u/ffurin

So here’s the 2026 guide.

But first, one important thing: a new ISEER star rating system has been implemented in 2026. Because of this, brands will launch new AC models with updated ISEER star ratings.

Keep in mind that many 2025 models are now rated around 4 stars under the new system.

At the same time, new 2026 AC models will likely be more expensive. So if you don’t care about the latest features, you can simply go with last year’s models. You’ll get the same cooling performance and save some money. But all brands discontinued their 2025 models, so that people buy 2026 models 🥲

You can either wait for the 2026 models or buy a 2025 model with the older rating- the choice is completely yours.

>For now, here’s the 2026 AC buying guide based on the older BEE star ratings.

I wouldn't recommend Window AC and Portable AC (waste of money) in 2026.

Things to check before buying Ac

5 years PCB warranty

1 year comprehensive warranty on whole product.

10 years compressor warranty and Copper coil, and coating on it.

Refrigerant should be R32 gas.

If any company is not giving above 4 things, don’t buy.

>For surge protection, buy a stabiliser according to your voltage fluctuation range in your area. It will protect your AC PCB

Now People will suggest buying a 3 star AC

But trust me, go with 5 star model of the same 3 Star model you choose. I will save you money in long run. But if your budget is tight or AC use is less than 8-9hrs. than obviously buy 3 star.

No brands provide for 4 way( vertical and horizontal) swing in their 3 star models model except Daikin

Convertable mode will work for 30 minutes, after that Ac will run in Auto mode.

Installation:

1. Don't forget to Vacuum your AC (till -30 psi) while installing. Otherwise AC will not cool your room.

If the technician said not required then tell him to come with a Vacuum machine otherwise bhaga dena.

2. Keep 1.5-4K extra for installation in your budget. Price may vary on Brands. You can provide all installation kits(drain pipe, 2.5mm 3 core wire, stand, 3 pin plug). Technician will charge installation fees only.

>Installation is the most crucial part in AC installation no matter which brand AC You bought . If it was not done properly, AC would not cool your room.

AC Brands

1. Mitsubishi and General

Both are the OGs in market. Those are premium segment AC and heavy duty AC. Like Mitsubishi AC costs 90K only for indoor outdoor units. You have to purchase copper pipe separately + installation charges. Total cost 95-100k. And it's after sales service available in few metro cities. Still they are king, if you have budget and after sales service available in your area then go for it, no regret.

2. Daikin

\\- Pros: excellent cooling, electric consumption is less, auto clean (Dew clean) , big outdoor unit with 100% copper

\\- Cons: Old design, Lack of Smart features.

\\- And Daikin inverter ac has Convertible mode, don't believe in others misinformation

➡️ I am using Daikin 1.5ton 3 star and 1.8ton 5 star in 2024 and recently bought 1.5 ton 3 star same model (2025) again.I am really happy with it. If you have a high budget go with O Genaral or Mitsubishi , otherwise only Daikin, again I am saying Daikin only.

3. LG

\\- It makes Silent Ac. But it's actual tonnage is less. Like they are selling a 1.24ton (2024) Ac as 1.5ton. Just check actual cooling tonnage before buying. 2025 models are good, I have mentioned some models in pin comment. Excellent service, own technician. Even available in tier 3 cities and villages.

4. Hitachi

\\- Pros: Excellent cooling machine specially 2 ton segment , auto clean

\\- Cons: Consumes a little more electricity, temperature Display not available, Convertible mode unavailable technically auto Convertible so no issues.

➡️ Now only Hitachi is giving 5 years of Comprehensive Warranty (Other bands only 1 year). PCB is a vital thing in the Inverter AC.

5. Carrier

Sufficient cooling, auto clean, Convertible mode available. Overall good. Carrier is the company who invented AC.

6. Panasonic

\\- AC is excellent but Panasonic remote sucks (small), it will not respond or stop working after sometimes. Wi-Fi Smart feature available. You can control AC from your phone.

\\- Cons: indoor-outdoor is very noisy.

▶️ Don't buy Lloyd, Samsung, Voltas, Godrej, Haier, IFB, Bluestar(except some models), Whirlpool. Every Brand could not be specialized in every machine.

➡️ Smart Wi-Fi is very useful (Alexa voice commands will be easy for elders to control Ac). AI features are marketing gimmick, don't fall on those trap.

Now come to AC Tonnage according to Room size

\\- 1 ton --- 100–150 sq ft

\\- 1.5 ton --- 131–190 sq ft

\\- 2 ton --- 191–250 sq ft

\\- 2.5–3 --- 400–600 sq ft (on you can install two 2 ton Ac or centralized Ac).

If your room is on top floor and sun expose all day. For inverter AC at extra 0.5 ton extra. Means if same size room in ground floor required one ton for sun exposed top floor room it will require 1.5 ton.

➡️ Bonus tip: suppose your room size is 170 sqft. top floor, directly sunlight exposed. Generally you think a 1.5 ton AC will be more than enough. No you need a 1.8-2 ton act. You can use Ac 2 ton Ac as 1.5ton ( some models have 7 Convertible modes, but convertible mode will work for 30 minutes, after that it will continue auto mode) but you can't use a 1 ton Ac 110% efficiency. It may affect your compressor on long run. So it's better to buy higher Tonnage AC for some conditions.

Don't run behind Brands, check ISEER value, Actual Tonnage and Maximum Cooling capacity and compare with your room size.

Salesman may suggest you ac but keep in mind they will suggest only that brand or model which gives them maximum margin.

It's recommended to use a good Stabilizer it will cost 2k only, It will save your PCB

I mentioned some models in pin comment. I will update best models in future.

It feels so nice in hand. I am loving the compactness and camera

Such permission will be granted only with the approval of the Municipality Chairperson/Panchayat Samiti President and a government veterinary doctor.

Slaughtering animals in public places is also prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in imprisonment or a fine of ₹1,000.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/will-enforce-existing-cow-slaughter-law-crack-down-on-illegal-trade-govt/amp_articleshow/131075955.cms