Cooling Up a Storm: Blue Star Launches 150 Room AC Models

Blue Star Limited introduced a new range of 150 models of Room ACs, including a premium series, for the upcoming summer. This selection includes inverter, fixed speed, and window ACs, catering to various consumer segments at different price levels. The demand for these air conditioners is increasing due to the hot summer weather and the rising incomes of India's growing middle class. This growth is also seen in smaller markets and from replacement buyers looking to equip additional rooms. Estimates suggest that India's AC industry could double by FY30. 

To address this demand, Blue Star has launched a variety of products utilizing its manufacturing, research, and development strengths to offer innovative and high-quality ACs. The new lineup includes models in the 3-star and 5-star categories that provide effective cooling performance under extreme conditions. These models feature cooling capacities from 0. 8 TR to 4 TR, with prices starting at Rs 28,990. Among them, there are around 40 Smart Wifi ACs equipped with unique features like 'Customised Sleep,' which allows users to set temperature controls for a 12-hour period for better sleep. Customers can operate these ACs using voice commands through devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. An energy management feature helps users monitor and control energy usage to avoid excessive consumption.

The new ACs come with several powerful features. One notable feature is ‘AI Pro+’, which uses advanced algorithms to ensure maximum comfort by adjusting to various factors. Another is ‘Defrost Clean Technology,’ a three-step process maintaining indoor unit cleanliness and efficiency. All Blue Star inverter ACs can be turned into smart units with an additional module. Other features include ‘Turbo Cool’ for quick cooling, ‘Convertible 6-in-1 cooling’ for adjustable cooling power, and protective coatings to prolong unit life. The models also emphasize air filtration, offering HEPA, PM2. 5, and anti-microbial filters for cleaner air. Additionally, these inverter ACs have a wide operating voltage range, eliminating the need for external stabilizers.

The company’s flagship range includes high-efficiency models, heavy-duty units designed to perform well in extreme heat, hot and cold models for year-round use, and ACs with anti-virus technology for air purification. The ‘Super Energy-Efficient ACs’ utilize a unique technology to boost energy efficiency, achieving up to 6. 25 ISEER ratings. The heavy-duty models can perform even at temperatures as high as 56°C, while hot and cold models operate in ambient temperatures down to -10°C, hitting markets that experience harsh winters. The anti-virus models effectively remove harmful microbes and can function as purifiers.

Blue Star's air conditioners are renowned for their quality and reliability, offering a lifetime warranty on the inverter compressor and a 5-year warranty on PCBs, in addition to financing options. Since entering the residential AC market in 2011, Blue Star has consistently outperformed the industry and aims for a 14. 3% market share by FY26.

To increase production, Blue Star has established a modern manufacturing facility in Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, and operates two plants in Himachal Pradesh. These facilities utilize advanced technology, boosting production capacity to 1. 4 million units, with plans to reach 1. 8 million soon.

The company is expanding its presence in e-commerce and modern retail, using in-store demonstrations and targeted promotions to drive sales. Its distribution network, especially in northern India, continues to grow. Blue Star stands out through a service network of over 2,100 centers and more than 150 service vehicles, ensuring reliable after-sales support.

Virat Kohli remains the brand ambassador for Blue Star’s Room ACs, helping to enhance brand visibility. New TV commercials featuring him will be launched in March, with an investment of over Rs 50 crores in advertising for the summer season.

In a recent press conference, Managing Director B Thiagarajan highlighted the substantial growth expected in the room AC market, anticipating the addition of 450 million middle-class consumers by 2030. Positive trends in the housing sector, renewable energy, and rural economic growth are expected to support the industry's expansion. He emphasized Blue Star's commitment to investing in R&D and manufacturing to meet the rising demand and expressed confidence that the broad range of room ACs will drive faster growth than the market overall.