Indian summers have become infamous for scorching high temperatures, making air conditioners a need of the hour in most homes. Getting a new AC is also a long-term investment to ensure comfort and productivity. Previously, we discussed features one should look for while getting a new AC, such as choosing the right capacity, compressor type, and other features. In this guide, let’s understand the best time to buy a new AC in India.
Best times of the year to get a new AC
The increasing affordability and extreme varying temperatures of the Indian climate have resulted in a steady demand for ACs throughout the year. Here are some key moments during the year when you can get your new AC at the best possible price.
Right Before Summer (January-February)
While it may sound like AC prices are the highest before the summer, this is prime time to purchase. Retailers often offer enticing discounts and flexible payment schemes to attract customers during January, February, and even the peak summer days.
This is also when vendors gather new stock for the season; hence, you will also see newer AC models. The first three months of the calendar year are a good time to get a new AC.
Diwali Sales
Diwali is the peak shopping season in India. As it is an auspicious occasion to buy new things, the home appliances market is filled with discounts, price reductions, and other schemes.
Since Diwali arrives just before the start of the winter, the demand for ACs is generally low during this period. Hence, you can negotiate a good deal in offline shops. Diwali becomes another suitable time to get your new AC when paired with the festive offers.
Online Mega Sales: Flipkart Big Billion Days, Amazon Great Indian Festival
The Big Billion Days Sale by Flipkart and the Great Indian Festival Sale by Amazon offer excellent deals on electronics. Although these sales are more dominant for laptops and smartphones, they also include incredible offers on ACs, refrigerators, washing machines, and other heavy appliances.
Flipkart and Amazon also partner with multiple banks, offering additional discounts of up to Rs 10,000 on credit and debit cards. Combining the sale prices with such bank deals can help you get your AC at a discounted rate, which can be hard to match in offline markets. These mega sales only occur once a year, usually around October-November.
Tips to get the Best Deal on your new AC
- Exchange Offers: If you have a used AC that you want to replace, you can get exchange discounts up to Rs 5000, depending on your model. If your used AC has a copper condenser, you can negotiate good exchange values over it, which will help reduce your new AC’s purchase cost.
- Look out for bank offers: Retailers often partner with select banks, offering discounts on specific payment modes. These can include instant discounts, cashback, no-cost EMI, or even accelerated reward points on credit and debit cards. Such offers are available at offline and online portals, and it’s a good practice to watch for such schemes.
- Do not be shy to visit multiple stores: Visiting multiple offline stores and comparing prices with e-commerce websites is an effective way to get the best deal on your AC. Often, there can be a huge price difference across two shops on the same street for the same product. Even if it takes an extra couple of days, it’s wise to explore all nearby showrooms and compare prices for the AC models you are considering.
- Consider getting the last-gen model: Unlike smartphones and laptops, air conditioners are slow-evolving products that don’t receive huge feature upgrades each year. In most cases, the latest model ACs are priced higher by a few thousand compared to last-gen models. If the new model does not have a must-need feature for your usage, getting a last-gen AC can help save some money.
Avoid These Mistakes When Getting New AC
Even after extensive research for your new AC, it is possible to get confused and make a mistake. Here are some points that you should take care of.
Don’t buy AC with lower energy savings
An AC with a lower energy savings rating, such as a 1-star or 2-star, can be significantly cheaper than an equivalent model with a 5-star rating. However, the running cost of the AC with lower energy savings will be much higher, which can almost double your ownership cost over a span of 10 years. Hence, getting an AC with better energy-saving ratings is recommended because ACs consume the most electricity among all home appliances.
Avoid Buying ACs without copper condensers
Some entry-level AC models come with aluminium or iron-based condensers, priced cheaper than copper-based ones. However, aluminium or iron-based condensers are of inferior quality and prone to leakage, rusting, and other problems that can severely affect cooling and increase maintenance costs. Hence, always buy an AC with a copper condenser.
Check All Hidden Costs
Getting a new AC involves installing and removing your used AC and other labour-focused work. Technicians often demand additional money to install your new AC. Hence, one should thoroughly clarify all costs at the showroom or on the online portal before making a purchase.
Sales executives can also influence you to get extended warranties or annual maintenance contracts (AMC). Usually, these add-ons are from third-party service providers and are priced higher than the normal market rates. You should get an extended warranty or AMC directly from your AC manufacturer instead of the shopkeeper or vendor.
Should I buy AC online or offline?
Choosing between buying your AC online or a traditional physical store involves weighing specific pros and cons. Offline stores offer the advantage of an in-person experience. You can physically examine the AC, turn it on to assess noise levels, and get a feel for its size and design.
Additionally, sales staff can provide valuable guidance, explaining technical features and recommending suitable ACs based on room size and cooling needs. Offline stores may sometimes offer room for additional negotiation on price or throw in extra perks.
On the other hand, online platforms shine with their vast selection of options. You’ll have access to more AC brands, models, and features than any physical store can match. You can also compare prices and detailed specifications of different ACs side-by-side. Online mega-sales events and card-specific offers can lead to deeper discounts than offline.
Ultimately, the best way to buy your AC depends on your priorities. If you prefer a hands-on experience, appreciate expert advice, and enjoy the possibility of negotiating a deal, offline stores could be the way to go. If you prioritize immense choice and convenience of home shopping and want to ensure the best price possible, then buying online might be the better route.
We advise checking both offline and online portals and purchasing from wherever it’s cheaper. In both cases, a brand-certified technician will come and install your AC.
FAQs
1. Do ACs get cheaper during the winter season?
Yes, it is possible to get a new AC at a lower price during the winter. However, you may not have a wide variety to choose from.
2. Which is the best AC brand in India?
According to our MySmartPrice Home Appliance Satisfaction Study 2024, BlueStar and Voltas are among the top AC brands in India, with excellent customer satisfaction and good after-sales service.
3. What features should I look for in a new AC?
There are three main factors to look for in your new AC: the right capacity for your room size, a copper condenser, and an inverter compressor.
