Buying ACs will cost you more this summer:Companies to hike prices by up to 15% citing rise in raw material costs

As the weather gets warmer, you might be thinking about buying a new air conditioner. But be prepared, AC prices are going up this year. Why Are AC Prices Increasing? Several things are causing AC prices to rise: Expensive Materials: Copper, which is used in ACs, has become more expensive.
Weak Rupee: The Indian rupee is not as strong compared to the US dollar, making imported parts pricier.
New Energy Rules: The government has implemented new rules that make ACs more energy-efficient. While this is good for the environment and your electricity bill in the long run, it also increases the cost of making ACs.
Shipping Costs: Getting parts from other countries has become more expensive due to global issues. How Much Will ACs Cost More? Different AC companies are raising prices by different amounts, but you can expect to pay roughly 5% to 15% more than last year. What the AC Companies Are Saying? Daikin: They’re increasing prices by up to 12% because of the new energy rules and higher material costs.
Blue Star: They have already raised prices by 8-10% in February.
Voltas: They are also increasing prices by 5-15% due to rising costs.
LG: They have increased prices by about 7% for 3-star models and 9-10% for 5-star models.
Haier: They have increased prices between 5% and 8%.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries:** They have increased prices by 5% because of the weaker rupee. Will This Affect Sales? AC companies are hoping that a hot summer will still lead to strong sales, even with the higher prices. They also point out that the new, more energy-efficient ACs will save you money on your electricity bill over time. Good News: Energy-Efficient ACs Save You Money Even though you will pay more upfront for a new AC, the new energy-efficient models will use less electricity. This means you’ll save money on your electricity bills in the long run. What Should You Do? If you are planning to buy an AC, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices. Consider buying a more energy-efficient model to save money on your electricity bill.
The AC market in India is big (13.5 million or 1.35 crore), with lots of companies competing. Even with the price increases, companies are hoping for a good year, especially if the summer is hot.