3 Star vs 5 Star AC Power Consumption: Complete Guide to Energy Efficiency

With increasing electricity costs in India, choosing the correct star rating can notably affect your monthly electricity bills. Which is why it is really important that you pay extra attention to the star ratings while buying an air conditioner. 

But which is a better choice, 3 Star or 5 Star? Which makes more financial sense? Which is more efficient, and most importantly, which is the best choice for you? 

Here, we will understand the difference between 3 star vs 5 star AC electricity consumption and power consumption, which will help you make an informed decision. 

What Do 3 Star and 5 Star Ratings Mean?

3 Star and 5 Star Ratings in AC mean energy efficiency ratings, which are set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). Which means 5 Star ratings are given to models that are more efficient and consume less electricity, i.e., approximately 10-28% less than 3 Star models. 

5 Star models are initially on the pricey side but have less long-term operating cost, whereas 3 Star models are cheaper initially but cost more to run over a period of time. 

The rating of the star is based on the ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The rating is directly proportional to better performance with low electricity consumption.

Therefore, while comparing the 5 star AC vs 3 star AC electricity consumption, the primary difference is the ability of the AC device to efficiently convert electricity to cooling.

What Is the Difference Between ISEER Rating and BEE Rating?

The ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the numeric value of the scale by which the AC’s cooling efficiency is measured in varying Indian temperatures, while the BEE star rating is the scale (1-5 stars) by which the AC is rated based on the numeric value. Therefore, the more the ISEER value, the higher the BEE star rating.

3-Star vs 5-Star AC Power Consumption: The Real Difference

To help you understand this easily, here is a practical example.

If you are using a 1.5 Ton AC:

• 3 Star AC will consume around 1100-1200 watts per hour. 
• 5 Star AC will consume around 800-900 watts per hour. 

From the above example, we can see the clear difference between 3 Star AC and 5 Star AC, where 5 Star AC uses 15-25% less electricity than 3 Star AC. And this difference becomes significantly noticeable when:

• You live in areas with Longer Summers. 
• Your electricity tariffs are higher. 
• You use AC for longer periods of time.

There can probably be a ₹2,000-₹4,000 difference in your electricity bills annually, depending on your usage. 

Monthly Bill Comparison: 3 Star vs 5 Star AC Electricity Consumption

To understand this easily, let us assume that AC usage of a 1.5 Ton Daikin Split AC is 8 hours daily, and the electricity cost is ₹8 per unit then 

• 3 Star AC- It will consume around 8-9 units daily, and your monthly bill will be around ₹2685.84.
• 5 Star AC- It will consume around 6-7 units daily, and your monthly bill will be around ₹1992.72.

That’s a saving of ₹693.12 monthly!

Now, you can see and understand the difference between 3 star and 5 star AC power consumption, and how using 5 star AC reduces long-term electricity bills. You can calculate your electricity bills according to your AC brand, capacity, type, electricity rate, and BEE star rating by using NoBroker AC Electric Consumption Calculator before buying to make a well-informed decision.

Price Difference: Is a 5 Star AC Worth the Extra Amount?

A 5 star AC generally costs ₹5,000- ₹10,000 more than a 3 star AC. Though 5 star AC initially costs more over a longer period of time, it is more efficient as it works better in the longer term, offering higher energy efficiency, which results in lower electricity bills.

To keep in mind:

• 3 Star- Initially lower upfront cost, ideal if you use 2-4 hours daily.
• 5 Star- Your usage is 6-10 hours daily

Overall, the decision depends on your usage. If you use AC for just a few hours, then 3 star AC is more economically fit for you, but if you use AC daily for longer hours 5 star AC is more suitable for you.  

Which One Should You Choose?

In simple terms

Choose 3 Star AC when:

• Your daily usage is limited.
• Your main concern is the budget.
• You use AC only during peak summers.

Choose 5 star AC when:

• You use AC regularly, almost every day.
• You like lower monthly bills.
• You are planning to use the AC for 5+ years.
• Energy efficiency matters to you.

