As the summer heat intensifies, Bengaluru is experiencing a growing trend in renting air conditioners (ACs) and room coolers. With the soaring temperatures, people are increasingly turning to affordable and temporary cooling solutions. In fact, some rental services have already run out of stock, as demand began surging as early as February.

The trend is particularly popular among young professionals, students, techies on short-term assignments, and small businesses. Renting ACs and coolers offers a cost-effective solution while eliminating the hassle of purchasing and later reselling appliances when they move. For example, while buying a new air cooler can cost upwards of Rs 5,000, monthly rentals range between Rs 790 and Rs 1,200. AC rentals also offer significant savings, with prices starting at Rs 800 per month for a 1-tonne unit, going up to Rs 3,000 depending on the model and size. In some cases, installation and servicing are included in the rental price, while in others, a one-time installation charge is applied. Some vendors also ask for a refundable deposit.

According to Rentit4me, a rental marketplace operating in Bengaluru, the duration of rentals is steadily increasing. Customers, who once rented ACs for three months, are now opting for six-month rentals, with longer tenures offering lower rates. This reflects the growing need for cooling solutions as Bengaluru experiences hotter summers each year.

Anusha Murthy, a banking professional who relocated from Mumbai last August, rented a portable 1-tonne AC for her 1BHK apartment in BTM Layout. “Renting made sense for me, as I’m waiting for my family to join me, and the need for an AC is limited in Bengaluru,” she shares.

Surge in Demand for Rentals
Services like RentX in Dodda Banaswadi have already dispatched over 100 units of ACs and coolers across areas like Koramangala and Peenya. “Students in PGs prefer smaller coolers (30-35L), while professionals opt for larger models (40-70L),” says a representative. However, as summer temperatures rise, even more inquiries are pouring in. Rentomojo’s J P Nagar outlet, for instance, has exhausted its cooler stock and is awaiting new arrivals. “Coolers are more popular as their rents and deposits are half that of ACs,” a representative explains.

The demand is also soaring on platforms like Rentit4me, which has seen a 40% increase in demand compared to last year. Despite some vendors being out of stock, they are fulfilling up to 100 orders daily by optimizing their vendor network. Smaller units, such as personal coolers and 1-tonne ACs, are particularly popular among students and bachelors, while families tend to prefer larger models (1.5-tonne split ACs, desert coolers).

Increasing Inventory and Long-Term Rentals
Anticipating a peak in demand, rental companies like TS & Co in Indiranagar have been leasing out a significant number of units. Last month, they leased 45-50 units, and even received inquiries from Mysuru for bulk orders. With the increase in demand, companies like Rent All You Need in Banaswadi are also procuring and refurbishing ACs to meet customer needs. “This summer, we are focusing only on inverter models as customers want to avoid high electricity bills,” explains Antony Sailesh, the founder of Rent All You Need. They have already rented out 40 units this season, mostly portable models.

Rental Rates:

  • Coolers: Rs 790 – Rs 1,600 per month
  • Window ACs: Rs 800 – Rs 1,400 per month
  • Split ACs: Starting at Rs 1,399 per month

With Bengaluru’s rising summer temperatures, the shift to renting cooling appliances is not only becoming a practical solution but also an economically viable one. As demand continues to grow, rental services are expected to expand their offerings and inventory to cater to the needs of the city’s residents.