The split air conditioners without ducting with fan unit fitted  inside a room/hall are harmful to health if not properly installed. They are costly too and eat higher power than window unit. There is no access to fresh air supply and thus indoor air quality deteriorates with high bacteria, fibres, contaminants, body odors and  CO2.Most of these units sold by ill trained dealers and service engineers are not properly installed and right  advise and application is not given. Most customers Belive that chilling is air conditioning and are not even aware that fresh air replacement  is necessary in a/c space. Customers should be careful in using these in homes,class rooms and small non traffic offices.

None of the companies replied to my queries when I wrote to them regarding these aspects, despite several reminders, including Voltas, LG, ONIDA, Fedder Lloyd etc companies. It is clear case of suppressing vital information to sell goods at the cost of consumer’s health and a class action suit can be filed by NGOs/Consumers.
In window air conditioners there is a small opening to suck fresh air. The fibre filters put in a/c units (fan side) actually may harbor more bacteria than they clean .High CO2  levels continuously in rooms without fresh air fan or duct provided may cause serious health problems. These units can’t be  fitted like window conditioners. Companies are not giving correct presale advise through their dealers and application engineers and hence it is serious deficiency in service ,supply of defective goods and harmful act to to public health.

Avoid split unit where outer view or external wall is available .use window units.These are good only for busy traffic places like showrooms and VIP cabins with continuous traffic perodically. The opening and closing of doors bring fresh air. Ask dealer companies to provide details of air conditioning and its meaning. It means-heating/cooling, ventilation, humidity control,  air movement and air cleaning and full replacement by fresh air (every 2-3 hrs) in the room. For small bed rooms the leakage from below door and window for 2 people may or may not be enough.


Prof R K Gupta
Hony President
www.indiaforce.org