14 Best Window ACs in India (2022)

While split ACs will always prove to be more energy-efficient and aesthetically appealing than the best Window ACs in India, in some scenarios, a window AC might be a better choice than a split AC.

In fact, when it comes to homes, you’re more likely to find a window AC in someone’s house than a split air conditioner. There are multiple reasons for this.

The most obvious one is that window ACs turn out to be cheaper than split ACs. Another is that maintaining and servicing window ACs is much easier than split ACs. And then, there is the installation problem.

Installing a split AC is not possible in every room because you need some kind of an outlet for the copper tubing, the electrical wiring, and the water outlet pipe. Window ACs, on the other hand, can be fitted into any window, provided the size is right.

Whatever may be the reason that you’re choosing a window AC over a split AC, you need to make sure that you buy the right one. After all, an air conditioner is something you buy for years if not decades. This is why we’ve created this guide for you.

Here’s everything you’ll find on this page beginning with information that you need to make a good choice and ending with in-depth reviews of the best window ACs (2022) in India.

• Which Is the Best Window AC Company in India
• How to Choose the Best Window AC Unit?
  • What AC Tonnage Do You Need?
  • What are ISEER Value and Star Ratings?
  • Is an Inverter Window AC the Best Room AC for you?
  • Will the Window AC in your Room Affect the Environment?
  • Does The AC Model/Year Matter?
• 14 Best Window ACs In India (2022): At A Glance with Approximate Price (By Tonnage)
• 14 Best Window ACs In India (2022): At A Glance with Approximate Price (By Brand)
• 4 Best 1 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews
• 5 Best 1.5 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews
• 3 Best 2 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews

Which Is the Best Window AC Company in India

How effectively a window AC cools depends on two things. The first is whether you’ve chosen the right capacity for your room size or not and the second is how well you’ve sealed your room.

Everything else including technology doesn’t matter because there isn’t much difference in the technology of one model and another. Therefore, in terms of the effectiveness of their products, all window AC brands in India are the same.

The areas where the brands will vary in India are durability and post-sales service.

Durability is all about the build quality of the window AC i.e., the quality of materials used in it. With some brands, the lack of quality will be clearly visible in the AC’s body. You’ll only see this difference if you have the better-quality product, though. Otherwise, it will all seem normal.

The same will be true with the internal parts of the window AC. Internal parts of lower quality window ACs tend to break down much more often than higher quality window ACs.

Of course, lower build quality means that the price of the product will be lower and vice versa.

For example, Daikin, Hitachi, and LG are all brands that offer exceptional build quality inside and outside the machine which is why they’re slightly more expensive than their competitors’ products. Therefore, in terms of durability, these are the best window AC brands in India.

Everything is different when it comes to post-sales service though. In the majority of cases, international brands fall woefully short in this area. The reason for this is that they don’t have a sufficiently widespread service network in India.

More importantly, they’re not interested in establishing independent service networks either. Instead, they try to outsource their service jobs to third-party vendors. Since there are no foolproof checks and balances on these third-party vendors, the quality of the post-sales service suffers.

For instance, if you’re not in a tier 1 city and you order reps for any of the brands mentioned above, you’ll either have to wait a long time or make do with uninterested and unskilled technicians.

On the other hand, when it comes to the quality of service, the Indian brands perform the best. The best example of this is Voltas, the Tata brand. While their ACs are also great, the main reason why Voltas is the market leader in India (21% market share) is its service network.

Another example of an Indian company leveraging its service network to capture the market is Blue Star. However, Blue Star is 3^rd in the Indian market (12% market shared) mainly because it pays attention to the industrial or commercial market which is why it leads it.

In fact, the top 3 brands in the Indian air conditioner market are all domestic with LG (16% market share) completing the trifecta.

As is obvious, this can only be due to their respective service networks in the country.

How to Choose the Best Window AC Unit?

There can be a considerable difference between which window AC is best for you and which one suits your next-door neighbor. This is why you should always spend some time analyzing the products you’re planning to buy on your own. The Hitachi RAW318HEDOThere are 4 things you need to consider when trying to choose a window AC. These are the capacity (tonnage), energy efficiency (ISEER value or star rating), technology (inverter/non-inverter), and the refrigerant (environmental impact).

You can also consider the make i.e., the year of construction of the window AC but it isn’t going to make a huge difference unless some new technology has been released recently. Window ACs are not like cars.

Let’s look at each of these variables one by one.

What AC Tonnage Do You Need?

Tonnage	Room Size
1-Ton	Up to 110 sq. ft
1.5-Ton	Up to 150 sq. ft.
2-Ton	Up to 200 sq. ft.

The tonnage or capacity of your window AC will depend on multiple variables but here are the basic calculations.

