If there’s one thing Malaysians can’t live without, it’s air conditioning—given how hot and humid our climate is, almost every house is equipped with at least one air conditioner. The concept of an air conditioner is easy enough to understand, but like everything else, they’re not that simple. Inverter, non-inverter, horsepower, energy ratings… there are so many things you need to consider when getting a new air conditioner.
Recently, we were invited to review the Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner (KAGS). Combining smart features, exceptional cooling, and innovative purification technology, this might be one of the best air conditioners we’ve used!
Editor
Jennifer chevron_right
Table of Contents
Installation & Warranty
The Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner comes with a three three-year warranty (general) and a seven-year warranty on the compressor. Installation was pretty quick and smooth, though we did make the mistake of scheduling it for the mornings—all the drilling and banging around did get on our pre-coffee nerves a little.
Energy Efficiency
When choosing an air conditioner, you’ve probably come across the terms “inverter” and “non-inverter”. The difference between inverter and non-inverter air conditioning lies primarily in how they regulate their compressors, which significantly impacts energy efficiency.
Inverter air conditioners, like the Hisense R32, use variable-speed compressors. Instead of constantly turning the compressor on and off, the inverter technology adjusts its speed based on the cooling demand. For instance, if the room has reached the desired temperature, the compressor slows down rather than shutting off completely. This ensures continuous but minimal power consumption to maintain the temperature.
Thanks to its inverter technology, the Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner delivers powerful cooling while being energy-efficient. This means a lower power bill at the end of the month!
Features and Performance
Side quip, I actually didn’t know that air conditioners could warm a room before I got the chance to travel in colder countries—probably because air-cons in Malaysia are only set to cooling.
The cooling performance of the R32 Inverter Air Conditioner is pretty great. Not only does it have a Fast Cooling feature that brings the room to the desired temperature in mere minutes, but the 4D Auto Swing ensures balanced airflow throughout the room. With the ability to distribute air in all four directions—up, down, left, and right—the unit guarantees that every corner of the space is evenly cooled.
Then there’s the “I Feel” button, a feature that allows the air conditioner to detect and respond to the temperature around the remote control rather than the indoor unit. This means the cooling is tailored to your exact location in the room. By activating this feature, the AC uses a temperature sensor within the remote to monitor your surroundings and adjust its cooling output accordingly.
For example, if you’re seated in one corner of the room, the air conditioner will sense the temperature near you and work to maintain your desired comfort level there rather than cooling based on the temperature near the AC unit itself. This ensures that you feel the perfect level of cooling no matter where you are, avoiding hot or cold spots in the room.
But cooling aside, the R32 Air Conditioner has a lot more features:
Multiple Purification Technology
Most of the time, you’d close the doors and windows when you have the air-con turned out, but enclosed spaces sometimes may not have the best air quality and circulation. The Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner features Multiple Purification Technology that combines a high-density filter, an active carbon filter, and an ioniser filter.
These filters work together to eliminate large particles, harmful gases, and airborne pollutants, ensuring cleaner and healthier air. Now, I wouldn’t say it replaces an actual air purifier, but having this feature would be really helpful for smaller apartments that tend to have the air-con turned on all the time.
Smart Mode
The Smart Mode feature automatically adjusts the air conditioner’s operation based on room temperature, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency. If the temperature is below 23°C, it switches to Fan Mode to circulate air without unnecessary cooling. Between 23°C and 26°C, it activates Dry Mode to tackle humidity—perfect for the rainy Malaysian weather.
When the temperature exceeds 26°C, Cooling Mode kicks in, rapidly cooling the room. This intelligent feature not only optimises comfort but also keeps energy consumption in check, which means lower electricity bills.
Customisable Sleep Modes
Additionally, the Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner has four customisable sleep modes: Common Mode, Elderly Mode, Youngsters Mode, and Children Mood—clearly, it’s made with families in mind.
Common Mode provides a standard cooling setting, while Elderly Mode adjusts temperatures to be slightly warmer for seniors. Youngsters Mode is cooler and perfect for those who prefer a chillier environment, while Children Mode ensures a cosy warmth ideal for kids. Each mode dynamically adjusts throughout the night, creating an ideal sleeping environment.
Personally, since I prefer cooler temperatures, I’ve found that Common Mode works best for the day and Youngsters Mode for nights.
Anti-Mildew Running
This air conditioner takes cleanliness to another level with its Anti-Mildew Running feature. After switching off, the unit continues to run for 30 seconds to dry the interior and prevent mildew or fungus from forming. This feature ensures that the air conditioner stays hygienic over time, saving you the hassle of frequent cleanings and unpleasant odours.
Connectivity
One of the most convenient features we found on this air conditioner is its smart connectivity. The R32 can be controlled via the CONNECTLIFE app—from the couch, from the kitchen, or even away from home.
The app allows for adjusting temperatures, switching between modes, and setting timers. No more searching for the remote while you’re already hot and bothered!
Verdict
Priced at RM3,499, the Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner may not be the cheapest air conditioner out there, but it certainly packs enough smart features and air purification capabilities to justify that. So, if you’re in the market for an all-in-one air conditioner, the Hisense R32 Inverter Air Conditioner (KAGS) could be your next best friend!