and thereby, saving the power quite significantly. Fifth, you can install a false ceiling as the heat for the ceiling will not radiate that much directly in the room.

Sixth, you should open the windows and let out the hot air from the room using the ceiling fan you have or the fan mode in the AC before closing the windows and starting the cool or auto mode. Last and the most important step to increase the performance of the AC is to clean the filter regularly. Unclean filter obstructs optimal cooling, and the efficiency goes down by 10%.

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Low Power Consumption AC India

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