• Find or calculate the area of your room in sq. ft. Multiply the width and length of the room.
  E.g., 10 ft. x 10 ft = 100 sq. ft.

• Divide the resultant number by 600.
  E.g., 100 sq. ft/600 = 0.166

• Add half a ton to it.
  E.g., 0.166 + 0.500 = 0.666.
  Result: A 0.8-ton window AC will work fine.

• This is the basic tonnage you need for your room but there are other things to consider.
• If 5 or more people are going to be present in the room, add another half-ton to the number.
  E.g., 0.666 + 0.500 = 1.166
  Result: A 1.4-ton or a 1.5-ton window AC is recommended but a 1-ton or a 1.2-ton window AC will work in a pinch.

• If you’re on the top floor or receive direct sunlight on 2 to 3 sides of your home, add another half-ton.
  E.g., 1.166 + 0.500 = 1.666
  Result: A 1.8-ton or a 2-ton window AC is recommended but a 1.5-ton window AC may work too.

• If you’ve put some effort into sealing the room’s windows and doors, remove half a ton from your total.
  E.g., 1.666 – 0.500 = 1.166
  Result: You can go for a 1-ton window AC because that is the power of sealing your room well.

Sealing a room’s windows and doors can make a world of difference in how effective your window AC proves to be. Its impact is such that you can actually use a lower capacity window AC and not have to cope with backbreaking power bills.

You’ll note that in point no. 7, we’ve said that you can go for a 1-ton window AC. That recommendation is only on the tonnage required.

In practice, we would suggest going for a 1.4-ton or 1.5-ton window AC. Why?

Well, it’s because there’s not a huge price difference between a 1-ton air conditioner and a 1.5-ton air conditioner. This is something that I learned from an expert when I went to buy my AC as a youngster and have found to be true.

The price difference between a 1-ton and a 1.5-ton AC from the same brand is usually only ₹2,000 to ₹3,000. Sometimes, there’s no difference! You can see this with the Hitachi window ACs in our window AC price comparison table (approximate).

Wouldn’t you be willing to pay ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 extra to reduce your power bills? After all, you’ll be saving for at least 5 years and maybe as much as 15 years (my parents kept their ACs going for 25!).

The real difference in window AC price comes when you go from 1.5-ton ACs to 2-ton ACs. The difference is usually around ₹7,000 to ₹8,000. This is one of the reasons why the demand for 2-ton window ACs is on the lower side. However, this isn’t the only reason. There are a few others.

• The majority of rooms in homes and businesses are in the 150 to 160 sq. ft range.
• In the case of larger rooms, they tend to be closer to 225 or even 250 sq. ft. which means the use of two separate AC units instead of one with a large capacity.
• Moreover, a room as large as this would benefit more from one or more split ACs installed near the ceiling than a window AC.
• The power consumption ratings of 2-ton window ACs are lower than 1.5-ton window ACs (2 stars and 3 stars, respectively).

So, you’ll not only be paying more to buy a 2-ton window AC and more to run it but also be receiving imperfect cooling from it.

This makes sealing your room even more important. Maybe you can make do with a 1.5-ton AC by sealing your room properly and keeping the doors shut as much as possible?

Here are quick tips to seal your room properly.

1. Put film on your windows. Use SIA VENDORS™ One Way Mirror Window Film or get something similar from your local hardware store. You just have to cut it into the right size and paste it onto your window.
2. Seal the bottom of your doors. Use RADIANT Door Bottom Sealing Strip or Deco Window 1 Pc Door Seal to seal the space between your door and the floor. The metallic door seal with the brush is easily available at most local hardware stores.
3. Seal the gap between the window and frames. Use Smart Saver D Shaped Self-Adhesive Window Lining to fill the gap between the window and its frame.

What are ISEER Value and Star Ratings?

Apart from tonnage, it’s also advisable to pay attention to the ISEER value of the window ACs you’re considering.

ISEER stands for the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The ISEER value is a grading system that was developed by the Indian Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

It is a standardized method of measuring how energy-efficient a home appliance is. It is mainly used for larger appliances such as ACs and refrigerators.

In terms of ACs, it is a measure of how much power the air conditioner consumes to cool a room to a certain temperature within a pre-specified range of external temperature.

In simple terms, the BEE calculates how much electricity an AC will consume to cool a room to a certain temperature when the temperatures outside are between 24 and 43 degrees Celsius.

From time to time, BEE changes this range of ambient (external) temperature to reflect summer temperature trends.

The ISEER number typically comes out at a specific value between 1 and 5. Depending on where the benchmarks are set, the final value results in a “star” rating. This is where the 2-star, 3-star, and 5-star AC concept comes from.

