E-MagazineBest 5 hot and cold ACs in India in 2026: Stay comfortable through summers and winters
Winter is almost here, and with it the surge in demand for room heaters. While a room heater does make you feel warm and comfortable, it remains a seasonal appliance that you will put in the cupboard for good once the days start becoming hotter. This is exactly where a hot and cold AC comes in. It, as the name suggests, warms your room in winter and cools it in summer, eliminating the need to buy two separate appliances. For those unfamiliar, these ACs generally use reverse-cycle heat pump technology to provide both heating and cooling.
Yes, they cost more than a regular AC, but the added heating functionality can make them a practical option for households that experience both extreme summers and chilly winters.
Here are five hot and cold ACs in India to consider this winter.
LG US-H19BWXE
On a cold night, even getting out of bed to switch on the AC can feel like a chore. Well, with the LG US-H19BWXE, you don't have to worry about this since it comes equipped with Wi-Fi functionality, so you can turn it on from your phone and let the room warm up for cozy sound sleep. The 4-way swing helps move air around the room, while the Dual Inverter compressor runs the heating and cooling. When summer returns, it can cool to temperatures as low as 55°C, and the 5-in-1 setting lets you adjust its cooling capacity.
Samsung AR50H19C1XH
When you’re buying a hot and cold AC, knowing the heating output helps. Samsung’s is rated at 5.4 kW, giving you a useful figure to compare against other models. The AC can be controlled over Wi-Fi, allowing you to make your room warm even before you step in, and when the weather turns warm, its 5-step convertible cooling lets you adjust the capacity. It also has AI inverter technology and a 10-year compressor warranty. Check the warranty terms before buying.
Panasonic CS/CU-EZ18CKYXFM
If your home sees both chilly mornings and very hot afternoons, this Panasonic AC is perfect for you since it's built for a wide operating range: -10°C to 55°C. The AC also comes with Wi-Fi and Matter support offering you a complete connected home experience, and the 4-way swing and higher airflow help move air around the room. And since winters bring along air pollution, the included PM 0.1 filter makes it a compelling choice. Its 8-in-1 convertible setting is for cooling.
Voltas 183INVHC Vectra Zenith
If you reside anywhere in North India, heating performance is without a doubt the biggest deciding factor while buying a hot and cold AC. This Voltas is rated to operate in heating mode at outdoor temperatures down to -7°C. When summer comes around, the 5-in-1 convertible cooling gives you different capacity settings. It also has an inverter compressor, copper condenser and Gold Fin coating.
Blue Star ID318DNUHC
If you need heating through a milder winter, this Blue Star operates in heating mode at outdoor temperatures down to -2°C. The PM 2.5 and activated carbon filters give it another practical feature for everyday use. It also has 5-in-1 convertible cooling, an inverter compressor and a copper condenser.
What should you consider before buying a hot and cold AC?
Before spending money on a hot and cold AC, there are a few things worth checking beyond its cooling capacity and star rating.
- Heating capacity: Check the rated heating output, usually mentioned in watts or kilowatts. A higher heating capacity can be useful, but the right requirement also depends on your room size and insulation.
- Operating temperature range: This is particularly important if you live in North India. Check the minimum outdoor temperature at which the AC can provide heating, rather than assuming every hot and cold AC will work equally well during extreme cold.
- Electricity consumption: Compare the BEE star rating, ISEER value and annual energy consumption. Also check the power requirements in heating mode, as these can differ from cooling-mode consumption.
- Installation and maintenance: Hot and cold ACs may cost more than conventional models. Consider installation charges, warranty coverage, servicing requirements and replacement filter costs, where applicable.
Is a hot and cold AC worth buying?
If you regularly use a room heater during winter and an AC during summer, a hot and cold model is without a doubt a sensible alternative to purchasing two separate appliances. It also saves you the hassle of finding additional storage space for a heater once the colder months are over.
However, you might want to miss out on it if you have a tight budget. Moreover, if your winters are relatively mild or you only need heating for a few weeks, a conventional AC paired with an affordable room heater is still a better economic choice. Ultimately, the decision should depend on how frequently you expect to use the heating function and whether the added convenience justifies the price difference.
Vikhyat Rishi is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit, where he covers home appliances. His work spans reviews, buying guides, comparisons, features, and explainers across the category. Before joining Digit, he worked with Beebom, Smartprix, and iGeeks, covering smartphones, computers, software, gaming, and consumer technology. His work combines editorial experience with a focus on practical insights and real-world product usage.
View full profile