[guru_max]

Does rain affect AC outdoor units. Shifted to a new home and both of our outdoor units are in a precarious place. In the previous home it was a covered space hence did not face this issue.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by guru_max

Does rain affect AC outdoor units...

I believe that outdoor units are built to be outdoors! Most of them are open to the weather. One of ours is on our terrace.

Giving them some shelter might be good, but I don't think it is necessary. Protection from direct sun might be more useful than protection from rain?

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

I believe that outdoor units are built to be outdoors! Most of them are open to the weather.

Giving them some shelter might be good, but I don't think it is necessary. Protection from direct sun might be more useful than protection from rain?

+1.

Infact, the outdoor unit of my 1T non inverter Carrier AC (a pathetic brand compared to LG/Blue Star/ Voltas) was cleaner when fixed in the open compared to the present place of installation where it gets full of dust soon.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by guru_max

Does rain affect AC outdoor units.

As long as they are secured directly on some concrete foundation or using metal beams that can support their weight, you have nothing to worry about.

If you're worried about security, well, even the best of equipment can't help. Thieves will always find a way, if they want to steal something.

If the rain is more acidic, you'll run into early rusting. Not much you can do other than paint the units once the factory primer starts wearing out.

Shade helps but isn't mandatory. These units are designed to operate out in the open. Unrestricted air flow is important for optimum performance.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

I believe that outdoor units are built to be outdoors!

That is correct. I have an issue with my two outdoor units. Both of them sit on sunshades of the respective bedrooms, and the balconies of the apartment immediately above mine, extend over both the sunshades. So it is as if they are sitting inside a niche, though open on all sides. They don't get wet during rains, except during torrential NE monsoon rains accompanied by strong winds.

While servicing the Ac they clean only the indoor unit and never the outdoor unit. The technicians tell me they are meant to be installed open to sky, and will get washed whenever it rains. They say sun or rain doesn't affect them. My previous window Ac also was installed under the same sunshade, but it was at eye level and I used to clean it from time to time with a brush. Now I have to climb a step ladder to reach the ODU, and even then it is difficult to reach it's rear side. So I never bother.

[Aroy]

ODU are designed to work outdoors, so rain has little effect on them, iunless the seal of the cover over the PCB leaks. All out split AC's are outside exposed to rain.

One thing to note is that in dusty environment, especially Delhi, ODU fins get clogged with dust. So it is better to give them a mild pressure wash every now and then.

[kalpeshc]

Have shortlisted two ACs for my living room, Panasonic 2 ton 5 star ZU24ZKYF and Mitsubishi 1.9 ton 4 star GN22VF-D1

Both are in the same price range of around 59K however Mitsubishi does not provide any pipe, so approximately would need to spend around 8-9K additional for installation.

Needed some recommendation on which is the better option in terms of spare parts and longetivity. Since it's for the living room, it may just be used for around 3 4 hours daily.

[harry10]

My bedroom split has gone for a toss so I am looking to get a new 1.5 Ton split. After some research have zeroed in on this Panasonic model. Any feedback regarding panasonic AC's?

This is available offline as well with different model number. Costing 4k more there.

[IamNikhil]

Originally Posted by kalpeshc

Have shortlisted two ACs for my living room, Panasonic 2 ton 5 star ZU24ZKYF and Mitsubishi 1.9 ton 4 star GN22VF-D1

Both are in the same price range of around 59K however Mitsubishi does not provide any pipe, so approximately would need to spend around 8-9K additional for installation.

Needed some recommendation on which is the better option in terms of spare parts and longetivity. Since it's for the living room, it may just be used for around 3 4 hours daily.

Originally Posted by harry10

My bedroom split has gone for a toss so I am looking to get a new 1.5 Ton split. After some research have zeroed in on this Panasonic model. Any feedback regarding panasonic AC's?

I am using a Panasonic 1.5 Ton Split AC for my living room. It's been a year and a half, and it's actually really good. After a lot of research, had zeroed-in on Panasonic and really happy with the performance. No niggles, even though it's a Smart AC. Ideally would not recommend purchasing online; do check it out personally and buy from Reliance Digital or Croma or any offline store; service guarantee is the most important aspect in ownership. Have heard some really bad horror stories of online AC purchases.

[HereticHermit]

Speaking to someone personally known at Croma store, I understood that Amazon or Flipkart sell A/c on deep discount profit sharing and many A/c are specifically build/imported for online sellers. Some of Panasonic model numbers cant be found in any offline stores because they were meant only for online sale.
So it kind of confirmed what I suspected all along about buying white goods from online big format sellers. QC is the first casualty when offer is deep discounted.

[Gansan]

^^ I regularly visit and buy white gooods from my area Croma store, and they always match the Amazon price of the day for whatever item I select from their store. I am very happy with the arrangement.

Also, in case of any service calls for any item I purchased from them, my single point of contact is the Croma store. They will send the respective service people to my home.

[HereticHermit]

Originally Posted by Gansan

^^ I regularly visit and buy white gooods from my area Croma store, and they always match the Amazon price of the day for whatever item I select from their store. I am very happy with the arrangement.

Also, in case of any service calls for any item I purchased from them, my single point of contact is the Croma store. They will send the respective service people to my home.

Wasn't aware of price match. Something to keep in mind next time I am out for shopping.

[PPS]

Someone I know bought a Voltas Vectra 1.5 Ton Split AC from Vijay Sales for 32k! Pretty decent deal I think. I'm also looking at buying an AC to gift my in-laws around the 30k budget. Not sure whether to go in for 1 ton or 1.5 ton.

[MMV]

Hi All,

Need inputs/advice on whether to go for 4 different ACs (hall and bedroom) or go with VRV/VRF system. I am contemplating both options with long term (at least 10 years) horizon, requirement is of at least 6T (2+1.5+1.5+1) over the apartment. An AC mechanic told me that if you buy the best star rated split ACs (4 in my case) it will give same performance and economy (read electricity consumption )of a VRV / VRF at half the cost. Would need to understand what’s the experience with VRV/VRF ACs for home and does it give better savings over a 5year period (considering initial costs and running costs) in a residential apartment with normal usage (nil/limited day time use except during summers and night time usage of only 2 ACs regularly).

[rakesh_r]

Originally Posted by guru_max

Does rain affect AC outdoor units. Shifted to a new home and both of our outdoor units are in a precarious place. In the previous home it was a covered space hence did not face this issue.

ODUs as the name says can be very much installed outside. The only thing one needs to do is keep an eye on the casing for rusting, especially if you are living in coastal area. The fins will accumulate dust, which can be easily cleaned with a mild pressure wash with water or can be cleaned with air from a blower.
When you get your AC serviced, the technician will also be cleaning the ODU.
While mounting the unit, just make sure it is mounted on a nice bracket.