AC Star Rating Savings Calculator

AC Star Rating Guide

Star ratings indicate energy efficiency. Higher ratings mean lower electricity consumption and costs. Understanding the star rating system helps you make an informed purchasing decision that balances upfront cost with long-term savings.

How Star Ratings Work

Star ratings (1-5 stars) are based on energy efficiency ratios. In India, the ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) determines the rating:

• 1-Star: ISEER below 3.3 — Least efficient
• 2-Star: ISEER 3.3-3.5 — Below average
• 3-Star: ISEER 3.5-4.0 — Average efficiency
• 4-Star: ISEER 4.0-4.5 — Above average
• 5-Star: ISEER above 4.5 — Most efficient

Energy Savings Comparison

Compared to a 3-star AC, higher ratings save significant energy:

• 4-Star vs 3-Star: Saves 10-15% electricity
• 5-Star vs 3-Star: Saves 20-30% electricity
• 5-Star vs 1-Star: Saves 40-50% electricity

Monthly Savings Example

For a 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours/day at $0.12/kWh:

• 3-Star: ~$45/month
• 4-Star: ~$38/month (saves $7/month)
• 5-Star: ~$32/month (saves $13/month)
• Annual savings (5-star): ~$150

Payback Period Analysis

5-star ACs typically cost $100-200 more than 3-star equivalents:

• Price premium: $100-200 extra
• Annual savings: $100-180 (heavy users)
• Payback period: 1-2 years for heavy users
• 10-year savings: $800-1,500 over AC lifespan

When to Choose Each Rating

• 5-Star: Best for daily use 6+ hours, high electricity rates, long-term ownership
• 4-Star: Good balance for moderate use (4-6 hours daily)
• 3-Star: Acceptable for light use (2-4 hours daily) or budget constraints

Beyond Star Ratings

While star rating is important, also consider:

• Inverter technology: Adds 25-40% savings on top of star rating
• Brand reliability: Quality affects long-term performance
• Features: Smart controls can optimize efficiency further