I wanted to get prepared for the Hot & Humid Chennai Summer, so started deliberating on all the AC models. I opted for split since my room didn’t have the provision for the window AC and didnt want all the noise associated with it (I already have a 1.5 TON Samsung Window AC in another room) I did some research on LG, O General , Hitachi , Carrier & Voltas. Word of mouth vouched for LG for its customer service and OGeneral for being a great machine.
I ultimately zeroed in on LG/Hitachi, LG for its range and cost and Hitachi for its great compressor and efficiency and of course better finish. Head on Head a 5 Star 1.2 TN Hitachi ACE comes Rs 5000 costlier than 5 Star LG 1.0 TN AC but it has much higher cooling capacity (BTU/HR 14000 to LG’s 12000) , higher Efficiency rating 3.32 to 3.16. I think Cooling Capacity(BTU/Hr or Watts/Hr) and the EER are the key points you have to look at if you are looking for powerful cooling machine.
At the same time energy efficient.
Kaimin facility (progressively increases the temperature to keep up with decreased body metabolism during sleep) and Auto Humid Control features are great. The machine cools superfast and 1.2 Tonner should fit a 180 sqft room. There is also variant HOD which is 1.0 TN but has a higher cooling capacity with higher EER - 3.37 (but not Star Rated)
Remote control display is primitive, not visible in daylight (leave alone night) , it has a backlight though. The mode selection is all based on icons (no text) so need to have your manual for initial few days.
I purchased the AC in Ratna Cool House in T.Nagar where there are many AC outlets on a single floor. Purchase Price: Rs 30, 700 incl (stabilizer). Add another 1800 for installation charges. LG 5 star 1.0 TON would cost around 25, 000 (incl stabilizer).
The delivery service was not satisfactory, I purchased this on a saturday afternoon and it took multiple to and fro calls and I had to co-ordinate with the retailer and the Hitachi installation team to ultimately get it on a Wednesday afternoon. There is absolutely no co-ordination between the retailer-Hitachi Installation team. Hitachi has to really revamp their sales/service if they are to compete with LG or any other brand.