We bought 2 split ACs. For the master bedroom, we went for a Hitachi because it was anticipated to have heavy use. For the second bedroom, where the AC was used only occasionally, we wanted a less expensive brand. Reviews suggested that Voltas is a reliable brand in that range. Since we only planned to use this AC sparingly, I expected no troubles.
However, the first summer after our warranty ran over(2nd year in running), the AC stopped cooling. We called customer service and some one did come. He immediately claimed that the gas has leaked and the cylinder should be replaced. This was to ensure that the leaking cylinder would not create issue in the future as opposed to just re-filling the gas. We paid Rs 2200 for the new gas cylinder. The maintenance engineer also gave us a warranty of 3 months on the leakage issue.
In another week of minimal use, the same problem surfaced again. Since then, we have started a part-time job: calling Voltas Service Center and reminding them that we have an open service request. It has been a week and they have not turned up and I guess, for the simple reason, that this time they won't be paid for an issue that they fixed and guaranteed for 3 months.
My only guess is that they have some kind of a 'smart' policy to to avoid those service request, where they are not likely to get any payment -'smart' customer service from 'smart' AC makers.
Oh, and did I mention, that Hitachi AC is working perfectly fine.
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