The benchmarks are different for different types of ACs. They will be different for window and split ACs and different for inverter and non-inverter ACs.

Here are the benchmarks for Window ACs.

ISEER Value	Star Rating
2.50 – 2.69	1 Star
2.70 – 2.89	2 Stars
2.90 – 3.09	3 Stars
3.10 – 3.29	4 Stars
3.30 – 5.00	5 Stars

It doesn’t matter how you look at it. The best window air conditioner will always be the one with the highest rating (5-stars) as it will save you money on power bills in the long term. The savings will mount the longer you use your AC.

On the other hand, if you don’t think you’ll be using the AC much, you can go for a 3-star AC. In practice, if you don’t think your AC will be running more than 3 or 4 hours a day, you’ll be fine with a 3-star AC. However, if you think it will run more than 8 hours a day, go for a 5-star or at least 4-star.

Why would you want to go for a lower star AC? Well, it will be cheaper to buy. A higher ISEER value will always lead to higher list prices.

Is an Inverter Window AC the Best Room AC for you?

ACs are based on compressors. The compressors in inverter window ACs are different from those in non-inverter window ACs.

Non-inverter ACs have reciprocating type of compressors that create up and down motion. Inverter ACs, however, are based on rotary compressors that create circular motion.

Reciprocating compressors are run at either full speed or are completely off like a missile or rocket. Rotary compressors, though, can run at various speeds like your car.

This is why non-inverter ACs are also known as fixed speed ACs while inverter ACs are often called variable speed ACs.

All this technical jargon, though, maybe of no use to you. Here’s the practical meaning of all this.

Because inverter ACs can run at varying speeds, they’re more energy-efficient than fixed-speed non-inverter ACs.

Even if you set the temperature at 23 degrees Celsius, your non-inverter AC will run full blast till that temperature is achieved. Then, it will shut off and wait for the temperatures to rise again. This up and down process consumes more energy.

In inverter ACs, the compressor only runs full tilt when you set it to the lowest temperature i.e., either 16 or 18 degrees Celsius. When you set 23 degrees Celsius or something similar, the AC runs at a lower capacity and consumes considerably less power.

In addition to being more energy-efficient, inverter ACs are also more durable. Since they don’t start and stop all the time, they suffer less wear and tear.

So, do you need an inverter AC or not because it will cost you extra?

The answer has to do with how long you think your AC will be on. If it is just around 3 to 4 hours then you’ll be fine with non-inverter ACs but if you think it’ll run overnight or even more then you need an inverter AC.

In a nutshell, it is always better to get inverter ACs if you can spare the extra cash. We’ll even tell you to wait another month if that helps you save for an inverter AC over a non-inverter AC.

Will the Window AC in your Room Affect the Environment?

It’s a well-established fact that ACs contribute a lot to global warming. In fact, it is kind of a long-term vicious circle.

The more we use our ACs the higher the ambient temperature gets. The higher the temperatures rise, the more we want to use our ACs.

One way to avoid this would be to not use our ACs and instead rely on natural means of cooling ourselves, like the traditional “shade of the tree”. However, only the luckiest amongst us can do that. We’ve got work and school to worry about.

The other solution is technological advancement. It is already happening. Today’s ACs are less damaging to the environment than their earlier counterparts.

Increased energy efficiency has had a role to play here but more important has been changing the nature of refrigerants that our ACs use. Basically, the gases in modern ACs are more environmentally friendly than those used in earlier ACs.

For instance, only a few years back, India banned the use of R22 refrigerant gas. This gas was great for manufacturers because it was low cost. It was horrible for the environment because it accumulated in the atmosphere, contributed to the greenhouse effect, and even damaged the ozone layer.

The banning of this refrigerant has seen the entrance of R32 refrigerant gas which is significantly more environmentally friendly. While it is damaging to the environment, its impact is nowhere even close to what R22 did.

So, how does this affect your decision to buy a window AC? Well, you need to choose window ACs with R32 instead of R22.

Even though R22 gas has been banned, there are still some old models floating around. These ACs are incredibly pocket-friendly and will save you tons of money on the initial cost and maintenance cost later. But, your kids will pay for your choice by the time they grow up.

There’s also the catch of whether you’ll be able to find the R22 refrigerant gas when the time comes to top up your AC. This is a risk worth considering but it isn’t that much of a concern because R22 gas is available on the black market. Any AC technician should be able to get it for you.

Sooner or later R22 gas-based ACs will fade away which will reduce the demand for this gas. As a result, it will disappear from the black market too. Therefore, it would be wiser to choose R32 gas-based window ACs instead of R22.

Does The AC Model/Year Matter?

In some cases, it matters. In others, not so much.

It matters when the gap between the current model and the one you’re getting is too large.

