Air conditioners have long been a staple in homes and offices, providing respite from the sweltering heat. But today’s discerning consumers demand more than just cooling; they seek intelligent climate control that adapts to their needs, providing both cooling comfort and cozy warmth as seasons change. This guide explores the best hot & cold ACs on the market, delving into their features, energy efficiency, cooling capacity, heating capabilities, and other innovative features. Before we get to the list, here’s an explainer on how Hot and Cold ACs differ from regular air conditioners.
Hot and Cold ACs Vs Regular ACs
Hot & cold ACs, unlike their regular counterparts, offer both cooling and heating functionalities. They’re essentially a 2-in-1 climate control solution, capable of adapting to changing weather conditions throughout the year. While regular ACs excel at cooling, they lack the ability to provide warmth during colder months. Hot & cold ACs bridge this gap, offering year-round comfort.
The key difference lies in their ability to reverse the refrigeration cycle. Regular ACs use a refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air and expel it outside, cooling the room. Hot & cold ACs can reverse this process, absorbing heat from the outside air, even in colder temperatures, and transferring it indoors to provide warmth. This makes them a versatile choice for regions with distinct seasons, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling systems.
Another distinction is the inclusion of a heating element in hot & cold ACs. This element provides supplemental heating, especially useful in extremely cold conditions where the heat pump alone might not be sufficient. This ensures consistent and comfortable warmth throughout the winter months.
In essence, hot & cold ACs offer greater versatility and year-round climate control compared to regular ACs, making them a practical and efficient choice for those seeking both cooling and heating capabilities in a single unit. The top 3 ACs to consider in this category include:
Panasonic 7-in-1 Convertible Hot & Cold AC (CS-KZ18AKYF/CU-KZ18AKYF) (₹45,490)
The Panasonic 7-in-1 Convertible Hot & Cold AC offers seamless integration with smart home ecosystems, allowing for convenient control and monitoring through the Miraie app. This intelligent air conditioner automatically adjusts cooling performance based on room conditions, optimizing energy consumption and providing efficient cooling. The Miraie app enables users to adjust temperature settings, track AC status, and switch modes remotely. It also offers features like personalized sleep profiles, indoor pollution alerts, and Nanoe-G technology reminders.
The Auto Convertible Twin Cool Inverter technology automatically adjusts cooling based on room temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal comfort and energy savings. The personalized sleep profile creates a comfortable sleep environment by gradually adjusting the temperature throughout the night. Voice control integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa allows for hands-free operation.
The AI mode intelligently senses weather conditions and adjusts the AC settings accordingly, optimizing cooling performance and energy efficiency. The 7-in-1 convertible functionality allows for customized cooling capacity, ranging from 40% to over 100%, providing flexibility for different needs and preferences. The stabilizer-free operation ensures reliable performance even with voltage fluctuations within a range of 100V to 290V.
The Powerful mode delivers rapid cooling with strong airflow, providing instant relief on hot days. The Crystal Clean functionality automates the cleaning process, removing dirt and debris from the AC’s internal components. This Panasonic AC operates efficiently in a wide range of temperatures, providing cooling even at 52°C and heating at temperatures as low as -7°C. The PM 0.1 filter ensures clean and dust-free air, promoting a healthy indoor environment.
With a 1.5-ton capacity and a 3-star BEE rating, this AC offers efficient cooling and energy savings. The auto restart function restores settings after a power outage, while the copper condenser ensures efficient cooling and easy maintenance. The sleep mode automatically adjusts the temperature for optimal comfort throughout the night.
As for warranty details, Panasonic offers 1 Year Warranty on Product, 5 Years Warranty on PCB, 5 Years Warranty on ODU Casing and 10 Years Warranty on Compressor.
