As summer approaches, the demand for air conditioners (ACs) rises rapidly. But if you're planning to buy an AC this season, you might be wondering: Is a 3-star AC better, or should you go for a 5-star AC? Which one is cheaper in the long run, and which one saves more electricity? Let’s break it down.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India gives ACs star ratings from 1 to 5 based on their energy efficiency. The higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient the appliance. Simply put:
1-Star AC: Least efficient, consumes more electricity
5-Star AC: Most efficient, saves the most electricity
So, if you're looking to reduce your electricity bills and minimize your environmental impact, a 5-star AC is the better choice.
BEE evaluates ACs based on their power consumption and cooling capacity. A 5-star AC consumes significantly less electricity than a 3-star model while delivering similar or even better cooling.
When it comes to long-term savings, the difference is noticeable:
A 1.5-ton 3-star AC uses around 1.5 kWh of electricity per hour.
A 1.5-ton 5-star AC uses about 1.2 kWh per hour.
If you run your AC for 8 hours daily, this small difference can translate into thousands of rupees in annual savings.
Both 3-star and 5-star ACs provide good cooling, but there’s a catch:
5-star ACs (especially inverter models) cool rooms faster and maintain consistent temperatures. They adjust compressor speed based on room temperature, which leads to less electricity use.
3-star ACs, while effective, may take a bit longer to cool and use more power in the process.
5-star ACs typically cost ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 more than their 3-star counterparts. However, this higher upfront cost can be recovered within 1-2 years through lower electricity bills.
In the long run, 5-star ACs prove to be more economical and eco-friendly, especially for households where ACs are used frequently.
| Feature | 3-Star AC | 5-Star AC |
|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | Higher | Lower |
| Cooling Efficiency | Good | Faster and more consistent |
| Upfront Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Long-Term Savings | Less | More |
| Best For | Occasional use | Daily/heavy usage |
If you're on a tight budget and won’t be using your AC frequently, a 3-star AC might work for you. But if you want to save on power bills in the long run and enjoy better performance, investing in a 5-star AC is a smarter choice.
