As summer temperatures soar across India, buying an air conditioner (AC) becomes a top priority for most households. But choosing the right AC isn’t as easy as picking the most popular brand or the cheapest model. A wrong decision can lead to high electricity bills, poor cooling, and costly maintenance.
To help you make a smarter choice, we’ve listed the top mistakes to avoid while buying an AC in 2025. Whether it’s your first AC or a replacement, avoid these common pitfalls and stay cool — literally and financially!
❌ 1. Ignoring the Correct Tonnage for Your Room
Mistake: Buying a 1-ton AC for a large room or a 2-ton AC for a small space.
Why it’s wrong: AC tonnage determines the cooling capacity. A mismatch will either overwork the unit (high bills, poor cooling) or be unnecessarily expensive.
Quick Guide:
- Up to 120 sq. ft → 1 Ton
- 121–180 sq. ft → 1.5 Ton
- 181–250 sq. ft → 2 Ton
👉 Always measure your room size before selecting AC tonnage.
❌ 2. Overlooking Inverter Technology
Mistake: Choosing a non-inverter AC just to save money upfront.
Why it’s wrong: Non-inverter ACs consume more power in the long run and are less efficient. Inverter ACs regulate compressor speed and offer better cooling with lower electricity consumption.
✅ Go for an inverter AC if you plan to use it frequently or for long hours.
❌ 3. Ignoring Energy Star Ratings
Mistake: Picking an AC without checking its BEE star rating.
Why it’s wrong: The higher the rating (up to 5 stars), the more energy-efficient the AC. A 3-star AC might cost less initially, but a 5-star AC will save more in electricity bills.
⚡ Tip: Look for a 2025 BEE label before buying.
❌ 4. Not Considering the Climate and Room Conditions
Mistake: Buying the same AC model recommended by a friend from another region.
Why it’s wrong: Coastal areas, dry zones, and humid climates have different cooling needs. Rooms with large windows, poor insulation, or direct sunlight need more powerful ACs.
🌡️ Customize your choice based on your location and room layout.
❌ 5. Skipping Key Features for a Lower Price
Mistake: Sacrificing essential features like auto-clean, dehumidifier, or PM 2.5 filters to save a few thousand rupees.
Why it’s wrong: These features impact air quality, convenience, and AC life. For instance, in polluted cities, a basic dust filter won’t be enough.
💡 Balance cost with feature importance based on your needs.
❌ 6. Neglecting Noise Levels
Mistake: Buying an AC without checking its noise levels.
Why it’s wrong: Some budget or window ACs are quite noisy, especially during the night. Look for decibel (dB) ratings in the specifications.
😴 Choose models with < 40 dB for bedroom use.
❌ 7. Ignoring Installation and After-Sales Service
Mistake: Going for the cheapest online deal without checking installation quality or local service availability.
Why it’s wrong: Poor installation can reduce cooling efficiency and even void warranties. Some brands have limited service in smaller towns.
🛠️ Prefer brands with a strong service network and verified installation partners.
❌ 8. Not Comparing Prices Online
Mistake: Buying directly from a local store without checking deals online.
Why it’s wrong: You might miss out on discounts, combo offers, or cashback available on platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Croma.
💰 Compare online and offline prices — and don’t forget extended warranty offers.
❌ 9. Assuming All Brands Are the Same
Mistake: Picking a brand only because it’s popular.
Why it’s wrong: Every brand has its strengths. Some are better at energy efficiency (like Daikin or Hitachi), while others offer great features (like LG or Panasonic).
🔍 Read reviews, compare features, and check service feedback before finalizing.
✅ Final Thoughts
Buying an AC is a long-term investment, especially in a country like India where summers are getting harsher each year. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you choose the right air conditioner that keeps you cool, saves electricity, and offers value for money.
Still confused? Check out our detailed buying guides and comparisons on thenextgadgets.com for the latest 2025 AC models and recommendations.
