AC on Rent in India: Monthly Prices, Deposits and How Renting Works (2027)

If you move to a new city in summer, then the problem can get literally unbearable. Stuffy, humid and hot. Before it turns into an oven, you decide to get an air conditioner (AC) for your rented house. You quickly go on the internet to check how much an AC costs, and you see it actually involves a very hefty upfront cost.

Buying an AC also means scheduling an installation appointment and making sure you stay on top of its annual service, which is not cheap either.

Apart from the cost, one other inconvenience of owning an AC is that it’s not needed during winters and the monsoon season. This is why many people are choosing to rent an AC, rather than buying one. It’s convenient to return it when it’s no longer needed.

In this guide, we cover everything related to renting an AC, from the monthly rental costs to security deposits and more.

What does renting an AC mean? 

Renting an AC means renting the air conditioner for as long as you need. It can be for one season, or for a couple of years. This is applicable if you’re staying in a humid city for a short duration of time. Most rental plans cover more than the product.

• Delivery and installation: When you buy an AC, getting someone to install it is an added headache. When you rent the product, the rental provider takes care of delivery and installation of the AC at no extra charge.
• Servicing and maintenance: Owning an AC also involves maintaining it. The annual maintenance gets expensive as well. Routine maintenance and servicing are usually covered by the rental provider.
• Replacement: When you buy an AC and you realize it has a fault, it’s highly unlikely that it can be replaced. When you rent it, the provider replaces it for free, provided the AC is genuinely faulty.
• Relocation: When you move from one city to another and you want the AC to move with you, the rental provider relocates the device at no extra charge.
• Pickup: When you decide to return the AC at the end of your rental period, the company picks up the device without you having to worry about it.

When you rent an AC, you get the cool air without the hassle of buying it and maintaining it. This is just like subscribing to comfort.

Types of ACs you can rent

There are usually different kinds of ACs to choose from. It can get intimidating if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Here is a list of the different types of ACs that rental companies commonly offer on rent.

• Window AC: This is ideal for short stays, small rooms and PGs. This can be fitted into a single window or a wall opening. It’s easy to install and it’s usually the lowest monthly rent.
• Split AC: This is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and suites. The installation takes a little longer because here the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a pipe.
• Inverter AC: This type of unit can cost a little more because the compressor inside the AC adjusts its speed instead of switching on and off. This has an upside because it can bring your electricity bill down if you run it for long hours.
• Non-inverter AC: This type is exactly the opposite of the inverter AC. The compressor inside the machine switches on and off to adjust the temperature. It’s cheaper than the inverter AC, and it’s ideal for people who use an AC occasionally.
• Portable AC: This is ideal for homes where drilling is not possible. It is a movable unit and it needs no permanent installation. Only a vent for the hot air is needed.

Let’s look at tonnage and star rating in the next section. They will help you make an informed decision.

What is tonnage? What is star-rating? 

Renting or buying an AC can get a little intimidating if you don’t know the terms associated with it. There are two important terms, tonnage and star rating, which determine how an AC cools and how much it costs.

In simple terms, tonnage is the AC’s cooling capacity. It tells you how fast the AC can remove heat from a room or, to understand it better, how fast it can cool the room. Here is a simple table to get an idea of how tonnage works.

An AC usually pushes up the electricity bill. If you don’t select the right tonnage, then the AC may not be the right fit for you, in terms of cost and size. The right tonnage also depends on other factors like sunlight, ceiling height, number of people, insulation and location. For example, a room on the top floor heats up faster than a room on the ground floor. You may need the next size up if you’re staying on one of the top floors. If you have a room with a high ceiling, there is more air to cool.

If there are more people at home, or if there is a kitchen or a computer nearby, the room heats up faster.

Depending on all these factors, you can choose the right tonnage for your AC.

Let’s come to the star rating now. No, it’s not what the name suggests. It has nothing to do with reviews of the brand or the product. The star rating tells you how efficient your AC is. There is a scale of 1 to 5 stars, and the higher the rating, the less energy/electricity the AC uses to give you the desired cooling. A higher-rated AC may add a little more to your electricity bill.

• 1 and 2 stars: Lower efficiency and lower rent, but higher running costs.
• 3 stars: A balanced middle ground for moderate use.
• 4 and 5 stars: Higher efficiency, slightly higher rent, but lower electricity bills over time.

How to choose the right AC for your home? 

As mentioned above, choosing an AC for your home requires a bit of studying up before you actually choose. These three steps can help you choose the right AC for you.

First, measure your room and decide on the right tonnage. If the size of the room is big or if the room gets a lot of sun, you may need one size up in tonnage. If you need the AC only for fixed hours in the day, you may not need a very high-rated AC. Make sure you compare the rent differences between different star ratings along with the electricity you’d save.

