Team-BHP - The home / office air-conditioner thread

My parents do not use an AC at all. But some guests who come for overnight stay need them. So the AC is on just 5-6 nights in a whole year. They had a LG 1 ton Window AC which has given a lot of problems. They ended up spending a lot of money repairing it (the standard gas filling scam, I think). Now they want to buy a new AC since that one is again giving problems.

So which is a good 1 ton Window AC to buy? Efficiency is not important - it can be 1 star even - it's hardly going to be used. Good After Sales Service and lack of maintenance is important. Should be cheap. What do you guys suggest?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajay_the_Don (Post 4286838)

I have a Panasonic 1.5 Ton, 3 star at home. After 6 years, the indoor copper coil had leakage and was changed few months back through Panasonic service.

In my view 6 years is about the beginning of the time window where replacement has to be looked at. If it was ten plus, I will say by all means. I find it very surprising that the copper coil is again leaking. I will trend to agree with the idea of replacing the beast altogether.

However, this incident with a brand like Panasonic sure rings a bell and will be remembered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carboy (Post 4287763)

Get a locally assembled one, preferably all mechanical including thermostat. These will last a decade and there is always the local shop for repairs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy (Post 4288346)

Get a locally assembled one, preferably all mechanical including thermostat. These will last a decade and there is always the local shop for repairs.

Thank you, Aroy. Where do I go looking for something like this? Do they give any warranty/guarantee? And how much should I expect to pay for a 1 ton Window AC?

The LG 1.5 ton split unit in our bedroom has been making more noise than I am comfortable with. Its not abnormally noisy. We make a service request. LG service technician came promptly. He said the "controller" is not working properly. it will cost Rs 8000 to replace, no repair. He added we can take an AMC immediately and the controller will be replaced free of cost. Does anyone smell anything fishy in this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guite (Post 4289149)

.... Does anyone smell anything fishy in this?

Yes sir, I do. This is an attempt to lighten your wallet! I doubt even the controller card story!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guite (Post 4289149)

Does anyone smell anything fishy in this?

Definitely, taking you to be a mug. Only, spares for Splits are very costly, being proprietary.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carboy (Post 4288573)

Thank you, Aroy. Where do I go looking for something like this? Do they give any warranty/guarantee? And how much should I expect to pay for a 1 ton Window AC?

No idea of Mumbai. You can ask around for good AC mechanics and they will guide you to those who sell assembled AC. They will give you warranty and service it whenever you need to.

Regarding costs, an assembled AC will costs less than a branded AC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anupmathur (Post 4289180)

Yes sir, I do. This is an attempt to lighten your wallet! I doubt even the controller card story!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 4289212)

Definitely, taking you to be a mug. Only, spares for Splits are very costly, being proprietary.

Thanks for the responses. I was suspicious and did not buy his proposal.

Git my Daikin FTKS60VMA (2TR, Inverter, R410a) back. seems there was some internal leak which was fixed. Now installed it in the Living Room, as we had installed a General in the Bed room. Seems to be holding well, but really winters are the best time to test an AC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 4317419)

.... Seems to be holding well, but really winters are the best time to test an AC.

Scratching my head trying to figure out what exactly you mean by this. :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by anupmathur (Post 4317565)

Scratching my head trying to figure out what exactly you mean by this. :confused:

This tells you two things:

1. Leaks?
2. Performance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 4318101)

This tells you two things:

1. Leaks?
2. Performance.

I'm still lost. Leaks, I can understand. But performance? In winter time? The unit is operating at far lower pressures and temperatures than it would during summer!

Quote:

Originally Posted by anupmathur (Post 4318148)

I'm still lost. Leaks, I can understand. But performance? In winter time? The unit is operating at far lower pressures and temperatures than it would during summer!

Well he pressurized it overnight and the next day there was no loss of pressure. Also, gas fill is by the feel so must be verified at high load.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgiitk (Post 4318197)

Well he pressurized it overnight and the next day there was no loss of pressure. ...

Ah! Pressurized! With a pump.(?) You forgot to mention this earlier. Also, to what pressure did he pressurize? And with what medium? Refrigerant? I have heard of vacuum test, but not really a pressure test.