LG Super Convertible 5-in-1 Cooling Hot and Cold Split Inverter AC (RS-H24VNXE)(₹64,490)
The LG Super Convertible 5-in-1 Cooling Hot and Cold 2 ton 3-star rated split inverter AC features DUALCOOL technology with a varying-speed dual rotary compressor. This advanced compressor design, with its wide rotational frequency range, ensures rapid cooling, high efficiency, and minimal noise and vibration levels. The air conditioner continuously adjusts the compressor speed to maintain optimal temperatures and conserve energy.
The 5-in-1 convertible cooling feature allows for customized cooling performance based on individual needs and preferences. In Viraat mode, the air conditioner delivers 110% cooling capacity, rapidly cooling large spaces and providing optimal comfort even in extreme heat. The Hot and Cold functionality ensures year-round climate control, offering both cooling and heating capabilities for comfort in all seasons.
ADC Safety sensors guarantee consistent and safe operation, while the Smart Diagnosis system provides easy-to-understand error alerts and facilitates remote troubleshooting. The automatic cleaning function removes moisture and prevents the buildup of mould and bacteria, ensuring a hygienic and healthy environment. The HD Filter with antivirus protection offers an additional layer of safety, eliminating harmful microorganisms and allergens.
The Ocean Black Fin technology protects the air conditioner’s condenser from environmental factors like dust, smoke, and chemicals, enhancing durability and longevity. The copper tubes of the indoor unit are also coated with Ocean Black Protection, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh environments. This LG air conditioner can operate efficiently in temperatures as high as 52°C, providing reliable cooling even in extreme heat. The Mute function minimizes operational noise, while Monsoon Comfort technology optimizes performance in humid conditions.
Hi-grooved copper pipes enhance heat transfer efficiency, and the stabilizer-free operation protects the air conditioner from voltage fluctuations within a range of 120V to 290V. The Low Gas Detection feature provides timely alerts for refrigerant refills, ensuring optimal cooling performance. The use of R32 refrigerant minimises environmental impact, making this LG air conditioner a responsible and efficient choice for year-round climate control.
LG offers 1 Year Warranty on Product, 5 Years Warranty on PCB and 10 Years Warranty on Compressor with Gas Charging.
IFB Hot and Cold Split Inverter AC (HI1831G223GM1) (₹40,900)
This IFB 1.5-ton Hot and Cold Split inverter AC offers a compelling blend of smart features, efficient cooling, and robust design. The inverter compressor provides both cooling and heating capabilities, enhanced by a 4-way Auto Swing and Super Mode for optimized performance. The Nanotek coating protects the evaporator tubes from corrosion, ensuring longevity and preventing leaks. This AC excels in colder climates, providing powerful heating even at temperatures as low as -15°C.
The air-cooled PCB in the outdoor unit enhances durability and ensures optimal performance, while the smart functionality allows for convenient control via voice commands and personalised sleep profiles. The Auto Geo Sensing technology further enhances smart operation, adjusting settings based on your location. The automotive-grade weatherproof coating protects the outdoor unit from harsh weather conditions, extending its lifespan.
The 8-in-1 Flexi Mode offers customizable cooling capacity, ranging from 40% to 100%, for efficient energy consumption and tailored comfort. Copper tubes enhance cooling efficiency and durability, while the fireproof electronic control box in the indoor unit prioritises safety. I Feel technology utilises a sensor in the remote control to accurately monitor and adjust room temperature.
This IFB AC provides year-round comfort, offering cooling, heating, and dehumidification functions. The ergonomic remote control simplifies operation, and the leakage detection feature automatically shuts off the system in case of refrigerant leaks.
The eco-friendly R32 refrigerant minimises environmental impact. With a 3-star BEE rating, this AC offers energy savings of up to 15% compared to non-inverter 1-star models. The auto restart function restores settings after a power outage, and the sleep mode automatically adjusts the temperature for optimal comfort throughout the night.
IFB offers a 1 Year Warranty on Product, 5 Years Warranty on PCB and 10 Years Warranty on Compressor.