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Sure you can. Google threw up a lot of links the last time I checked!!

I spent the weekend hunting for an AC (actually 2 of them). Started with a tight budget for 11-12k for a 1 Ton AC. And as the day progressed, the budget went high and high.

Almost paid 13k for a Videocon 1 Ton, only to realise that Videocon is a not so popular brand. Then 15k for a Samsung 1 Ton, only to realise that we've reached the mental barrier of 15k which is too high for a 1 Ton. So moved to 1.5 Ton. Samung was available for 16.5k and Whirlpool for 17.5k.

But finally ended up seeing Carrier at Shahs Adyar. It was the 1st time I found Carrier in Chennai and since it was anyway up the chain than the LG/Samsung/Whirlpool mould, decided to go for it. Cost me 18.3k for 1.5 Ton.

Carrier for 18.3k ? I think thats an awesome buy bro. Please do let us know the specifications and your experience bro. I have been more or less making my mind up for a Hitachi but its too expensive :(
Also, is it a WIndow or split?

Hi Sammy,
Yes it indeed sounded a good deal, since both LG and Whirlpool 1.5 Ton A/Cs were in the 17.5 range. And mine is a window a/c. Durakool range.
The 2nd A/c on this link. Welcome to CarrierAirConditions

If planning for Hitachi then I suggest buy O General. Have both in my bedroom, O General Split and Hitachi Window.

Pretty easy to get an aftermarket remote. You can get programmable universal AC remotes from places like DealExtreme: Cool Gadgets at the Right Price - Site-Wide Free Shipping (Page 1) .

Hi Sammy,
Choosing the right AC is quite tedious.:Frustrati

Here are some links which may help you out:

Compare India - Expert Columns - Airconditioners (Split) - Split or window?

Compare India - Ask Expert

You may also take a decision keeping in mind the following factors:

(a) Size and location of the room.
(b) Whether the roof is exposed to direct sunlight.
(c) No. of windows

The above factors would help you decide the tonnage of the AC. The following link is useful in deciding the tonnage:

Hitachi: The Showroom: Model Selector

IMO if budget is not a constraint then go for Hitachi. O general is also good but in after sales I have my doubts about O general.

With the rise in electricity tariff you should also look at the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). The extra money you pay will be recovered in the long run and going for the more expensive AC may be more fruitful.

WINDOW AC's

The following would be my order of preference in window AC's:

1. Hitachi (around 26K 1.5 T) *** BEE rating. The most energy efficient Ac around

2. Carrier Estrella ( around 21K to 23K 1.5 T) *** BEE rating

3. Voltas Vertis Plus Elite ( around 20K to 22K 1.5 T) *** BEE rating

4. Carrier Gen X2 (around 18 K to 19K 1.5 T) ** BEE rating

5. Voltas Vertis Plus ( (around 18.5 K) ** BEE rating

BRANDS
IMO the following are the best brands of AC companies:

Premium Brands
(i) Hitachi
(ii) O General
(iii) Carrier

All the three brands specialize in making ACs and their AC's work in extreme conditions.

Mid Segment
(iv) Voltas (From TATA)
(v) Bluestar
(vi) Whirlpool
(vii) LG
(viii) Samsung

Budget
(ix) Onida
(x) Haier

Thanks for the link Fountainheader.
@Wandernomad - Thank you. Will check that out as well.
@Gautam : Wow that was very informative . Thanks a lot. I never know buying an AC would be so compliceted :D

Can members here suggest a good AC for my mother (70+). 1.5 tonne. Should not be in O-General price range. Is Hitachi cheaper than O-General. Ideal budget is 20K with stabiliser.

Yes Hitachi is cheaper than O-general but will be still 23k+. Also i think you want a window ac.
Options in preference order-
1.Carrier
2.-Onida
3.-LG
4.- Samsung

It would be helpful if someone could list the different brands along with their EER.

From an energy consumption standpoint, wouldn't the EER be the only determining factor, meaning Higher EER = Lower energy consumption?

Funny, there is no mention of Godrej ACs. Anyone using them ?
How good/bad are they ?

Also i think the higher the EER more will be the cooling - is that right?

@prince- many people who have used Godrej Ac's have termed them as the worst in cooling.

I vote for Hitachi,3 ACs I have in my home and have no complains what so ever.

I know you mentioned this is your personal opinion but the industry themselves categorises Whirlpool, LG and Samsung as 'Budget.' Haier strangely has not been able to make too much of a headway and might just find themselves at the bottom for the moment - pricewise as well!

Voltas And Bluestar are also considered Budget. They 'might' just make the cusp of the 'bottom-mid' end (..apparently thier failure to break the mindset of the average indian - refusing to pay more than X price for an Indian brand)

Daikin and the likes are the only ones in the Premium Brands. (Hitachi, Panasonic/National, OGeneral, are ALL apparentely the 'mid' segment.) Carrier's focus has entirely shifted to institutional segment. And they are slotted below Hitachi, OG and the rest in the mid segment.