The No Nonsense AC. Review on Hitachi RAU514HWDS 1.2 Ton 5 Star Split AC

I have been using a Hitachi window AC since 19 years. They used to sell the AC in the brand name Amtrex Hitachi. That window AC served for a good 19 years without a single repair(yes you have read it right. without a single repair). It is still in working condition.

So now extremely satisfied with its quality and performance I have decided to buy a split air conditioner. I had already decided on to buy Hitachi, but out of curiosity searched what the other brands are offering.

Having fixed my budget at only 35 thousand, I have started searching the market and online places.

Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Sharp are extremely good but way too expensive(above 50K!)

Bluestar and Carrier - very less models within 35 K but did not like the features

Voltas - only one model with my wanted specifications(Model: 183 DYr)

Samsung and LG are already out of my list

So what made me buy Hitachi?

1) The top most feature is its build quality. Every part including the small screws are of good quality. No compromises in quality are found.

2) The trust and reliability. Their window ac is working since 19 years and still going on. No more questions here

3) Availability of service centers widely

4) Available even in online markets

5) Absolutely no problems with the warranty and service if purchased online

The Pros:-

1) Comparatively smaller indoor unit

2) Full copper condenser

3) Super silent indoor unit

4) Silent Outdoor unit as well

5) Extremely well insulated copper connecting pipes including the power cable

6) Very good features

7) Well explained user manual

8) On off switch on the Indoor unit. Very useful if the remote is not working. Very nicely thought feature

9) Backlight for all the buttons including the screen in the remote

10) Radium glow buttons on the remote as well

11) Very low power consumption. Just 1065 watts

12) 424 Cubic Flow Meters air circulation

13) Five star rated

14) 4050 W cooling capacity

15) 4 way air flow control

The Cons:-

1) No temperature indication on the indoor unit. You have to rely on the remote screen

2) Extremely faint power-on LED on the indoor unit. You can see it only when the room is dark without any lights

3) Water drain pipe can be a bit longer. I have to attach an extension pipe which cost me 150 rupees

4) Uses an old R22 refrigerant which is being stopped manufacturing from 2018

If you read the review entirely you will observe the pros are way more than the cons. That is why I purchased it.

I purchased this AC online from Flipkart for Rs.29999/- when there were some offers going on. Got it for a very competitive price.

For the installation part, I had got it done by the Hitachi technicians themselves and did not rely on any 3rd party installation services as offered by Flipkart. These Hitachi company technicians are highly trained and very professional, that each and every minute screw was accounted for and was fitted properly by them. They bought all the tools required along with them.

Let me give you one example.

Whenever you see an outdoor unit, the first thing that catches your attention is the black connecting pipes which are run in a bad way through the wall and look very ugly. Probably you might have thought that "can't these pipes be laid neatly and done in a professional way without damaging/effecting the decor of the outside wall?"

Yes I got the same thought exactly and the first thing I told them was that I want the connecting pipes/tubes to be laid very professionally and neatly. Thanks to these professionals, they handled the job extremely well. The connecting tubes are run very neatly and wherever a bend is required, they were bent to using the tool they had and not by hand. This gave the exact degree of curve and length. Now the connecting tubes appear neatly laid out and appear very neat. The outside decor of the wall is not at all effected. Even my neighbors inquired who had done the installation. Nice.:-)

I will end this review with one last point.

Most of you might have complained about the outdoor unit noise. The first and the primary reason in many cases is the outdoor unit is installed on the mounting brackets without the rubber gromets. If the outdoor unit is fixed on the mounting bracket without the rubber gromets, the outdoor unit will produce noise and vibration which causes the noise. Thankfully Hitachi provided those rubber gromets as a part of the installation kit and no need to buy them separately. These rubber gromets will absorb the noise and vibration. So check if they are given in the installation kit and buy them if they are not given. Insist on using the rubber gromets and clearly tell the installation technicians to use them.

Hope this long review will help the fellow buyers take a proper decision.