For instance, if you’re ordering your window air conditioner in the first quarter of the year, then you’ll be lucky to get the latest model. On the other hand, if you’re ordering it in the second half of the year then you shouldn’t settle for an older model.

Typically, whether it is online or offline, dealers and sellers offer the previous year’s model in the first half of the year and the new model in the second half.

The reason for this is obvious – stocking. It takes time for manufacturers to deliver newer models to their distributors and dealers. Moreover, dealers and sellers need to offload older stocks before they’re willing to take up newer models.

This is also the reason why older models tend to be cheaper than newer ones. However, it is always advisable to choose the latest model over an older one.

This will ensure that you get the latest technologies in your AC, even though technological advancements aren’t very common with these devices. The last one was the inverter AC with dual inverter ACs only being a further improvement of the same technology.

14 Best Window ACs In India (2022): At A Glance with Approximate Price (By Tonnage)

14 Best Window ACs In India (2022): At A Glance with Approximate Price (By Brand)

4 Best 1 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews

#1: Lloyd GLW12B32WSEW, 1.0 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 6.5/10

In fact, it is the cheapest window AC on our list. However, it is only about ₹2,000 cheaper than its 1.5-ton variant. So, you’ll be better off choosing that one over this one.

Like most modern AC models, the tubes inside this product are 100% copper. In case, you didn’t know, copper coils make an AC more energy-efficient and better able to cool the room because they’re better at heat exchange than aluminum coils. Aluminum coils were used in ACs up until 3 to 4 decades ago.

The fins on this AC also have a blue hydrophilic coating that prevents corrosion caused by the elements. Corrosion of the fins and coils is the biggest problem with ACs because when the tubes corrode, they release the refrigerant gas into the air.

Since the gas is used for heat exchange and cooling, replacing it takes a lot of money. The type of gas used also has a bearing on your impact on the environment. Luckily, this air conditioner is based on the R32 refrigerant gas that doesn’t deplete ozone and contributes minimally to global warming.

In terms of energy consumption, this product comes with a 2.91 ISEER rating which means that it qualifies to be a 3-star product. Effectively, you can buy this AC if you only plan on using it for a few hours per day. If your requirements entail using it for more than 8 hours or even overnight, we suggest going for 5-star options.

The features of this window AC are fairly basic which means that there’s nothing new or groundbreaking but you’ll find the usual pre-filter, the self-diagnostic error codes, remote control, and automatic restart after power cuts.

The biggest flaw of this device is that it is noisier than its competitors. Another complaint that we’ve come across pretty often from new buyers is that the remote is broken out of the box. This could be a delivery-related problem or a manufacturing defect. We’re not sure.

The final flaw has to do with how new Havells is to the AC market. Because of their newness, they haven’t had the time to establish a wide service network. This can result in delays or incomplete responses from their representatives, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Like most AC manufacturers, Lloyd will give you a 1-year warranty on the whole product and a 5-year one on the compressor. The model you’re likely to receive will depend on when you place the order. As of writing, it was 2021.

Who’s it for: If you’re very short on funding and need an AC for a very small room, get this one from Lloyd.

#2: Voltas 123 LYI/123 LZF, 1 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 5.5/10

Voltas is, by far, the leading name in the Indian AC market. The company has captured nearly a 5^th of the Indian AC market and has, in fact, retained its leadership over decades.

Their entry-level product in India is the Voltas 123 LYI/123 LZF window AC. This is a 1-ton device which makes it suitable for up to a 110 sq. ft. room.

However, as is the case with all 1-ton ACs, you’ll get more value for money by buying a higher capacity variant. There are two of them available too – one 1.4-ton and one 1.5-ton.

If for some reason, you have your heart set on a 1-ton AC, then you’ll find this one to be quite powerful but you’ll have to be very careful about the seller you order it from.

You see, in some quarters, an older version of this product is being sold that uses R22 as the refrigerant gas. While this makes the AC a little more powerful, it isn’t the best choice because it harms the environment and forces you to dip into the black market for gas refilling later.

Therefore, to avoid this problem, you need to ensure that you either buy a higher capacity air conditioner or get the latest model of this one. It doesn’t even matter whether you’re buying from Amazon or your local dealer.

Other than this seller-related flaw, the only other problem with this AC is that it doesn’t come with any type of coating. The condenser coil, though, is made up of copper which does help in lowering maintenance costs and improving efficiency.

This is partly the reason for this AC having a 2.93 ISEER rating. This translates into 3 stars.

This AC comes with the usual features and multiple running modes such as Eco, Turbo, and Sleep. However, on higher settings, this AC may make more noise than you might be used to.

It also comes with a remote but Voltas has the same remote for all its ACs. The most advanced features, though, are only available with higher-grade ACs. Therefore, you might receive a remote with some buttons that don’t work.

