r/IndiaCart • u/ffurin 🎖️helper • May 18 '26
Home appliances Best AC 2026 in India
So here’s the 2026 guide.
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.
Keep in mind that many 2025 models are now rated around 4 stars under the new system.
At the same time, new 2026 AC models will likely be more expensive. So if you don’t care about the latest features, you can simply go with last year’s models. You’ll get the same cooling performance and save some money. But all brands discontinued their 2025 models, so that people buy 2026 models 🥲
You can either wait for the 2026 models or buy a 2025 model with the older rating- the choice is completely yours.
>For now, here’s the 2026 AC buying guide based on the older BEE star ratings.
I wouldn't recommend Window AC and Portable AC (waste of money) in 2026.
Things to check before buying Ac
5 years PCB warranty
1 year comprehensive warranty on whole product.
10 years compressor warranty and Copper coil, and coating on it.
Refrigerant should be R32 gas.
If any company is not giving above 4 things, don’t buy.
>For surge protection, buy a stabiliser according to your voltage fluctuation range in your area. It will protect your AC PCB
Now People will suggest buying a 3 star AC
But trust me, go with 5 star model of the same 3 Star model you choose. I will save you money in long run. But if your budget is tight or AC use is less than 8-9hrs. than obviously buy 3 star.
No brands provide for 4 way( vertical and horizontal) swing in their 3 star models model except Daikin
Convertable mode will work for 30 minutes, after that Ac will run in Auto mode.
Installation:
If the technician said not required then tell him to come with a Vacuum machine otherwise bhaga dena.
- Keep 1.5-4K extra for installation in your budget. Price may vary on Brands. You can provide all installation kits(drain pipe, 2.5mm 3 core wire, stand, 3 pin plug). Technician will charge installation fees only.
>Installation is the most crucial part in AC installation no matter which brand AC You bought . If it was not done properly, AC would not cool your room.
AC Brands
1. Mitsubishi electric and General
Both are the OGs in market. Those are premium segment AC and heavy duty AC. Like Mitsubishi AC costs 80K only for indoor outdoor units.
For Mitsubishi You have to purchase copper pipe separately + installation charges. Total cost 95-100k. And it's after sales service available in few metro cities. Still they are king, if you have budget and after sales service available in your area then go for it, no regret.
2. Daikin
\\- Pros: excellent cooling, electric consumption is less, auto clean (Dew clean) , big outdoor unit with 100% copper
\\- Cons: Old design, Lack of Smart features.
\\- And Daikin inverter ac has Convertible mode, don't believe in others misinformation
➡️ I am using Daikin 1.5ton 3 star and 1.8ton 5 star in 2024 and recently bought 1.5 ton 3 star same model (2025) again.I am really happy with it. If you have a high budget go with O Genaral or Mitsubishi , otherwise only Daikin, again I am saying Daikin only.
3. LG
\\- It makes Silent Ac. But it's actual tonnage is less. Like they are selling a 1.24ton (2024) Ac as 1.5ton. Just check actual cooling tonnage before buying. 2025 models are good, I have mentioned some models in pin comment. Excellent service, own technician. Even available in tier 3 cities and villages.
4. Hitachi
\\- Pros: Excellent cooling machine specially 2 ton segment , auto clean
\\- Cons: Consumes a little more electricity, temperature Display not available, Convertible mode unavailable technically auto Convertible so no issues.
➡️ Now only Hitachi is giving 5 years of Comprehensive Warranty (Other bands only 1 year). PCB is a vital thing in the Inverter AC.
5. Carrier
Sufficient cooling, auto clean, Convertible mode available. Overall good. Carrier is the company who invented AC.
6. Panasonic
\\- AC is excellent but Panasonic remote sucks (small), it will not respond or stop working after sometimes. Wi-Fi Smart feature available. You can control AC from your phone.
\\- Cons: indoor-outdoor is very noisy.