In the longer term, 5 Star AC is economically more efficient for heavy users.

Is the Comparison Affected by Inverter Technology?

Indeed, inverter air conditioners modify compressor speed in response to cooling demand. On occasion, even a 3 star inverter air conditioner can outperform a five-star model without an inverter. 

Therefore, always look for the following when comparing the power consumption of 3 and 5 star AC:

• Inverter versus non-inverter technology
• ISEER rating
• BEE label’s annual energy consumption

Long-Term Savings Perspective

Over 5 years:

• A 3-star AC may be more expensive to operate in terms of overall electricity bills.

• A 5-star AC can lead to huge savings

When one calculates total ownership cost, which is purchase price plus electricity bills, the difference becomes clear in favour of higher efficiency models.

This is the reason many house owners prefer a 5-star unit upon comparison of 3-star vs 5-star AC power consumption in India.

The person reading this sentence will appreciate that the time taken to read it depends on its length.

Conclusion: 3-Star AC Power Consumption vs 5-Star AC

If your priority is a low upfront cost and limited usage, then a 3-star AC works fine.

However, the appearance of:

• Lower electricity bills
• Improved Energy Efficiency

• Long-term saving

• The friendly environment of cooling

Then it is better to go with a 5-star AC. In the end, 3 star AC vs 5 star AC debate on electricity consumption is related to how much you use AC and for how many years are planning to use. Star rating today can save your electricity bills for years to come.

Other AC Power Usage Guides

At NoBroker, we help you understand the power consumption of different types of air conditioners. Our guides provide clear insights on energy usage for window ACs, split ACs, and various ton capacities, helping you choose an energy-efficient AC and reduce electricity bills.

Explore our resources to make informed decisions about your cooling needs.

AC Power Consumption Guides
AC vs Cooler Power Consumption	4-Star AC Power Consumption
Window AC Power Consumption	1 Ton AC Power Consumption
2 Ton AC Power Consumption	1.5 Ton AC Power Consumption
Split AC Power Consumption	3-Star AC Power Consumption

3 Star vs 5 Star AC Power Consumption: FAQ’s

1. What is the difference between 3 star vs 5 star ac power consumption?

Ans- A 5 star AC consumes less electricity than a 3 star AC and provides more energy efficiency.

2. How many units of electricity will a 5 star AC save over a 3 star AC?

Ans- As far as 3 star AC vs 5 star AC electricity consumption goes, a 5 5 star AC can save approximately 15-25% electricity annually.

3. Is the difference in power consumption of a 5 star AC and a 3 star AC noticeable?

Ans- Yes, especially with a daily usage of 6-8 hours. The difference in 5 star AC vs 3 star AC power consumption is reflected very clearly in monthly bills.

4. Which AC is more suitable for long-term use?

Ans- For long-term use, 5 star AC is better due to lower usage of electricity in comparison to 3 star AC.

5. Is 3 star AC considered good for limited usage?

Ans- Yes. If you are going to use it occasionally, a 3 star AC is budget-friendly, even though it slightly consumes more power compared to a 5 star AC.

6. Does inverter technology impact power consumption?

Ans- Yes. Though inverter AC’s conserve power, 3 star vs 5 star AC electricity consumption mainly varies according to the star rating and ISEER.

7. Is the price difference between 5 star and 3 star AC worth it?

Ans- The cost incurred is reasonable if AC usage occurs on a daily basis because 5 star AC consumes less power as compared to 3 star AC.

8. Out of 5 star and 3 star AC, which uses more electricity?

Ans- With respect to 5 star and 3 star AC, 3 star AC uses more electricity.

9. How does ISEER affect 3 star and 5 star AC power consumption?

Ans- A higher ISEER rating implies higher efficiency, hence, a reduction of 3 star AC power consumption differences in favor of 5 star products.

10. Which is better for high electricity tariff areas?

Ans- 5 star air conditioner is better in high tariff areas since 3 star vs 5 star AC electric consumption is less.