Air conditioners have become a necessity to beat the rising summer heat in India. If buying a new unit seems like a big investment and renting one seems like too short term, then going for a used unit is your best bet. With a little bit of research on the one you buy, you can easily strike a good deal.

Here are some things to look into before buying a used air conditioner:

Read reviews about the model

Companies come out with new models every summer and some old ones might not be in production anymore. If you are buying a second hand unit, read reviews about the particular model to find out its pros and cons. If it is a model that is out of production, find out what it is lacking in comparison to the latest models. Also, enquire about the availability of its spare parts and whether it is still in the warranty period.

Find out if it is still within the warranty period

If you can get a second hand air conditioner within the warranty period, nothing like it. These would be relatively new and hence expected to be in better shape. It would also be good to buy a piece with a good BEE rating that signifies better energy efficiency. These units take up less electricity while functioning.

Inspect the unit in person

Always inspect the unit in person before closing the deal. Sometimes the sellers might claim that the unit is relatively unused. However, only with good inspection can you understand the actual condition of the piece. If possible, ask your electrician to inspect it as well.

Avoid old air conditioners

Even if you get it at a really good deal, avoid buying air conditioners that more than a few years old. Not only would they be way out of their warranty period, it might also be difficult to get spare parts for these products. Moreover, their energy efficiency would be low leading to more power usage. Hence, always try to get air conditioners that are relatively new and in good shape.

Compare the prices with new models

Compare the prices quoted for the used unit with the latest air conditioners on the market. Don’t go for a piece if it does not have a considerable price difference from the new products. With sufficient research and the help of credible used products dealers, you can always get a good deal.

A/C, being a huge power drainer, should always be bought from trusted channels. By compromising on this, you might end up with a piece that takes up a lot of power and energy to run. Hence, go to a used A/C dealer who is reliable and has been in the business for a sufficient amount of time.