Since they are easy to install and extremely reliable, window ACs have remained a popular choice with consumers for decades. They also are a better option if you change your home often. While they are relatively fuss-free air conditioners, there are a few factors you must consider when you choose one for your home. These include the dimensions of the room you live in, the number of people occupying that room on an average, the energy-efficiency of the air conditioner, among other things.

You also have to consider whether the cost of the window AC you wish to buy is financially viable for you. One way to ensure that is to buy the window AC on EMI instead of creating a dent in your bank balance by paying for it in one go.

There are several EMI plans on offer if you want to go down that route. If you choose to make your purchase using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network, for example, you can shop stress-free, thanks to the various flexible EMI plans for AC, which start as low as Rs.1,599.

Here, you’ll find the best air conditioners available in the market such as Blue Star window ACs, Voltas window ACs, among several others.   

With the financing out of the way, have a look at the top five factors you must consider when buying a window AC.

Cooling capacity

Always check and compare the cooling capacities of the window ACs that you are considering. The thumb rule is the larger the room, the higher the cooling capacity should be. This is because if your room is big and the cooling capacity of your window AC is low, it will work that much harder to try and cool the entire space. This will not only diminish the lifespan of the window AC but also use up more energy and hike up your electricity bills.

For example, if your room is large, an air conditioner with a cooling capacity of 5000 watts, as is the case with the Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window AC, is your best bet. You also need to consider the ceiling height, the amount of sunlight streaming into the room, the number of people occupying the room and the kind of room you wish to install the AC in. For example, if you wish to install the air conditioner in the kitchen, you will need one with higher cooling capacity.  

Size of the window AC

The size of the air conditioner plays a major role in ensuring optimum cooling. A smaller space will cool sufficiently with a smaller-sized AC and vice versa. Determining the best size will also ensure your AC doesn’t waste extra energy to cool the room as this will cost you dearly every month. For example, a room that measures 9 feet x 10 feet will need a 1-ton air conditioner.

If your room is 10 feet x 11 feet, you will require a 1.2-ton window AC. If it is 10 feet x 15 feet, you should consider a 1.5-ton model. Lastly, a room measuring 10 feet x 20 feet will be sufficiently cooled by a 2-ton window AC.

Installation requirements

Window ACs are the easiest to install. There are a few measurements that you need to know and note down before you shop for one. First, measure the dimensions of the window you wish to install the AC in and compare them to the air conditioner you want to buy. You don’t have to worry about the AC fitting the dimensions perfectly.

This can be adjusted with the use of side curtains or with mounting hardware. If you want to install the air conditioner in a wall, take a close look at the dimensions mentioned in the model specifications and use these to create a wall opening for the air conditioner.

Energy efficiency rating

Never buy a window AC or any other air conditioner, for that matter, without checking its energy-efficiency rating first. A window AC with a 5-star energy-efficiency rating is the best you can get, especially when you live in a warm city and use the air conditioner frequently.

You can also consider 3-star air conditioners, which are not as efficient as a 5-star ac but work best for those who live in colder places where you don’t use the air conditioner regularly.

While a 5-star window AC will cost you more at the time of purchase than a 3-star model, it will save you a lot of money by way of power bills in the long run. You also get more features such as multiple cooling speeds and timers that allow you to control the temperature of the air conditioner and optimise its usage while keeping your power bills under control.

Maintenance frequency

Window ACs are prone to dust and dirt and need to be maintained regularly in order to function at the optimal level. This is especially true for the back unit of the air conditioner, which is facing the outside of your home and can’t be cleaned as easily.

The air filter is also vulnerable to dust and needs to be cleaned out on a regular basis. You don’t have to necessarily call a service to get your Window AC cleaned. It can be done using mild soap and water. Always refer to the owner manual before you embark on the cleaning process. Better yet, choose an AC that requires maintenance less frequently.

Now that you are aware of the things to consider while buying a window AC, all you need to do now is to shop for the one that meets your requirements. Before you start comparing the best brands and top-of-the-line models, find out your pre-approved offer customised by Bajaj Finserv.

This way you will know the EMI financing amount available to you and can get shopping for the perfect window AC to beat the heat this summer.

(Author Bio: Digvijay Singh Kanwar is a professional content writer and digital marketing expert and he loves to write about finance and tech-based articles. You can contact him on [email protected])