Can’t afford to buy an AC? Rent one this summer

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Bhubaneswar, April 25: The only solution to get relief from the soaring temperatures during summer is to buy a swanky air-conditioner. This solution, however, is prohibitively expensive for many, and is too much of a headache for those who keep shuttling across the country wherever their jobs take them.
In an ingenious move, AC showrooms have now started leasing out air conditioners for a few months. Customers unwilling to be burdened by with the costs and logistics of owning an AC are jumping at this opportunity to enjoy the luxury of cool air conditioning, and the hassle-free, no-strings-attached freedom that this arrangement brings.
“This renting system is a boon for me, really. I came to this city after getting a job here and there’s no saying as to how long I will stay here. I prefer travelling light, and so didn’t want to buy an AC as it would be an enormous headache taking it along with me wherever I move. So this arrangement is very convenient for me as I can rent it only during the summer and let it go later,” says Avinash Mishra, a techie who hails from Kanpur.
The rent system is proving to be a boon not just for such working professionals and bachelors from other states but also for families unwilling to shell out big bucks for owning an AC.
“Owning an AC wasn’t within my budget, but I wasn’t prepared to bear the harsh summer heat either. This arrangement of renting an AC for four months works well for me, as I won’t need it the rest of the year,” says Anirudh Behera, an employee in the city.
“I shifted to Bhubaneswar two months ago. Summer was just beginning in the state. I soon realised that my flat which is on the top floor of my apartment gets very hot. I checked prices of a few ACs online and found them to be a costly affair. Some local friends suggested me to check out rented ACs. I found a few shops offering rented ACs and now I am able to live comfortably,” says Kalraj Garg, a professional working with an MNC in the city.
Like Avinash and Kalraj, several people from the city are finding it a good idea to take ACs and coolers on rent for the summer months. Many shops in the city are now pinning their hopes on such customers to make good money.
“Keeping in view the soaring heat, we started giving ACs on rent to people living in the city. We charge nominal rates, around `2,000/month for window ACs and `2,500/month for split ACs. Besides, we keep a certain amount with us as security deposit. However, customers have to take the ACs on rent for at least four months,” says A R Kar, owner of Jolly Refrigeration based in Nayapalli.
Rents of ACs and security deposits however vary from place to place in the city. Many shops in the city meanwhile are running out of stock to lease.
“We are witnessing an overwhelming demand for rented ACs from the people of the city. The current scene is that we are now running short of ACs to give on rent. We would be able to cater to demand only from next month,” says Sandeep Das, sales manager of Essar Electronics in Old Town. Similar concerns were also raised by Sukant Baral, supervisor of Insta Care & Services based in Sahid Nagar who is also running out of stock.
Customers in the city are however are finding the rates comparatively higher. “I have some friends living in the metro cities and they are getting rented ACs at much cheaper rates. A friend of mine in Pune told me that he has got an AC on rent for `700-1,000/month but in the city the rates are almost double. Moreover, not many shops provide the service here,” says Latika Patel, a second year B Tech student from KIIT.