Air conditioners buying guide
AC installation checklist for Indian homes
A pre-purchase and installation-day checklist covering electrical load, outdoor-unit placement, copper pipe, drainage, vacuuming and warranty records.
Quick answer
Installation quality can affect cooling, noise, drainage, energy use and warranty. Agree on the complete scope and price before the technician starts, photograph the model labels, and retain the invoice and installation job sheet.
| Stage | Confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before buying | Electrical load and room size | Avoids unsafe wiring and wrong capacity |
| Before drilling | Indoor/outdoor positions | Controls airflow, noise and service access |
| Pipe work | Length, insulation and vacuuming | Protects performance and compressor |
| Drainage | Continuous downward slope | Reduces leaks and backflow |
| Handover | Cooling test and documents | Creates a warranty record |
Get an itemised quote
Ask what standard installation includes. Common extras include outdoor stand, additional copper, drain pipe, electrical cable, core cutting, dismantling and transport. Confirm rates before work starts.
Do not let a low product price hide a high unplanned installation bill.
Placement and pipe work
The indoor unit needs unobstructed airflow and a drain route. The outdoor unit needs ventilation, secure support and service access. Pipe bends should be controlled, insulation complete and joints made with appropriate tools.
Ask the installer to follow the manufacturer's evacuation or vacuum procedure instead of using refrigerant to purge the line.
Test before sign-off
Run cooling, fan and swing modes. Check unusual vibration, drain flow, remote operation and error codes. Photograph indoor and outdoor model/serial labels and keep the invoice, warranty terms and job sheet together.
Before you buy
- ✓Confirm sanctioned electrical load and earthing
- ✓Approve both unit locations before drilling
- ✓Record extra-material quantities and charges
- ✓Ask for proper line evacuation
- ✓Test cooling and drainage
- ✓Save serial numbers, invoice and job sheet
Sources and review standard
Energy-label explanations are checked against the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Standards & Labelling programme. Product-specific claims must be confirmed on the exact model’s manufacturer documentation and current retailer listing. See our methodology.