AC sales surge as Heatwave grips city

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

As mercury levels touching 42°C, the demand for air conditioners in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has skyrocketed. Over 4,500 units have been sold in just 45 days, as residents ditch ineffective fans and coolers for cooler alternatives. Traders anticipate sales could double by mid-May if the heatwave continues.

The rising popularity of ACs is driven by three key factors widespread solar panel installations, which have reduced electricity bills; growing dissatisfaction with water-consuming coolers; and easy financing options such as low down payments and manageable EMIs.

Most buyers are opting for 1.5-ton ACs, priced between Rs 35,000 and Rs 50,000, as they offer a balance between cost and cooling efficiency. Price differences across models are influencing choices with Rs 3,000–Rs 4,000 between 1 and 1.5-ton units, and Rs 10,000–Rs 20,000 between 1.5 and 2-ton variants.

Tech-savvy models gain ground

Smart ACs with Wi-Fi, mobile app controls, and pre-cooling features are becoming popular among younger consumers. These systems allow users to switch on their AC remotely and cool their rooms before arrival a feature many are willing to pay extra for. Last summer, 8,000 ACs were sold between March and May. With the season far from over, local retailers are watching closely to see if this year will set a new benchmark.

In terms of energy ratings, 75% of air conditioners sold this year are 3-star models, while only 25% are 5-star rated. This marks a significant shift from last year, when 80% of sales were dominated by 5-star units highlighting a growing preference for affordability over energy efficiency.

– Pankaj Agrawal, AC retailer