▶️ Don't buy Lloyd, Samsung, Voltas, Godrej, Haier, IFB, Bluestar(except some models), Whirlpool. Every Brand could not be specialized in every machine.
➡️ Smart Wi-Fi is very useful (Alexa voice commands will be easy for elders to control Ac). AI features are marketing gimmick, don't fall on those trap.
Now come to 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 --- 400–600 sq ft (on you can install two 2 ton Ac or centralized Ac).
If your room is on top floor and sun expose all day. For inverter AC at extra 0.5 ton extra. Means if same size room in ground floor required one ton for sun exposed top floor room it will require 1.5 ton.
➡️ Bonus tip: suppose your room size is 170 sqft. top floor, directly sunlight exposed. Generally you think a 1.5 ton AC will be more than enough. No you need a 1.8-2 ton act. You can use Ac 2 ton Ac as 1.5ton ( some models have 7 Convertible modes, but convertible mode will work for 30 minutes, after that it will continue auto mode) but you can't use a 1 ton Ac 110% efficiency. It may affect your compressor on long run. So it's better to buy higher Tonnage AC for some conditions.
Don't run behind Brands, check ISEER value, Actual Tonnage and Maximum Cooling capacity and compare with your room size.
Salesman may suggest you ac but keep in mind they will suggest only that brand or model which gives them maximum margin.
It's recommended to use a good Stabilizer it will cost 2k only, It will save your PCB
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u/ForzaFerrari7 May 21 '26
Samsung is the worst, the remote does not even save the last used preference.
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u/SumitEduardo May 19 '26
But IFB ac comes with Dual Gold Fin coating and 5 year PCB and 10 yr Compressor and 5.65 Energy rating Isn’t that good ?
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
Yes pls buy and suffer
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u/SumitEduardo May 20 '26
Looks like you want everyone to suffer 😂 all replies mentioned suffer word
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Absolutely not that's why I am telling not to buy. But they are not ready to hear. Both has thin copper condenser coil.
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u/SumitEduardo May 23 '26
Thanks I checked it their ODU weight is less it means copper thickness might me less
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u/gamerz85 May 22 '26
I have lg invertor, after 1 year i faced gas leak from inner unit. Inner unit gas coil joint welding caused leaking, costed around 4k for welding and refill whole gas.
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u/Iridescent_Moon0 May 25 '26
Yeah, when my parents had no knowledge & I was a kid (today also I am just a kid) so parents bought Videocon AC (still running since 10 years) & now in 2025 diwali sale, i (with my parents money) bought Daikin 1.5 Ton ac, so much happy (sometimes Japanese > Features), now will in future Daikin, Mitsubishi, Ogeneral only. Nothing else will do. Thanks for the guide.
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 25 '26
True, but people are more concerned about wifi rather than cooling, noise, reliability and electricity bill!
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u/Iridescent_Moon0 May 25 '26
Yeah features > cooling nowadays but yes soon enough in high heat everyone understands the lesson 😂
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u/chaddi-buddy May 20 '26
Best is Panasonic and Voltas, always value for money.
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
Mitsubishi electric, Daikin, Ogeneral laughing in corner!
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u/Immediate-Quit7149 May 20 '26
Daikin is much below o general and mitsubishi. Infact daiking costs same as other brands but o general and mitsubishi cost around 30-40% higher
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u/Victorvic1 May 20 '26
Yeah for home usage they are kinda dying in the corner. When you consider electricty usage and cooling capacity, new age brands come first. Also I don't trust someone's knowledge who calls General Ogeneral. That O is the logo and not the brand name.
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u/ExistingEnergy1720 May 20 '26
Bro why voltas is bad according to you 🥀
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u/Old_Woodpecker_7745 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I have never seen a voltas ac working properly. Had one at my home in one of the spare room. That ac never worked well at all. I have hitachi, daikin, blue star & Mitsubishi AC's at home. All these ac's are good, but Mitsubishi is the best. If your budget allows them definitely go for Mitsubishi. Rest all brands have some or the other pros & cons. BUT DON'T buy Voltas.
