I have purchased an LG 1 tonne window Ac on the 2nd of March 2010. I specifically bought this product since it seemed to be almost on par with category leaders in terms of quality like Carrier, OG etc. and yet reasonably priced. The power consumption too didn’t seem too bad comparatively, consuming just around 50 watts or so more for around the same amount of cooling than these exorbitantly priced brands. ( star rating 2.63, 1280 watts input / cooling output in watts 3370.) The other brand I had shortlisted was Onida which in terms of specs was better but I preferred to go for the LG, paying 500/- more than Onida, simply because they are among world leaders in Air conditioning, and I guess a trustworthy brand.
The Ac was installed promptly by Aircare Engineers, in fact I bought the Ac from their outlet, AC Point in Bandra simply so that I would have no installation wait and service issues. I found the ac to be just what I had expected, and was fully satisfied with the cooling, the thermostat sensitivity, the sleep function, and the dual display too which displays both current room temperature and desired temperature together.
However, I was disconcerted by the noisiness of the Ac. It was pretty silent in fact with the compressor off ( running on fan only mode) you wouldn’t know it was turned on. The Compressor sound was a high pitched continuous fast paced clicking, unlike one I have ever heard in any AC. The low Growl which most ACs emit was almost nonexistent, but replaced with this incessantly irritating click. I recalled the installation guy, who was just that, an installation person, knowing nothing about the ac at all. He checked the installation to see if the compressor was vibrating against any metal but no, it was not. The sound is emitted by the compressor itself and is coming from within. Have lodged a complaint with LG, and must say their initial response seems to be very prompt and courteous. Lets see what their engineer says, if at all he comes as promised, today.
If it is a unit fault then ok.. happens, but boy if this is the normal sound of their AC compressor, then I guess I would never even think of buying LG again, ever. Will update accordingly, folks, but believe me, if this sound issue is not an inherent flaw, then there is nothing like this LG Ac, it will definitely give any of the luxury brands a run for their money, since all required high end features are present in this well priced product.
Update 1. : 09.03.2010. Service engineer came and loosened the compressor bolts, thus reducing the audibility of the interior sound to some extent. However the sound still is a high pitched loud clicking instead of a smooth low growl. Much more than a low priced, old Videocon, which I specifically stood beside to hear . However, LG service manager has assured me of a replacement within 10 days.
Update 2 : 17.03.2010. True to their word, LG has sent me a new unit which I have received yesterday. Thank you LG. However, the dealer cum service representative, Aircare Technologies, is yet to send their installation engineer to install the new machine.
Update 3 : 20.03.2010. New machine installed on 18th. No indoor noise now. Very silent. Am quite happy with the performance. Will write a detailed review but initial reaction is GO AHEAD AND BUY THIS LG WINDOW AC.