A two-year-old 1.5-ton inverter that retailed at Rs. 180,000 can be picked up second-hand for Rs. 75,000–95,000. That is a serious saving — provided you know what you are looking at. Used ACs from informal sellers are a coin flip without a checklist.
Gas leakage signs: look closely at the brass flare nuts on both ends of the copper line. Oily residue, brown discolouration, or visible green-blue corrosion means refrigerant has been leaking. Walk away or factor in a re-flare and re-charge cost (Rs. 4,000–6,000).
Compressor age and sound test: ask the seller to power on the unit for at least ten minutes. A healthy compressor hums steadily. Loud knocking, rattling, or a high-pitched whine on startup are all bad signs. A grinding noise is a refusal.
Cooling test: hold a thermometer (or your phone, with a temperature app) at the indoor vent for five minutes after startup. The vent temperature should be 12–15°C below room temperature. Anything less than 10°C below is underperforming.
Coil condition: with the AC off, peer into the back of the indoor unit and the front of the outdoor unit. Bent fins are normal and fixable. Black corrosion patches, white fluffy deposits (acid damage), or visible rust on the copper indicate end-of-life.
Fan blade balance: a wobbling outdoor fan means worn bearings. The unit will get louder month by month and eventually fail.
Remote functions: every button. Cool, fan, swing, sleep, timer. A dead sensor on the indoor unit costs Rs. 2,500–4,000 to replace.
Warranty: a fair used-AC seller offers a minimum 30-day warranty on cooling and gas. Anything less and you are buying as-is. At Hashmi Cool Services, every certified used unit is bench-tested, gas-charged, and backed by a written 30-day guarantee.
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