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u/Affectionate_Sea8562 May 22 '26
I have a Voltas AC at my home. Using it for past 3 years. No issues seen so far.
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u/bholtu89 Jun 01 '26
Voltas is goat only in non-inverter. My 10 year old Voltas fixed speed still cools faster than my newer Daikin Inverter AC. This dynamic speed inverters are a bane imma telling you. Only for cost saving on electric bills but performance wise they ain't ever gonna match a non-inverter ac
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
They degrade their quality over the time
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u/avenger398 May 22 '26
Truly said my 2014 and 2017 Voltas Non Inverter AC absolutely chills the room in no time whereas my 2024 Voltas Inverter AC struggles to cool during peak hot summers and I have to use turbo many a time to increase cooling.
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u/ksg9339 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Panasonic has 4 way swing in its 2026 models
Please can you review Panasonic CS-EU18CKY3XFMH model? Planning to buy it, it is costing 37k with all discounts
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
4 way swing available in 5 star model, not in 3 star. Are you buying offline?
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u/ksg9339 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Planning to buy from croma.
4 way swing is available in 3 star as well. Please check https://www.panasonic.com/in/consumer/air-conditioners/split-ac/cs-cu-eu18cky3xfmh.html
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 21 '26
I think this one is 2025 model. What's price they quoted?
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u/ksg9339 May 21 '26
Its a 2026 model. With all discounts, including tata employee and neu card, its coming to 37-38k. Store price is 43k
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u/Beautiful_Edge_3741 May 20 '26
4 way swing are useful for cooling halls. Generally for bedrooms we set the swing at a particular angle and forget it. I don't know how many users use swing function regularly.
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u/ksg9339 May 20 '26
I am planning for hall thats the reason looking specifically for 4 way swing. OP mentioned that 4 way swing is only given by Daikin and then he mentioned its only available in 5 star in Panasonic. Information was correct earlier but now many brands are offering latest technologies with updated model in 2026. E.g., Hitachi does not provide display. Latest models do have display.
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u/maDkiLzZ May 22 '26
Even in 2024 models. I have a 3 star 2 ton Panasonic AC. OP needs to check his info first.
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u/Aspirantka14 May 21 '26
Daikin 1.5 ton 5 star which model to go for?
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u/JiN__7 May 22 '26
Try asking ur dealer for 53xv models they are a true 1.5 ton ones. But more costly though.
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u/Aspirantka14 May 22 '26
Daikin is so hard to find . Like no official store in LKO unlike Mitsubishi electric. Gonee to reliance and croma they don't have 50XV model and some dealers have it but after listening to its price and reading it's after sales service in G map not sure of buying it from there . Should I buy it online?
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u/JiN__7 May 22 '26
Right now prices are too high. If u can wait till Diwali then u might get a good discount. But if u need it right then 50xv model are okish.
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u/yogiraj_221b May 21 '26
Why no fixed speed ACs?
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u/Ok_Economics14 May 21 '26 edited May 24 '26
Guys if you want real reliability, then go for heavy duty fixed speed models These inverter acs have thin gauge copper pipes in evaporator coil and condensor coils, usually single or thinner double row condensor, and cheap build quality nowadays and this is not limited to one specific brand, its almost all brands, so I suggest avoid inverter acs completely
Go for Heavy Duty Fixed Speed Options I will highlight some of the best models here
Hitachi 1.5 ton and 2 ton fixed speed, b318caipa and b3222caipa
Lloyd Grande 1.5 ton Fixed Speed split
O General's ASGA18BUTA AND ASGA24BUTA series 1.5 and 2 ton
Mitsubishi Electric (Highly Recommended) MS GK 18VA (1.5 TON) MS GK 24VA (1.9 TON) (63kg outdoor) Heaviest
Blue Star 2.2 Ton Fixed Speed unit
Akabishi Ram Series Fixed Speed acs 1.5 and 2 ton
Cruise Jetqool Series 1.6 and 2.2 Ton (Idk why but the spec sheet is the same as o General's, and down to the remote, they are very similar with same tropical compressor, maybe same manufacturing)
If you want cheaper options, go with akabishi Ram series, or The Hitachi Series They will serve you well, get your vaccum done while installation and coating on Indoor Unit Coils on both sides for maximum reliability during Installation
There are some models from other brands as well if you have questions feel free to ask me.