On the flip side, you do get a great product at very low rates from a super reliable brand in terms of post-sales service. The post-sales service makes the 1-year comprehensive and a 5-year compressor warranties valuable too.

Who’s it for: This AC is ideal for people in tier 2 or tier 3 cities who need cooling for very small rooms.

#3: Carrier ESTRA CX, 1 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

First, you won’t be sent an older model by any dealer or seller. You’ll only get 2022 one.

Next, it has the highest ISEER value amongst 3-star, 1-ton window ACs in the market at 3.0. This means that it is one of the most energy-efficient ACs on the market. One of the reasons for this AC’s high efficiency is that its condenser is made up of 100% copper.

Third, this AC has the highest ambient temperature threshold in the 1-ton category. While other window ACs can only handle external temperatures in the late forties, this one can operate even at 50 degrees Celsius.

In other words, this AC will continue to cool your room long after its competitors have tripped and shut down. While this may not affect you if you live in the southern or coastal regions, it should be very important if you’re in North India where ambient temperatures can easily touch 50 degrees Celsius.

Remember, ambient temperature isn’t what you hear in the news, it is the temperature on the ground. Therefore, while the reported temperature maybe 44 or 45 degrees Celsius, it can be much higher on the AC’s body if it receives direct sunlight throughout the day.

Another great quality of this AC is that it will also stay with you a long time, this is because it comes with an anti-corrosion blue coating. Further, this AC will also be environmentally friendly because it uses R32 refrigerant gas.

Features wise also, this AC is competitive. Apart from the usual features, it supports an Energy Saver mode for when you need extra savings and a Dry mode for high humidity days.

Like most ACs in the Indian market, this one is protected by a 1-year comprehensive warranty and a 5-year warranty on the compressor.

All these features and qualities, however, mean that this AC’s price is slightly higher than others like it.

It is well-worth a purchase because this AC has only one flaw. It is noisier than others but only because of more power.

Who’s it for: If you cannot choose a 1.5-ton window AC and are restricted to a 1-ton window AC, this is the best one in the Indian market right now.

#4: Hitachi RAW511KUD Kaze Plus, 1 Ton, 5 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 5.0/10

We’re referring to the RAW511KUD Kaze Plus 1-ton window air conditioner which has an ISEER rating of 3.4.

However, if you truly want to see how awesome Hitachi technology can be, we recommend going for their 1.5-ton window AC.

That AC can operate perfectly even when the outside temperature rises to 52 degrees Celsius. And, the most unbelievable thing about that AC is that it is priced the same as this one!

While Hitachi’s technology has made this AC more energy-efficient, it has resulted in other changes too.

For example, despite having the same capacity, this AC is slightly more powerful than its competitors when it comes to its cooling potential. On the downside, it is also a bit larger than its competitors and tends to make a lot of noise.

The condenser coil in this AC is fully copper but it doesn’t come with any type of anti-corrosion coating. However, this is a problem that will only trouble you if you live in a coastal city or an industrial area.

The biggest risk with buying this AC, though, is that you might get an older model, specifically from 2020. What’s worse is that it is possible that that older model will be based on the R22 refrigerant gas.

As you’ll know already, this refrigerant gas is banned in India because of how damaging it is to the environment and the ozone layer. Moreover, if your AC leaks gas as all ACs do after some time, you’ll have to rely on the black market to get this gas. This can mean extra gas refilling expenses.

The AC features all the usual modes and settings ranging from the auto-restart to the filter cleaning indicator. Moreover, it manages its fan speed based on whether the compressor is on or not.

Hitachi ACs are almost always built to last. The stronger, more durable material means that they turn out to be more expensive than other devices in the market.

Being an international company, Hitachi doesn’t have the same kind of a service network in the company as competing brands. This makes the 1-year comprehensive and a 5-year compressor warranty much less attractive than it should have been.

Who’s it for: You should only go for this window AC if you want an air conditioner with more cooling potential than other 1-ton devices on the market.

5 Best 1.5 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews

#1: Lloyd GLW18B32WSEW, 1.5 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

We don’t know whether this is just a strange circumstance or if the company has paid more attention to this, more in demand, model.

Either way, we recommend choosing this product even if you were only looking for a 1-ton window AC. The price difference is about the same as one swanky dinner i.e., ₹2,000.

In fact, the only flaw this device shares with the 1-ton variant is that the company’s service network is still in its nascent stages. This means that its network is in the process of being created.

Until it is complete, tier 2 and tier 3 cities will likely be managed by outsourced technicians who aren’t as good as company employees.

The rest of the variables are the same. Like the other product, this one also has blue-coated evaporator and condenser coils, making them corrosion resistant and more energy-efficient. The tubing in the AC is also 100% copper and the refrigerant R32.

