Which is the Best Place to Install Air Conditioner in Bedroom, as Per Vastu?

The summer season of 2023 has been unusually hot, with temperatures reaching record highs in many areas across the country. Several Indian states have faced orange and red weather alerts due to the heat wave conditions that occurred between March and May. Recent reports suggest that sales of air conditioning units are expected to increase by 15 - 20 per cent in 2023 compared to last year. As air conditioning has become more of a necessity than a luxury, those planning to install an air conditioning unit in their bedroom in a new home must consider the right location, according to Vastu Shastra.

Vastu and home appliances

While Vastu Shastra guidelines and diktats were written centuries ago, their foundational notions still hold true. The practice promotes balancing different elements and harmonising the energies in the household. While most of the home appliances and gadgets we use were not invented when these guidelines were written, Vastu experts interpret the guidelines for their placement depending on their function and utility. The refrigerator or deep freezer, for example, is considered to be representative of the water element and is best placed in the south or southeast corner of the home.

Air-conditioning devices and Vastu

The air-conditioning unit or cooler is typically an appliance to cool down the room. It, however, is a major energy-consuming system and works by taking in the hot air in the surroundings and cooling the internal temperature of your bedroom. This makes it an appliance symbolic of the fire element. So according to Vastu Shastra, the north and northeast directions are best suited for air conditioning installation in the bedroom. If this is not feasible, given the layout of modern flats, the east side is the next option to consider.

Dos and Don’ts of Air Conditioning Installation In Bedrooms

• Do not install the air conditioning unit in the south or southwestern wall of your bedroom. This causes conflict in the home and brings grief to the residents.
• It is not advisable to place the air conditioner on the west wall. This can bring financial trouble to the household.
• The air-conditioning unit should be placed on either side of the bed and not directly over it or facing the bed.
• Water from the air conditioner should be safely removed using a long pipe. It should not be used to water plants in the household or otherwise recycled as this brings negative energies back into the home.
• If your air conditioning system or cooler makes a lot of noise, this must be fixed immediately. According to Vastu experts, any appliances or devices emitting continuous noise bring disharmonious relations.
• In case of split air conditioning installation in the bedroom, placing the indoor unit on the north wall and the outdoor unit to the northeast of the terrace or outdoor ledge is best. The northeast represents the air element, and such a placement is harmonious with the natural elements.

Vastu and home appliances 

If you are setting up your new home, you must learn more about the various Vastu guidelines for the placement of other home appliances.

• The refrigerator or deep freezer should be placed against the southern or western side of the kitchen. Similarly, the microwave, oven, or toaster should be installed in the southeastern part of the kitchen.
• In the living room, the television or AV console should be placed on the southeastern side, while the furniture should be arranged towards the northern or eastern wall.

• In the bathroom, the geyser or water heater should be installed on the southeastern wall, but the washing machine should be placed towards the northwestern corner.

Conclusion

Vastu is an ancient Indian practice that helps harmonise the elements in your home. Feng Shui, too, works on similar principles. In modern apartments, you may not have much control over the layout or the construction practices, but you can follow many of the guidelines by picking the right colours, placement of electric appliances, and using the right home décor items to bring out the best in your home. When deciding on the décor or interior design of your new home, you may want to consult a decorator who specialises in Vastu-based practices.