May 19, 2007 01:04 AM
27244 Views
(Updated May 20, 2007 12:23 AM)
Choosing an AC is an important & difficult decision. Before we go into more details let us understand the basic/technical terms about the air conditioners.
*Types
*Two common types of ACs: Window and split type. In Window AC
The cooling and compressor unit are housed together in a single cabinet which is usually fitted in the window of a room. This AC is designed to cool a single room. However in Split type AC the cooling unit and the compressor are separately placed. They are designed to cool, one or more rooms depending on their cooling capacity.
Size and Capacity
Most air conditioners are rated in BTU per hour(British Thermal Unit) or by tonnage. One ton is equal to 12, 000 BTU per hour. For small homes or homes with moderate cooling loads, a window unit may be the smartest choice. Central units are almost always more efficient than room units. But the smallest unit that's adequate to cool your home is the most economical.
Cost
For small homes or homes with moderate cooling loads, a window unit may be the good choice. Split units are almost always more efficient than room units and are designed to cool, one or more rooms. A window air conditioner is always cheaper than its split counterpart of a similar cooling capacity, by around 30 to 40%. AC prices range from around Rs.16, 000 for a Window air conditioner to well over Rs.25, 000 for a Split air conditioners. There are many choices available these day like LG, Samsung, Carrier, Hitachi, Godrej and many more.
*Other Features
Energy Efficiency Ratio(EER) *
The E.E.R. is the Energy Efficiency Ratio. A rating that describes an air conditioner’s approximate operating cost relative to similar models. All units have a rating of at least 8. An E.E.R. of 8-9 is good and an E.E.R. of 10 or above is ideal. A unit with an E.E.R. of 10 is approximately 10% more energy efficient than a unit with an E.E.R. of 9. The E.E.R. is calculated by dividing the BTU/Hour by the number of watts required. Units with higher E.E.R.s use less energy and will therefore cost less to operate. Hitachi Window AC has 10 EER and Quardricool Model has EER as 10.6 which could be termed as very efficient.
Filter
All air conditioners have them, but for easy maintenance select a model with a slide-out filter.
Heat/Cool unit
Models with this feature can supply heat in the winter.
Thermostat
Digital models are the easiest to use, and the most precise.
Timer
Lets you to set the air conditioner to begin cooling at any time, whether you are home or not.
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So this was all about the technical terms related to AC which could be useful while buying a AC. I bought Hitachi 1.5 Ton AC in Apr'2004 when the summer was at its peak in M.P. where I stays. Cost wise this AC was quite costly when compared to its counterparts like LG, Godrej, Carrier, Samsung etc. But believe me from the day one It never let me down in any area, be it cooling, energy consumption or noise factor etc. therefore I thought to submit my views for this AC. This AC has EER as 10 which is very good for window ACs.
This is an intelligent AC with a mind of its own. It gives a comfortable environment understanding the city that you live in, the time of the day or night.
*It has following features:
*Auto Climate Technology(ACT): The AC provides uninterrupted comfort in different seasons, time and cities. It is programmed for over 100 cities in India, this AC comes with intelligent control that automatically adjusts comfort settings with changing seasons and time.
Superior quality & Good compressor: The AC build in quility is quite good, and there is substantilly less noise while it is in operation. The compressor is rated little over then its rated capacity . The compressor carries 5 yrs warranty.
Koukin filter with filter clean indicator: Its a very good feature in this AC. The unique anti-bacterial filter prevents bacterial growth in the AC, thus increasing its efficiency. Koukin filter with filter clean indicator ensures that you clean it when required, It also gives healthy and refreshing indoor environment.
Kaimin: This is the feature I like most . Its really a great technology, I dont think that it is available in any other brand AC.(Correct me if I am wrong) . ‘Kaimin’, an intelligent feature, ensures sound sleep every night and wake up feeling fresh every morning. ‘Kaimin’ adjusts the temperature automatically through the night to suit your body needs. The temperature is automatically raised by 1 degree after one hr upto 4 hrs. its operation also save the power up to 45% power.
On/Off timer with advanced start-up: The AC can be programmed to start at any time. It will start automatically at a given time . - Its again a very nice feature.
My mode: There are 3 modes which can be chosen for customized cooling to suit your need.
Digilock: This is for avoiding unauthorized use of the AC. If you don't want the AC to be used in your absence, just switch to the lock. The digilock locks the AC to prevent misuse. Also when not in use, it shuts off the display ensuring a longer battery life.
Power index: Very good feature- You get an idea what is the level of power consumption .A visual indication of the relative power consumption at different AC settings. Now as your AC runs, you can keep a track of the power consumption.
I would say, overall its a very nice product, Although it is costly if compared with other available ACs in the market, But I would definitely rate it better then other brand ACs.
Technical Specs:
Tonnage: 1.5
Model Number: RAA18CP14
Rated Cooling Capacity BTU/HR: 18000
Compressor Type: ROTARY
Rated Power Supply Voltz/Hz/Phase: 230/50/1
Total Power Input Watts: 1800
EER: 10
Number of Fan Motors: 1
Current Drawn Amps: 8.5
Fan Speed Steps: 3
Air Flow(Indoor) CFM: 510
Air Flow(Outdoor) CFM: 1100
Noise dB: 52
Dimensions(M/c) W X H X D: 660 X 430 X 675
Net Weight KG: 57
Remocon Type: LCD Display
NB: Pl. dont forget to rate my review and if possible drop a comment too.