All these things combine to give this AC an ISEER value of 2.99 with a 3-star rating.

Features-wise, the AC boasts the self-diagnosis function where it gives error codes on an LED display and the auto restart function that allows it to start at the right setting after a power cut.

This one is only a couple of thousand rupees more expensive than the 1-ton variant and comes with the same warranty too – 1-year comprehensive and a 5-years compressor.

Who’s it for: If you want a cheap air conditioner from a company with a bright future, get this one from Lloyd.

#2: Voltas 175 LZH, 1.4 Ton, 5 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

Since it was launched recently, it keeps up with the current trend of ACs having capacities in multiples of 0.2-ton instead of 0.5-ton.

Voltas, of course, has the traditional 1.5-ton AC too. In fact, you’ll have two options to pick from.

The first is the Voltas 183 DZA, 1.5 Ton, 3 Star Window AC which is about ₹1,000 more expensive than this one. The second is the Voltas 185 DZA/185 DZA, 1.5 Ton, 5 Star Window AC which is more than ₹4,000 more expensive.

This one is a 1.4-ton window AC which makes it suitable for rooms with an area of up to 150 sq. ft.

Being the latest model, the 1.4-ton variant can operate at ambient temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. It does this through its 100% copper coils that are much better at heat transfer than coils made with other materials.

These coils also end up making this AC more energy-efficient. It has an ISEER value of 3.31 which makes it one of the least power-hungry 5-star ACs in the market. However, it does tend to make a lot of noise.

It is worth noting that the coils in this air conditioner don’t come with any type of coating. So, you might have to have a technician coat it manually.

The AC also comes with the usual features such as self-diagnosis with error codes on the display screen and a memory function that assists restarts after power cuts.

Notably, Voltas ACs now come digitally locked. This means that after installation, they’ll only turn on after you put in a code provided by the company through SMS. The company has done this to prevent third-party installations.

You can decide independently if this is a pro or con of Voltas ACs. We don’t think it is that big a deal because of the greatest quality of Voltas i.e., their service network.

Not only is their network widespread but it boasts of better technicians, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Pricing-wise, this is one of the cheaper ACs in the 1.5-ton AC market and the company gives the usual 1-year warranty on it too.

Who’s it for: If you can do with 1.4-ton window AC and are based in a non-metropolitan city, go for this product from Voltas.

#3: Hitachi RAW318HEDO, 1.5 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.0/10

This product specifically is a great buy for precisely this reason. While not the cheapest in the 1.5-ton category (slightly more expensive than competitors), this window air conditioner gives value for money because it can operate even when temperatures are as high as 52 degrees Celsius.

This is a hugely beneficial quality, especially for people living in North India whose ACs will be receiving direct sunlight for the majority of the day.

This AC can function at such high ambient temperatures because of its 100% cooper condenser coils with inner grooves in the tubing. Even the fins in the AC come precoated.

The refrigerant this AC depends on is R32, which is widely regarded to be one of the most eco-friendly options in the market.

In terms of energy consumption, you should know that this AC is rated 3-stars. However, that is only a technicality. Let us explain.

If you check the ISEER value chart, a window AC is qualified 4-stars if it has an ISEER value of 3.10. This AC has an ISEER value of 3.09, which means a minuscule difference of 0.01.

In practice, this difference is negligible when it comes to the units of power this AC will use. For all intents and purposes, you can take this device to be a 4-star AC.

Another great quality that sets this window AC apart from its competitors is that its remote has backlighting. This makes it easier to use at the night. This is a fairly unique feature that very few window ACs offer.

There are other features worth noting too. For instance, there’s a filter clean indicator. Since cleaning the AC filter regularly can increase its life, this feature is quite useful.

Further, the AC has a function that will allow you to choose when the AC will reach a specific temperature. This means that if you want the air conditioner to cool at 20 degrees Celsius at 3:00 PM, then you can choose to set it up.

In addition to being slightly expensive, you should also know that this window AC isn’t supported by a nationwide service network. Hitachi is an international brand so this is understandable but it still takes away from the value of a 5-year compressor warranty.

Who’s it for: If your AC will spend a lot of time in direct sunlight or you want a backlit remote, get this product from Hitachi.

#4: Carrier ESTRA CX, 1.5 Ton, 4 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.5/10

However, it isn’t just the year make that you should choose this model for (you’ll likely get 2022 models with others too). This also happens to be a great window AC.

In fact, if it wasn’t for the LG window ACs that we’ll be reviewing next, this would’ve probably been the best 1.5-ton window AC in India.

It is designed to be operational even when its surrounding temperatures rise to 50 degrees Celsius without making you cope with exorbitant power bills.