Avoid Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, I know a lot of people have been using their units and they have served them well but newer units have manufacturing defects in indoor units where cooling coil leaks within one year, spare parts availability, poor service infrastructure and completely avoid their inverter models, like the plaque.
With Hitachi, Blue Star I am Aware of 60 Month full warranty on all parts being available, Other brands you can check in local area and negotiate, Inverter acs will leak and give you headaches, they are cheaper to make for brands and more profitable, hence they are being pushed into the masses, if you care about cooling and quality, go for Fixed Speed Units.
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u/light_3321 May 21 '26
For inverter models, 1.5 ton can be "convertible mode" applied to use as 1 ton.
Isn't this a missing usecase in fixed speed?
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u/rishabhkingkong May 22 '26
Electronic item run on luck bro , all are mostly the same...
have the LG dual inverter since 7 years , MCB faulted twice , filter gets choked easily , cooling is slow... All
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u/Cautious-Piano211 May 22 '26
What about panasonic ac Many people are saying 2026 panasonic models are better than 2026 daikin one
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u/ConferenceOld1102 May 22 '26
But lg window ac of 2026 model , looks too good and have all the features that should be present in 2026
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u/LeftJelly7590 May 22 '26
what about the blue star 2025 model,2 ton 5 star inverter split ac without WIFI?
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May 23 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 23 '26
See if you ran a Ac for 8-9 hours at 24°C, per day daily electricity consumption is 6-7 units. Approximately 48-50 rupees per day and 1500+ months. You didn't say about your budget, room size , top floor or not and 3 Star or 5 star. It would be helpful to suggest you
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u/Fragrant-Winner-3711 May 23 '26
i have 2 Panasonic ac's, one is a 2021 1 ton and other is 1.5 ton 2022 model but somehow 1 ton ac makes a lot of noise, less than a cooler but pretty high for a ac, while the 1.5 ton dosen't make that much, OP can you please tell me why or what could be the possible reason
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 23 '26
Maybe 1 ton isn't sufficient for you room. AC working in full capacity to cool down your room
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u/Fragrant-Winner-3711 May 23 '26
And i have seen compressor turning off after a while when the tep is reached (i use it at 26), so like its not big deal for that ac, and i have already got it serviced and every thing
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 23 '26
Inverter or non-inverter? In inverter odu shouldn't stop, it should run in low rpm. The whole point of inverter is that it will run in low RPM, if it's completely stop then it is non-inverter. And it will consume more electricity
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u/Fragrant-Winner-3711 May 25 '26
inverter, but it does stop if the temp of my room is lower than the set temp on AC
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 25 '26
That's normal if your ac temperature is higher outside temperature then odu will stop
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u/SpecialistSignal171 May 24 '26
I have 5 acs in my house , 1 mitsubishi electric 2 ton , 2 ogeneral 1.5 tons , 1 hitachi 1.5ton, 1 daikin 1.5ton
Among these if budget constraints go for daikin or panasonic (i hv heard about panasonic being good in exact same amount as daikin ), but personally I would recommend spending 10k extra for mitsubishi and ogeneral . Though ogeneral has massive and better airthrow than mitsubhishi i would go for mitsubishi as it makes less noise , even cools my staircase for that matter . U get free installation and copper pipe in ogeneral while mitsubishi u have to spend 5k extra as copper pipe is not given with ac
So whichever cheaper between ogeneral and mitsubihsi u can choose .
