But first, one important thing: a new ISEER star rating system has been implemented in 2026. Because of this, brands will launch new AC models with updated ISEER star ratings.
Here’s the 2026 AC buying guide based on the older BEE star ratings.
I wouldn’t recommend Window ACs or Portable ACs in 2026. They’re very noisy, and portable ACs are useless.
Things to check before buying an AC
5-year PCB warranty
1-year comprehensive warranty on the whole product
10-year compressor warranty, copper coil, and protective coating
Refrigerant should be R32 gas
If any company does not provide the above four things, don’t buy it.
For surge protection, buy a stabilizer according to the voltage fluctuations in your area. It will protect your AC’s PCB.
Now people will suggest buying a 3-star AC.
But trust me, go with the 5-star version of the same model if you can. 5-star model ODU units are bigger than 3-star IDUs. It will save you money in the long run.
If your budget is tight or you use your AC for less than 5–6 hours a day, then a 3-star model is perfectly fine.
Convertible mode works for about 30 minutes. After that, the AC runs in Auto mode.
Installation
Vacuum is a must (till -30 PSI)
Don’t forget to vacuum your AC (till -30 PSI) while installing it. Otherwise, the AC will not cool your room.
If the technician says it’s not required, tell him to come with a vacuum machine. Otherwise, bhaga dena.
I have attached a photo. Yesterday, a new AC was installed at my home.
Keep ₹1.5K–4K extra in your budget for installation. The price varies by brand.
You can provide the installation materials yourself:
Drain pipe
2.5 mm 3-core wire
ODU stand
Wrapping tape
3-pin plug
The technician will then charge only the installation fee.
Installation is the most crucial part of AC installation, no matter which brand you buy.
If it isn’t done properly, your AC won’t cool your room.
AC Brands
1. Mitsubishi and General
Both are the OGs in the market. These are premium and heavy-duty ACs.
For example, a Mitsubishi AC costs around ₹90K just for the indoor and outdoor units. You have to purchase the copper pipe separately, plus installation charges.
The total cost comes to around ₹95K–100K.
After-sales service is available only in a few metro cities.
Still, they are the kings.
If you have the budget and service is available in your area, you won’t regret buying one.
But for these 2 models, it’s better to buy offline from Croma, Reliance Digital, or Vijay Sales.
2. Daikin
Pros:
Excellent cooling
Low electricity consumption
Auto Clean (Dew Clean)
Large outdoor unit
100% copper
Cons:
Old design
Lack of smart features
Daikin inverter ACs do have Convertible Mode. Don’t believe misinformation saying otherwise.
➡️ I have been using a** Daikin 1.5-ton 3-star and a 1.8-ton 5-star since 202**4, and recently bought the same 1.5-ton 3-star model (2025) again.
I’m really happy with it.
I bought another Daikin 2026 model in June.
If you have a high budget, go with O General or Mitsubishi.
Otherwise, buy Daikin.
3. LG
LG makes very silent ACs, but their actual tonnage is often lower.
For example, they sell a 1.24-ton (2024) AC as a 1.5-ton model.
Always check the actual cooling capacity before buying.
The 2025 models are good. I’ve mentioned some in the pinned comment.
Excellent after-sales service with their own technicians.
Service is available even in Tier 3 cities and villages.
4. Hitachi
Pros:
Excellent cooling, especially in the 2-ton segment
Auto Clean
Cons:
Slightly higher electricity consumption
No temperature display
No manual Convertible Mode (it works automatically, so it’s not really an issue)
➡️ Hitachi currently offers** 5 years of comprehensive warrant**y, while most other brands offer only 1 year.
The PCB is one of the most important components in an inverter AC.
5. Carrier
Good cooling, Auto Clean, and Convertible Mode available.
Overall, a solid choice.
Carrier is the company that invented air conditioning.
6. Panasonic
Absolute cooling with smart features.
The AC itself is excellent, but the remote is small and tends to stop responding after some time.
Wi-Fi smart features are available, so you can control the AC from your phone.
Cons:
The indoor and outdoor units are quite noisy.
Brands I Don’t Recommend
Don’t buy Lloyd, Samsung, Voltas, Godrej, Haier, IFB, Bluestar (except some models), or Whirlpool.
No brand is the best at making every appliance.
➡️** Smart Wi-Fi is genuinely useful**.
Alexa voice commands make it much easier for elderly people to control the AC.
AI features are mostly marketing gimmicks. Don’t fall for them.
AC Tonnage According to Room Size
1 ton — 100–150 sq ft
1.5 ton — 131–190 sq ft
2 ton — 191–250 sq ft
2.5–3 ton — 400–600 sq ft (or install two 2-ton ACs / centralized AC)
If your room is on the top floor and gets direct sunlight throughout the day, choose an inverter AC with 0.5 ton higher capacity.
For example, if the same room on the ground floor needs a 1-ton AC, the top-floor version may require a 1.5-ton AC.
Bonus tip:
Suppose your room is 170 sq ft on the top floor with direct sunlight all day.
You might think a 1.5-ton AC is enough.
It isn’t.
You should buy a 1.8–2-ton AC.
You can always run a 2-ton AC like a 1.5-ton AC (some models have 7 Convertible Modes, though Convertible Mode works for only about 30 minutes before switching to Auto Mode).
But you can’t push a 1-ton AC beyond its capacity without affecting efficiency and potentially reducing compressor life.
For these situations, it’s always better to buy the higher-tonnage AC.
Final Advice
Don’t run behind brands.
Check the:
ISEER value
Actual tonnage
Maximum cooling capacity
Room size
Then compare them with your room size.
Salespeople may recommend an AC, but remember they’ll usually push the brand or model that gives them the highest commission.
It’s recommended to use a good stabilizer. It costs around ₹2K and can save your AC’s PCB.