It is a 4-star window AC since its ISEER value is 3.21. A lot of this efficiency is a result of 100% copper coils with anti-corrosion blue fin coating.

The AC, being the latest model, doesn’t rely on banned refrigerant gases either. Instead, it uses environmentally friendly R32 gas.

The AC still turns out to be fairly noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, you might have trouble with it in the bedroom.

You’ll have multiple modes to play with, however. These include an Energy Saver mode, a Dry mode, and a Turbo mode, along with the Auto Swing mode. In addition to the modes, the AC boasts a timer and auto restart function to cope with power cuts.

The AC is also protected by a 1-year comprehensive and a 5-years compressor warranty but only if you live in a major city. The service network in smaller, out-of-the-way cities is not that great.

Who’s it for: If you want a durable window air conditioner from the people who invented ACs, get this one from Carrier.

#5: LG PW-Q18WUXA, 1.5 Ton, 4 Star DUAL Inverter Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 9.0/10

The dual inverter technology is an upgrade on inverter technology which means a dual inverter AC is not only more energy-efficient than a normal inverter AC but also quieter and more durable.

Further, because of its dual inverter technology, this AC also becomes a convertible AC. This means that you can run it at four different capacities which are 100% (1.4 ton), 80% (1.12 ton), 60% (0.84 ton), and 40% (0.56 ton). This creates exceptional flexibility in daily use.

Even the design of LG ACs is different. Instead of having a vertical air vent on the side, LG ACs have a horizontal air vent right at the top. This works out particularly well for people who install their ACs at the ground level because it ensures direct cool air at the bed or couch level.

This top horizontal air vent can be seen as a flaw by people who like to install their ACs higher up on the wall. However, even if you like to install your air conditioner closer to the roof, this shouldn’t create many problems.

While you won’t be able to feel direct cool air, your room will receive good cooling because cold air always sinks to the floor.

Even though dual inverter technology changes the game when it comes to energy efficiency, the standardized star-rating system from the BEE is still a good marker to evaluate this AC by.

This AC has an ISEER value of 3.26 in that grading system which qualifies it for 4-stars. However, since 3.30 is the benchmark for an AC to receive 5-stars, this AC only falls short by 0.04. This is fairly negligible when it comes to monthly power bills.

However, if you don’t want to compromise on that extra star, you can always go for the 5-star variant of this AC. You’ll only have to pay about ₹1,000 more for the LG JW-Q18WUZA, 1.5 Ton, 5 Star, Inverter, Window AC.

The biggest benefit of going for this model is that you’ll get Wi-Fi capability while the biggest drawback is that you’ll have to risk receiving an older model. There’s no surety that 2022 make is available for this model yet.

Inside the AC, you’ll find all copper coils with special Ocean Black protection. Ocean Black is LG’s coating designed to counter corrosion. Inside the copper coils, this AC will be running the environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant gas.

This AC has some unique features too.

The first of these is that this window AC has an inbuilt low gas detection system. Essentially, it senses that the gas is low in the AC and gives a CH 38 error on the display so you can call a technician.

This is a very useful feature because normally the only way we get to know that the AC needs a gas recharge is after it stops cooling.

The second is that you won’t need a stabilizer with this AC. This will save you another ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 and bring this air conditioner into the “affordable” price bracket.

However, if you don’t take this reduction into account (if you already have a stabilizer for example), you might find this window AC a bit too expensive.

Apart from these two features, the usual things are there too such as a clean filter indicator, auto start after power cuts, and a smart diagnosis system. One feature it lacks, though, is auto-swing.

The device even comes with the best warranty on the market too. It has a 1-year comprehensive like all such ACs. Where it differs is that the company offers a 5-year warranty on the PCB and a 10-year compressor warranty. Other brands only offer about 5-years on the compressor and nothing on the PCB.

All in all, we feel that this is the best 1.5-ton window AC in the market right now, despite its high list price. In fact, since the majority of people need 1.5-ton window ACs instead of 1-ton or 2-ton window ACs, this window AC is easily the best in the Indian market right now.

Who’s it for: If you want the best window (1.5 ton) AC in India, you won’t find any product better than this one when it comes to cooling, energy efficiency, features, and value for money.

3 Best 2 Ton Window ACs In India (2022): Detailed Reviews

#1: Voltas 242 LZH, 2 Ton, 2 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 7.0/10

This is true for the majority of 2-ton ACs, by the way.

Other than the fact that it consumes a lot of power, this is a good AC to have for your room. It has a high ambient temperature threshold of 50 degrees Celsius which means that it will cool your room even in peak summer temperatures.

The condenser coil in this AC is made fully of copper. Unfortunately, like all Voltas ACs, the AC doesn’t come with any kind of anti-corrosion coating. This could prove to be a problem if you live near open drains or coastal regions.

