12 Questions Every Business Should Ask Before Buying a New AC

For most Indian businesses, be it restaurants, spas, medical clinics, or anything else, air conditioning is a year-round necessity. From keeping employees productive to creating a comfortable experience for customers, a reliable AC system plays a crucial role in daily operations.

But here’s the challenge: most commercial AC purchases are driven by surface-level factors like price or brand familiarity. Few decision-makers pause to ask the deeper questions, the ones that affect long-term efficiency, operating costs, and overall return on investment.

In India, where power conditions vary, pollution levels are high, and summers get brutally hot, making the right cooling decision requires more than just a quick catalogue browse. It calls for a sharper lens, one that takes your business goals, local environment, and energy footprint into account.

This guide walks you through 12 essential questions to ask before buying your next air conditioner so you don’t just install a unit or a set of units, you invest in a smarter cooling solution that can save your operating costs and give you the best cooling.

What Every Business Should Consider Before Installing a New AC

1. What is the size and layout of the premises?

   1. Calculate the total area (in sq. ft. or sq. m.) and consider the number of rooms, partitions, and ceiling height.
   2. Factor in heat generating sources such as computers, kitchen equipment, lighting, and glass surfaces.
   3. A proper site survey helps avoid over or under-sizing the AC system, which can lead to inefficiency and discomfort.

2. Which type of AC system is most suitable?

   1. Split ACs are ideal for individual cabins, meeting rooms, or small offices.
   2. Cassette or ducted ACs work better for larger open-plan layouts or spaces with false ceilings.
   3. VRF/VRV systems are recommended for multi-storey commercial buildings with varying cooling requirements.

3. What is the required tonnage?

   1. Indian summers demand the right cooling capacity and hence tonnage should match the room size, heat load, and occupancy.
   2. General estimate: 1 ton per 100 – 120 sq. ft., but insulation and usage patterns also matter.
   3. Over-sizing wastes energy, under-sizing strains the system. Consult a professional for accurate tonnage.

4. How energy efficient is the AC?

   1. Look for a higher BEE star rating (preferably 4 or 5 stars) to ensure lower electricity consumption.
   2. Inverter ACs offer better energy efficiency and consistent cooling compared to non-inverter models.
   3. Efficient ACs may cost more upfront but reduce long-term electricity bills, especially important for commercial spaces with long daily run-times.

5. Is the AC suitable for local power conditions?

   1. Voltage fluctuations are common across many parts of India, especially during summer months. Choose models with stabiliser-free operation, or ensure you have a high-quality voltage stabiliser.
   2. Reliable performance during inconsistent power supply protects your investment and ensures uninterrupted cooling.

6. What is the upfront and running cost?

   1. Don’t just compare sticker prices. Factor in electricity consumption, annual maintenance, and servicing expenses.
   2. Energy-efficient models may have a higher upfront cost but offer significantly lower lifecycle costs, which helps increase your bottom line in the longer run.
   3. For growing businesses, also consider future servicing, spare part availability, and long-term reliability.

7. What after-sales service and warranty support is available?

   1. Choose brands or providers with a strong service network in your region or city.
   2. Check warranty duration on both compressor and parts – longer, comprehensive warranties offer better peace of mind.
   3. Consider who handles servicing, brand-authorised personnel or third-party technicians and whether annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) are available.

8. Are there features designed for Indian conditions?

   1. Anti-dust and PM2.5 filters help improve air quality in cities with high pollution levels.
   2. Dehumidifier modes are useful during monsoons, especially in coastal or high-humidity regions.
   3. Copper condenser coils offer better durability, cooling efficiency, and corrosion resistance compared to aluminium coils, especially in Indian weather conditions.

9. Is the brand well established in India?

   1. Stick to trusted brands with proven performance and support infrastructure in Indian markets.
   2. Look at local user reviews, industry adoption, and service response time before deciding.
   3. Availability of genuine spare parts and trained service engineers is critical for long-term reliability.

10. What is the environmental impact?

    1. Choose ACs that use eco-friendly refrigerants such as R32 or R410A, which have lower global warming potential (GWP).
    2. Complying with Indian environmental regulations not only reduces your carbon footprint but also future-proofs your investment.
    3. Efficient ACs also consume less power, helping reduce the load on the grid and overall emissions.

11. Does the AC improve indoor air quality?

    1. Look for ACs with multi-stage filtration, including PM2.5 and anti-bacterial filters—especially important in polluted urban environments.
    2. Features like air purification, humidification, and dehumidification enhance comfort and health, particularly in retail, clinic, and co-working settings.
    3. Cleaner air supports employee wellbeing and enhances customer experience.

12. What is the expected ROI and lifespan of the system?

    1. A well-maintained commercial AC in India typically lasts 8-12 years, depending on usage, brand, and service quality.
    2. Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price. This includes electricity, maintenance, repairs, and potential replacements.
    3. Calculating ROI ensures your cooling system supports your long-term operational and financial goals.

A Smarter Way to Cool Your Business Premises

Air conditioning isn’t just a line item on your procurement list, it’s a long-term operational choice that affects your comfort, electricity bills, maintenance load, and sustainability profile.

By asking these 12 questions, you move from reactive buying to strategic decision-making that takes your space, your staff, and your bottom line into account.

Because when it comes to cooling your restaurant, spa, or medical clinic in India, the best decisions go beyond cost comparisons, they’re built on clarity, foresight, and long-term value.