AC on Rent: Monthly Prices in India (2027) 

Renting an AC seems a little more expensive than renting a piece of furniture. But renting an AC is much cheaper than buying one. The average monthly rental can cost anywhere from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000.

Rental providers usually charge separately for installation because it’s a long process. The rental companies also have a separate security deposit, which is usually refundable. Since running an AC at home also increases the electricity bill, you’ll have to budget for that separately.

Renting an AC may work a little differently from, say, renting a water purifier. Bengaluru-based DrinkPrime offers multiple purifiers on rent, with prices starting at ₹325. There is a refundable security deposit of ₹1,500. An AC, on the other hand, is a little more expensive when compared to renting a water purifier. When you rent a purifier from DrinkPrime, the monthly rental includes delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation. When you rent an AC, the installation may have to be paid for separately, depending on the rental provider.

Rent vs buy: Which makes more sense?

This answer depends on the duration for which you need the AC for. 

It’s best to rent if you’re staying in a rented home for a short period of time, or if you’re living in a PG. It’s suggested to buy if you’re settled in your own home and you’re planning to stay for a longer period of time.

Who should rent an AC?

Renting an AC may be expensive for everyone. But it does suit these people well.

If you’re a tenant who is likely to change homes frequently, renting an AC saves you the cost. It also saves you the hassle of moving it. If you’re a working professional who has moved to a new city for a job, renting gets you cool air. It also saves you the expense of buying one. This is ideal for people who are unsure of how long they will stay in one place. If you’re a PG resident, a small window AC will cover your stay. This won’t cost a lot either. If you want the AC for one season, you can rent it for three months and return it when you no longer need it.

If you’re staying in a rented place and you can’t drill, you can get a portable AC if the rental provider has that option. For a new office, a co-working space or a shop, renting an AC is much cheaper than buying one.

What to check before renting an AC?

Choosing the right AC is quite an important decision, compared to other rental options. This checklist can help you choose the right AC for your home. 

1. Installation charges and what’s included
2. Servicing and support
3. Star rating and electricity use
4. Tonnage and room fit
5. Minimum tenure and lock-in
6. Security deposit and refund timeline
7. Damage and wear-and-tear policy
8. Relocation and swap terms
9. Condition of the unit
10. Your building’s rules

Many rental providers for various other products and services usually cover installation charges as well. For ACs alone, installation is usually charged extra. If the AC needs extra copper piping, it can be charged per metre. It’s also important to check how often the AC is serviced during the rental period. Ask whether gas refilling is covered.

It’s also important to check the star rating, the AC type and the tonnage of the AC. You can also check the minimum lock-in period and early closure charges, if any. Many rental providers also have a refundable security deposit, which may vary depending on the type of AC.

It’s advisable to check whether the AC is new or refurbished.

Once your AC is sorted, another important essential is drinking water. Drinking safe, pure and healthy water is as important as renting the right AC for your home. This is even more important during summers.

DrinkPrime offers a range of water purifiers on rent. These purifiers are Copper, Alkaline, Mineral+, Under-The-Sink and UV. The security deposit is ₹1,500 for every product except the Under-The-Sink model, which has a security deposit of ₹1,999.

The rental plans at DrinkPrime start at ₹349 per month. These rentals vary from product to product. The rental covers the product, delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation.

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Conclusion

Summer in a new city is not easy to deal with. Throw in an upfront cost of ₹40,000, and summer becomes expensive as well. Renting lets you use the AC for the months you need. You can always return it when you move or when you don’t need it.

DrinkPrime takes care of your drinking water needs as well. So, your move to the new city is sorted.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to rent an AC in India?

Monthly rent depends on the AC type, tonnage, star rating and tenure. Most plans fall between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 a month, and a window AC can cost less.

2. Is it cheaper to rent or buy an AC?

It depends on how long you’ll use it. A standard 1.5 ton split AC costs ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 to buy, so renting usually works out cheaper if you’ll stay for less than two to three years.

3. Is installation included in the rent?

It varies by provider. Many charge a one-time installation fee, and extra copper piping beyond the standard length can be billed per metre. Check this before you book.

4. What is the security deposit, and is it refundable?

The deposit is usually one to two months’ rent, and it’s refunded when you return the AC. Deductions apply only for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

5. Which tonnage should I rent for my room?

A 1 ton AC suits rooms up to about 120 sq ft, 1.5 ton suits 120 to 180 sq ft, and 2 ton suits 180 to 250 sq ft. Go one size up if the room gets a lot of sun or is on a top floor.

6. Who pays the electricity bill for a rented AC?

You do. An inverter AC with a higher star rating uses less power and keeps your bill lower.

7. Can I take the rented AC with me when I move?

Many providers offer relocation, or they uninstall and collect the AC. Check whether relocation is free and whether it covers the city you’re moving to.

8. What is the minimum rental tenure?

It varies. Some plans start at three months, and 11 or 12-month plans usually cost less per month.