Inside the coils, this AC runs the R32 refrigerant gas which is true for most ACs today.

There’s this uncertainty with this AC in terms of which year make you’ll receive. Even so, we know that models older than 2021 are no longer in the market so there’s no risk of a 2020 model coming your way.

At the same time, there’s no certainty that you’ll get the 2022 model either. The deeper you are into the 2022 year, however, the higher the chances that you will.

Features-wise, this AC has all the usual ones. Voltas gives Eco, Turbo, and Sleep modes in all their ACs along with self-diagnosis systems.

This AC, though, also boasts an active dehumidifier. Most air conditioners dehumidify rooms passively i.e., in the process of cooling them. This one does it actively. This means that it has a humidity sensor that monitors and manages humidity in the room.

Since it is a 2-ton window AC, it is pretty expensive to buy and run. Voltas does provide great support with its nationwide service network and a great warranty. There’s a 1-year comprehensive warranty, and a 5-years warranty on the condenser and the compressor.

Who’s it for: If you have a room that is under or very close to 200 sq. ft with a centrally located window, get this AC.

#2: Hitachi RAW222KVD Kaze, 2 Ton, 2 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 6.0/10

They need to do this while trying to cope with being in one corner of the room because they’re rarely installed in a central location. All this added pressure means that the AC needs to be especially durable which is something that Hitachi products are known for.

If it wasn’t for this specific quality, we wouldn’t have chosen this AC because of one major flaw. This is the fact that some users report older models being sent to them.

What’s more, is that these older models were based on R22 refrigerant gas. R22 is banned in India because of its negative environmental impact. In addition to environmental damage, the banning of this gas means that you’ll have trouble with the gas recharge as it is only available on the black market.

Here’s a disclaimer, though. It’s entirely possible that the latest model with R32 refrigerant gas has become available in the market by now. The best way to ensure this is to ask your dealer or seller to commit to delivering the 2022 or at least 2021 model because that would ensure R32 refrigerant gas.

After all, once you get around the R22 problem, this is indeed an impressive AC. It has a 100% copper condenser coil to ensure better cooling and power efficiency. It is only a 2-star rated window AC with an ISEER value of 2.75 but that’s true for most 2-ton window ACs in the market.

Hitachi says that the AC has gone through 43 quality tests, which is impressive too. It has the usual features such as a startup timer, a Dry mode, auto restart after power cuts, and even a filter clean indicator.

The standard warranties of 1-year comprehensive and a 5-years compressor have been provided with this device. This is important because this 2-ton window AC is expensively priced.

Don’t let the price throw you, though. If you can get the latest model, the sturdiness of Hitachi ACs means that this AC will last a long time and take away the need of replacing ACs every 5 to 10 years.

Who’s it for: If you’re looking for a particularly sturdy 2-ton window AC, get this one from Hitachi.

#3: Blue Star 3W24GBT, 2 Ton, 3 Star Window AC

Editor’s Rating: 8.0/10

Blue Star’s ACs offer the perfect blend of cooling potential, energy efficiency, and cost benefits to commercial establishments.

Now, even though the costing benefits wouldn’t apply to you here because they’re exclusively reserved for bulk orders, the other benefits still will.

Consider energy efficiency. This is one of the fewer 2-ton window ACs in the market with a 3-star rating. This is going to go a long way in helping you save money. You’ll get this energy efficiency without compromising on cooling capacity too.

The efficiency is a result of copper condenser coils in the AC. Copper, itself, is resistant to corrosion but the fins in this air conditioner have a hydrophilic blue coating too.

The environmental impact of this air conditioner is also low because it is based on R32 refrigerant gas.

What’s more, is that Blue Star is one step ahead of its competitors in terms of ensuring the durability of its products. They do this with two unique features.

The first is a metal enclosure for the PCB in the AC. PCB stands for printed circuit board which is typically made up of plastic. It can fail when exposed to heat which is something that happens pretty often in older ACs.

However, with a metal enclosure, the temperature threshold for failure goes higher and the PCB lasts longer.

The second unique feature is the anti-freeze thermostat. The purpose of this feature is to prevent frost damage caused by the AC being run at very low temperatures.

Other than these features, this air conditioner has functions typical of window ACs such as self-diagnosis and Sleep mode.

The only flaw that this window air conditioner really has is its cost. It is more expensive than any other comparable AC available in the market but then it does offer all the qualities we have already mentioned.

If you do decide to go for this window AC, though, your investment will be protected by a 1-year comprehensive warranty and a 5-years warranty on the compressor.

Who’s it for: If you can spend a little extra, this is the best window AC in the 2-ton category that you can find in India right now.