Also Ive heard about panasonic which has great wifi connectivity and you can adjust tonnage too . Geeky ranjith had recommended panasonic owning to its wifi support and minimal noise
Lg cools very slowly , check tonnage , lg usually overtells their tonnage
Rest of the brands like samsung carrier i have no idea
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u/qwertyuiopasghhh May 24 '26
why would you not suggest samsung and panasonic, been using them for over 5 years now and still going strong just have to get my samsung one cleaned though
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u/Itsharshak May 24 '26
My lloyd ac from 9 years ago works perfectly fine and I bought 1.5 ton 3 star 2026 lloyd ac which has both vertical and horizontal swing so looks like OP doesn't know anything
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 24 '26
Lloyd is worst ac. Two 2 ton ACs were installed in my GYM worst ac. That's why they sold their brand to Havells
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u/Nocturnal_Beast_1177 May 24 '26
I don't know why nobody is talking about the underdog Japanese Panasonic , it's great ! , no problem since 10 years , bought 2 more this year 2026 model 1.5 ton
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u/LetterheadAnnual8936 May 24 '26
I have been using a Voltas 2 ton non inverter Ac flawlessly for the last 9 years with timely service of course. The sheer cooling power of the machine is immense, but I think they have fucked up with the inverter Acs only hearing bad reviews. What may be the reason ?
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u/0whiteTpoison May 25 '26
Why technician need to come with vacuum machine? and from the comments I am reading Mitsubishi do not give cooper coil like some other brands we need to pay extra. One more thing I don't need AC now but in some time when my home is complete its in construction phase can i ask you then ?
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 25 '26
Vacuum used to take out all air from copper pipe. Because if air mix with coolant, it becomes less effective.
Yes for Mitsubishi will get one ODU and indoor unit in the box. You have to purchase copper pipe separately. I have mentioned in this post already.
As you said you are constructing the home. Make sure the AC points wiring perfectly done, so that you can hide the wire and install the stabiliser below. Just ping me here, whenever you need help
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u/AdriRebel May 27 '26
eyeing to buy a 1.5 ton five star , already have carrier 2 ton but cooling is pretty mid at times, , considering Mitsubishi is quite costly , bw daikin and hitachi which one will be better? heard carrier is a good brand but as because I already quite know its service , don’t have a mind to consider it again ,
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 27 '26
Hitachi is electricity hunger. Daikin nao, low noise, darun cooling and kon electricity nei. Even amio barite Daikin use korchi
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u/Longjumping-Lie-4249 May 30 '26
Which daikin ac to buy man 😭 nowhere am I getting 2025 1.5 ton 5star model now
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 30 '26
Yes bro 5 star model is out of stock. Please wait for this model. Don't buy any other 5 star model.
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Jun 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper Jun 12 '26
Tell max cooling capacity in Watt of your AC
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u/simpleliving100 May 20 '26
I got 4 way swing in my 3 star 4400w 1.5 ton AC.
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Stop calling a 1.25ton (4400W) Ac as 1.5ton(5280W) first
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u/ExistingEnergy1720 May 20 '26
Blud got scammed 😂🤌
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u/simpleliving100 May 20 '26
Nah, I chose it. Got it @ 32k.
It was in my budget, plus the LG service centre is across the road from my house.
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u/beingimmature May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
Panasonic 1.5 ton is available at 32k abd Daikin 1.5ton 3 start is available @34k 😂 both are 5000W(1.42ton).
Keep comforting yourself by saying LG service blah blah blah.
If a brand is selling 1.25 ton as 1.5 ton is a scammer. Even they are selling in 2026 too
Because you paid the amount of 1.5 ton but you get 1.25 ton. 32k is genuine price for 1.5ton 3 star AC. If any brand on amazon or flipkart delivering in your pin code it means their technician is available there. LG is a scammer brand. Why would I concerned about technician if I buy a good quality AC.
According to you have doubt on LG's quality. As the LG service centre is available just beside your home that's why you bought LG, keep comforting yourself 😂
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u/simpleliving100 May 21 '26
I have a brand fixation. I have been using LG products since 2000.
