There are a number of quality issues when it comes to air conditioners. A consumer should be ideally aware of all of them if he is to make the right decision while purchasing and maintaining his A/C.

Though there are many different types of air conditioning systems they all consist of a pump, an evaporator, a condenser, a working fluid, a thermostat and an expansion valve. All these parts have to be in good condition to ensure you get the best out of your air conditioning unit.

The regulatory bodies like the ISO, ANSI and the BIS (in India) strive to set high but feasible standards which are essential to be complied with. For example there are certain quality standards set for the industrial and commercial air condensing units based on their power ratings and the methods of testing. Then there are quality standards even for the sound emission levels of such equipment.

The ISO technical committees have certain safety and environmental requirements. They relate to the safety of persons, construction, installation, design and operation of these types of systems. They have a detailed classification of refrigerating systems and are applicable to even the new refrigerating systems. And set a guideline for the maintenance as well.

Quality tests are also held for the refrigerant compressors. These test methods determine the refrigerating power, capacity, efficiency as well as the coefficient of performance. There also exists a universal performance analysis system to compare various compressors.

As for the household air-conditioners tests are carried out for both single-package as well as split system air conditioners using both air and water cooled condensers. Performance characteristics of such non-ducted heat pumps and air-conditioners are carried out following various test procedures. In a similar manner ducted air conditioners too have their own set of tests and checks.

All the individual components like the pumps, evaporators, condensers, fluids, thermostats and valves have their own particular tests to ensure the quality of these components. These procedures span testing the operating temperatures, working capacity and composition. Similarly, there are tests regarding the design of the final product as well to guarantee its compatibility.