May 02, 2007 07:05 PM
25725 Views
Hi MS'ers
I am back with a brand new review on the most sought after thing this summer . An airconditioner.
THE THOUGHT:
(Jan 2007)
After decidiing to get a ac, had to figure out the exact size of the capacity needed for the room. There are various factors that go into deciding the size of the ac. Usually this is done by a thumb rule of 100-120 sq ft=1 ton and so on. If u buy oversized ac u will get over size electricity billl bcoz the compressor will shut down every 3 minutes. If u buy undersized ac u will get oversized bill bcoz compressor will remain on for longer time. Determine your size by going to this link https://hvacindia.com/heatload/heatload.asp. it is time consuming but u will save money on electricity.
THE CONFUSION:
After seeing so many models and hearing so many different opinions from each shop. was wondering which one to buy . Did a little bit of research on net and came out with onida as technically superior, and with highest EER rating among acs available in indian markets. So then onida it was .beating its closes rival voltas, hitachi was best technically but too expensive
THE SEARCH:
(Feb 2007)
Gone through roughly 15 shops in mumbai, most of the malls and big stores had similar price tags.
All 1 ton acs were in range of 13k to 15 k choices being godrej 1.2 ton
, onida 1 ton, lg, samsung whirlpool, voltas. And in high range
hitachi and General. The prices of the onida 1 ton ac as I remember are
Vijay sales= 13990, croma= 13990, local electronics shops=14000 to 14500, sony mony= 14500
Rahul electronics= 14500 was almost about to buy from croma when I found a shop shakti electronics which offered a price 13200 . I bought it right then and there. If you pay by credit card u are charged 2% extra. Installation charges are at actualls. Mine was a 1.5 window slot, converting it to a 1 ton slot cost me Rs 700 as installation charges.
THE MACHINE:*
Theres nothing much you can do with a look of ac its just rectangle box. The grill and the control placement is good. The built of onida machine is solid. It is made from thicker guage of steel. Unlike other brands like lg samsung, where the metal is thinner guage. There arew vertical louvres which swings and horizontal louvres which are manual. The control panel also looks good and doesnt look like a cheap chinese make.(TCL ac for example) . The machine comes with different modes.
Normal= will work according the set temprature
dry=will work on slow fan speed 6 min compressor on 4 min compressor off
fan=only fan
logi sense= havent used it yet.
Quickchill= will run the ac for 15 -20 mins in 16 degress and get back to the set temprature(e.g 25) again. this option only operates through ac panel not the remote
Power saver= will run the ac for few minutes and then switch off completely .and then restart again when temp rises. This is a great power saving feature.this option only operates through ac panel not the remote
The machine also has a timer to switch on and off at the set intervals .
The noise level of ac is bare minimum. Infact its very close to having a split ac. The installation guy commented "Sahab it works like a split ac, very silent ". But please make sure the installation is perfect. If you have vibrations you might get more noise. Also make sure the ac is fitted well inside its cabinet. If it is not it will make a noise when the compressor turns off. as is happening in my case.
The cooling is very good. for a 100 sqft room and a tempreatuire of 25- 27 degree is very comfortable.
Now the most dreaded part of the ac the electricity bills. All the research of these months have shown the following results.
Temprature 25 degrees, normal mode, run time 11 pm to 6 am , electricity units consumed= 7
tempreature 25 degrees, power saver mode, run time 11 pm to 6 am electricity units consumed= 4-5
This is not the exact figure, 7 units were the total units consumed that means I also had the refrigerator and fan on at that time so you can take out one unit for them
THE CONS:
This is not actually a con but when u set a temperature e.g 25 degrees. and then set the power saver mode. Now if you change the tempreature to 24 degreees. the power saver mode setting is lost you have to click that button again to get it back to power saver mode.
Thats about it for the air conditioner .
A note for the future buyers of ac.
Please make sure the size u select is correct.
EER is extremely important factor, dont buy ac where you have a tough time to find the eer of that make and model
Make sure the installation is perfect for a noiseless operation. Tell the installation guy to wait and Switch on the ac for and wait for compressor to turn on and off atleast 2 times. so that u dont get noises during that time .
Never think an Indian brand means a substandard product. Have faith in Indian brands they are doing very good, by buying that you are only helping your country(remember swadeshi movement?)
Clean your filters every 15 days.
Hope I have provided all the information I could if anyone still needs more info on this machine. You can always message me would be glad to help.