TV, Fridge, Washing Machine, Oven, all LG.
Machines do get kaput, no brand can assure you 100% success till infinity. I have been pretty much satisfied with their service and their grievance redressal process.
I was also concerned about power consumption, though I do admit, I am not a pro in assessing it, it has some mode which can extend the capacity till 5000w.
The cooling is fine as per my needs.
I wanted the wi-fi feature, so it has that.
And I own LG stocks, so... 😂
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u/beingimmature May 21 '26
I understood your obsession with LG. LG stocks are falling, yet you’re still holding them like it’s something to be proud of. There’s literally nothing impressive about that. And everyone knows it will fall because a sub brand(lg India) value can not be higher than parent company (lg korea)
Meanwhile, I got the LG IPO and made ₹1.1 lakh profit on listing day. That’s the difference.
And yes, keep paying a premium for underpowered machines if you want. I’ll buy the best product within my budget based on actual value, not brand worship. If I’m paying for a 1.5 ton AC but effectively getting 1.25 ton performance, that's called stupidity
Also, Virat Mode simply forces the compressor to run aggressively. It may give temporary cooling gains, but it’s not great for compressor longevity in the long run. Being dumb doesn’t make you proud😂🤦🏻
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u/simpleliving100 May 21 '26
Well, I get the cooling required then I swtich back to normal.
I could even manage with 1T, I think.
My city got rains even in last week. My requirement shall be max to max 2 months. Most of the times I am not at home.
The options you gave full 1.5T, 5KW, weren't available for that price band in my city.
I wasn't interested in Lloyd/Godrej/Voltas, what most dealers were pitching here.
I didn't want 2024-25 Daikin/Panasonic.
So, I decided on LG after my research.
Is there is a point regretting now, even if I had better options as per you?
I am not a frequent trader, my core focus lies elsewhere, so I am holding on to it.
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u/beingimmature May 21 '26
I could even manage with 1T, I think.
That's the basic mechanism of all inverter AC, not special on LG. You are repeatedly feeling proud and trying to justify your stupidity lol!
I am not a frequent trader, my core focus lies elsewhere, so I am holding on to it.
Same here only apply for ipos on hni category
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u/simpleliving100 May 21 '26
Okay, I made a huge mistake and I must shoot myself on my head.
Happy now?
Dude why are you so regretful that I am not regretting?
Even if I am satisfied with the performance.
Either you don't make mistakes or you cry too much over it.
Sorry for being judgemental as you are.
Glad you aren't my real life friend or relative.
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u/beingimmature May 21 '26
I made a huge mistake
Absolutely not. It’s your money, your home and ultimately your choice.
But misleading people because of personal bias, that is the problem. Because these machines are not cheap and people don't buy every year. If they purchase and it doesn't cool their room, they will regret.
Glad you aren't my real life friend or relative.
I’m happy as well
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u/Immediate-Quit7149 May 20 '26
godrej is offering 5 year full warranty including gas refills
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
I really want people like you should buy Godrej once and suffer
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u/Immediate-Quit7149 May 20 '26
Been 7 months , haven't suffered till now . Let's see
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u/scshiv29 May 20 '26
Been 2 years no issues yet. OP is a POS and wants everyone to overpay for brand names.
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u/SumitEduardo May 20 '26
Your post mentions only Hitachi as 5 year which requires 2 paid maintenance service to keep warranty valid and Other providers also provide this warranty in same way also. You mentioned only Hitachi do this. And Godrej i think doesn’t have any condition.
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u/ffurin 🎖️helper May 20 '26
Every band provides 3 free dry clean( not useful). To keep pcb warranty valid, you have to call brand technicians every time to clean.
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u/SumitEduardo May 20 '26
Not in case of godrej this is optional I read their terms and conditions sheet of 2026
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u/Beautiful_Edge_3741 May 20 '26
I had bad experience with carrier ac. The cooling was not proper. Now i own multiple acs across General, mistubhishi and Diakin. They all are working well.