The summer was starting and we were looking out for an AC. We live in Bangalore and hence went to the usual haunts in Jayanagar - Girias, Devi & Adhewar.. At Girias, we went it a 8.15PM on a sunday evening and half way through showing us the various models, the shop started turning the lights off (It was 8.25). They gave us a few rates and we walked off.
The experience at Devi and Adhewar was better. The crowd is definitely lesser at Adheswar and hence the sales person has time to explain the product to you. Devi is much more crowded and you have to look around for someone to help you as none have a uniform or ID card. Well, we liked the 1.5 ton LG AC. We almost paid for it but wanted to check if they could fit it in our apartment as we live on the 11th floor. At Devi, the sales guy was sure. At Adheswar, the guy was more honest and told us that its best to do a site inspection from the company and the cost for LG service guy to inspect was Rs.250.
Thankfully, we did the site inspection. Turns out that they could not fit a split after all as they was no way to install the outside unit as we were on the 11th floor. The only option was to go for window ac. We then went back to Adhewar for a 1.5 ton window AC. They had no stock. Girias jaynagar claimed they don’t deal with window ac! Then we went to Devi. They didn’t have LG but offered Voltas. I was a bit concerned about Voltas as there are many reviews on the net about their service. (They have outsourced service to various vendors and do not do it directly unlike LG or Samsung).
However, I met the Voltas Area Head at the store and he convinced me to go in for Vertis plus AC. The AC was delivered 2 days later than promised as Voltas couldn’t supply to store due to month end! Once the AC came, the installation happened the next day. Devi / Voltas did not offer free installation. This cost me Rs.1500 (which included the frame around the AC to plug the gap as the AC vent was larger. Good thing about Voltas was their installation guy also did the frame padding unlike LG who wanted me to get it done from a carpenter and then call them. Where would I go running for a carpenter for this small work. So good on Voltas on this point). Also Devi / Voltas did not give me a free stabilizer. While I didn’t mind paying for installation, I definitely felt conned on this as now a days all dealers give this. When enquired, I was told that they had given me rock bottom price and hence this would be additional. Both Voltas Area Manager and Store manager washed their hands off. So I bought this for another 1500. So total deal works to 20000. So please ensure that you nego and clarify all this irrespective the dealer / company. If its not mentioned on the bill, they wont respond well once sales is closed and money paid.
Once the AC was installed, there was a bad smell coming. The guy who installed (who is a sub vendor from the service outsource vendor of Voltas!!!) said it would go away after a few days. As I didnt know what the smell was, I spoke to the service person at Voltas on 3rd day and he sent across a technician. Lo and Behold, the day he came there was no smell!! What can I say?? So he left after filling an installation report. Hope it stays that way!
Anyways, on the AC itself. Its a 2 star AC. I found that the difference between a 2 star and 3 star was negligible (over a year, my saving wouldn’t more than 300-400). The Cooling is good. The sound is not bad but is there compared to split (Definitely split scores on this aspect as its much much more silent). No rattling and it does not sound like a truck when the compressor starts. The remote is easy to use. Overall, satisfied except for the stabilizer part and the smell which is now disappeared. Its been a week and we are sleeping superb thanks to the cool air. The product is good so far and I hope the service is good also. Will update later on.
UPDATE AFTER 11 MONTHS OF USE:
The AC works fine. However, am writing this update to warn all the AC buyers that they should get their water drain pipes properly installed and ended (maybe onto a wall) so that it does not drip onto the neighbours window (big problem if you stay like me in an apartment). In my case, the guy who came for installation insisted that "window AC dont drip much" and got away without fitting the drain pipe and ending it properly (as I didnt know better). Now after few months of usage, my neighbours on the ground floor complained that water was dripping onto their window.
I called Voltas service and placed a request. I also realised that I was due two free services (1 in 6 month and the other in 12 which nobody does unless you call them and ask them to do). So I got the service request number (and there ended the easy part). The guy assigned to the service point blank told me on the phone itself that fixing the drain pipe and solving water drain problem was not his job (This without even coming home). He never turned up on time and instead went home after telling us he is coming and 3 and then at 5pm etc. At 7pm we called him and heard a child cry and TV running.
Next day, he sent his assistant. This guy must be seen to be belived. He came, saw, and had no idea of the drain issue. Said he was "techincal" guy and this was an "installation" team issue. So who can help. He had no idea. He was here to do "free service saar"
So what was the free service.. Forget what it says in the Voltas manual. He just removed the front cover washed it for 5 mins, dusted the AC for 2 mins, fixed the cover and lo & behold.. Free service Done!! This is the quality of the service techician (He did what the guy who washed my car does except he removes the car mat and washes). Voltas has outsourced to a pack of people like this. God help Voltas owners.
So water drain issue is unresolved by Voltas. No reply from their South service head (Perhaps he belives Silence is Golden). I have reuquested Devi Intl (the dealer from whom I purchased) for help. He has promised to send someone next week. Lets see.
UPDATED AGAIN:
The Devi guy came (though after 3 days of followup). Did the job in 30 mins and was out of there. Am re-rating the service of VOLTAS to 1 start. The dealer’s guy was able to do it and the Voltas guy had no clue. No response from their website either on the compalint rasied. I think its true that the Voltas service is bad. My experience does not lead me to beleive otherwise. Kudos to Devi Intl, Jaynagar and to Mr.Narendra.