The right AC type depends on your room size, ceiling, building type and budget. Here's our practical buying guide.
Window AC
Best for older Mumbai buildings with existing window cut-outs (Khar, Dadar, Chembur). Single-piece unit, easy to service, lower upfront cost. Downside: noisier, blocks the window, and limited tonnage choices.
Split AC
The default choice for most Mumbai flats today. Quieter indoor unit, better aesthetics, more tonnage options (1.0–2.0 TR), inverter variants for electricity savings. Needs wall drilling and copper-piping work.
Cassette AC
Ceiling-mounted, four-way airflow. Ideal for shops, clinics, salons, conference rooms — anywhere a wall-mounted indoor unit would look out of place. Needs a false ceiling with adequate plenum height.
Ductable AC
For larger commercial spaces (showrooms, offices, restaurants). One indoor unit feeds multiple ducts and grilles. Quietest of all options because the blower is hidden in the false ceiling.
Quick decision matrix
- • 1 BHK / studio: 1.0 TR window or split
- • 2-3 BHK living room: 1.5–2.0 TR inverter split
- • Cabin / clinic with false ceiling: 1.5–2.0 TR cassette
- • Open-plan office / showroom: ductable