- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 09 Apr 2025 06:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Yes, it's here the season of scorching heat, sweat and thirst and with this season also comes the growing demand for Air Conditioners (ACs) and the most essential thing here is that you get the right kind of AC for yourself.
First things first you need to assess the AC according to the size of your room, and if the assessment is not correct you might get an AC that costs more is too big or too small for your usage, puts a dent in your pocket with the electricity bill and most of all you may not enjoy an optimised cooling environment. The biggest question when you first encounter as soon as you enter the market for an AC is how many tons is enough? This is important because if you get it wrong its like throwing your money into the gutter. So don't worry, here we will discuss what kind of AC suits best for your needs, so keep reading.
Firstly what capacity of AC you need to get completely depends on the size of your room, and other factors such as exposure to sunlight and how crowded the room will get and what kind of ventilation is there all these are important to consider as well.
So let's take a brief look at it
-For rooms up to 120 sq. ft., a 1-ton AC should be enough.
-If your room is between 121 and 180 sq. ft., go for at least a 1.5-ton AC.
-For spaces ranging from 181 to 250 sq. ft., you’ll need a 2-ton AC.
-If your room is larger than 250 sq. ft., consider a 2-ton or dual AC setup for better cooling.
Now considering your room size if its a big room an AC with less tonnage will just not cut it, it will be over-capacitated, and you will receive less than optimal cooling, and you can be sure of your electricity bills skyrocketing. Similarly, if you buy an AC with higher tonnage for a small room, this will again make your electricity bills touch the sky.
Split AC Or Window AC?
Another thing you need to look out for is if you need to buy a split AC or a window AC. Both offer different advantages depending upon your use base. So let's tackle them both individually.
Split AC – How It Works and Where It Shines A split AC has two parts: an indoor unit that cools your room and an outdoor unit that throws the heat out. The indoor unit pulls in warm air, cools it using refrigerant, and blows it back. The outdoor unit, which houses the compressor, releases the absorbed heat outside.
Why People Prefer Split ACs
-Quiet & Efficient: With the compressor outside, split ACs are quieter and more energy-efficient—often using inverter tech.
-Modern Features: They usually come with smart features like remote control, Wi-Fi, air purification, and sleep modes.
-Ideal For: Homes, offices, and any space where peace and aesthetics matter. Great if you could install an outdoor unit.
Pros:
Lower electricity bills with inverter tech
Quieter indoor experience
Allows for zoned cooling
Sleek and unobtrusive
Cons:
-Higher upfront cost
-Needs professional installation
-Wall space required for mounting
-Regular maintenance is needed for top-performance
Window AC – Simple, Compact, and Budget-Friendly Window ACs are all-in-one units that sit in a window or wall opening. They pull warm air in, cool it with refrigerant, and send it back into the room while pushing heat outside through the back vents.
Why People Go for Window ACs
-Affordable Cooling: Cheaper upfront and perfect for small rooms or single-room use.
-Easy Setup: No complex installation—just fit it into a window and plug it in.
-Compact Design: Doesn’t take up floor space and works well in tight spots.
Pros:
-Budget-friendly
-Simple to install
-Ideal for smaller rooms
-Space-saving design
Cons:
-Can be noisy
-Blocks part of the window
-Not suitable for large spaces
-Fixed location—no flexibility to move
Who Should Buy What?
Go for a Split AC if:
-You need to cool bigger spaces or multiple rooms
-You want a quieter, modern, and energy-efficient system
-You can install an outdoor unit (ideal for homeowners)
Skip Split AC if:
-You're renting or can't install outside units
-You're on a tight budget
-You live in a small space where it's overkill
Go for a Window AC if:
-You live in a rented flat with window space
-You want a quick, cost-effective cooling solution
-You only need to cool one room
Skip Window AC if:
-Your building doesn’t allow window modifications
-You need to cool multiple or large rooms
-You're sensitive to noise or want something more aesthetic
With this guide i hope you find the right fit for your room and cooling requirements. So when you are out there scouting for the right fit it's not just brands and features but also whether the AC is a good fit for your room size. A right AC will provide the optimal amount of cooling as well as prevent high electricity bills that could really burn a hole in your pocket.
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