The hot Indian summer means only one thing - rising temperatures and increasing discomfort. To survive the summer heat without breaking a sweat, buying the best AC is a must. While you have several options to choose from, regularly using an AC can increase your monthly electricity bill. As a result, it is essential to pick the best 5 Star AC with a good Star rating. If you are wondering about the difference between 3 Star and 5 Star AC, read on to get all the information at your fingertips.
What is the Star rating in ACs
The Star rating system depicts the energy efficiency of an electrical appliance. The higher the number of stars, the more efficient it is. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) India devised the Star rating system, with a range of 1 to 5 Star. This system ensured that commoners easily understood the energy efficiency of appliances.
A Star rating takes two parameters into account:
- The cooling capacity, which is a measure of its ability to cool a room, is expressed in British Thermal Units (BTU).
- The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), which is the amount of cooling it can provide using a certain amount of power.
The highest Star rating of an air conditioner or any electronic device is 5, and the lowest Star rating is 1. Therefore, a best 5 Star air conditioner will cool your room most efficiently. It means that a 5 Star AC will cool a particular room faster while using less electricity than a 3 Star AC.
3 Star AC vs 5 Star AC: The ultimate guide to smart cooling
When choosing between a 3 star AC vs 5 star AC, understanding the difference between 3 star and 5 star AC is essential. A 5 star AC offers superior energy efficiency, leading to lower electricity bills, while a 3 star AC is more budget-friendly but tends to consume slightly more power. If you're undecided on whether to go for a 5 star or 3 star AC, consider factors like long-term energy savings and initial costs.
What to look for before buying 5 Star ACs
Before buying a 5 Star AC, consider its energy efficiency, cooling capacity, and inverter technology for consistent performance and lower power consumption. Check the AC’s noise levels, warranty, and after-sales service. Look for additional features like air purification, dehumidification, and smart connectivity. Ensure it matches the room size and has a good Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Lastly, read user reviews and compare prices for the best value.
How does knowing your AC’s Star rating help
An AC is not a one-time investment but has substantial recurring costs in monthly or bi-monthly electricity bills. In a country as hot as India, a high electricity bill that can derail your budget is always a possibility. A Star-rated appliance, like an AC, allows you to save on electricity costs.
Comparison between 3 Star ACs and 5 Star ACs
The Star rating of an electrical appliance is quantified by the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER). A 3 Star AC has an EER that ranges between 2.9 to 3.09, and a 5 Star AC has an EER of 3.3 or above.
The main difference between 3 Star and 5 Star ACs lies in energy efficiency. A 5 Star AC consumes less power, helping you save more on electricity bills, while a 3 Star AC offers decent efficiency at a lower upfront cost. Although 5 Star ACs are more expensive, they are ideal for long-term savings and frequent use, while 3 Star ACs are better for occasional use or budget-conscious buyers.
Advantages of 5 Star ACs
In monetary terms, the difference between a 3 Star and a 5 Star AC is that if the monthly electricity bill of a household with a 3 Star AC is Rs. 580, keeping all variables constant, a 5 Star AC will result in a bill of Rs. 500. Therefore, the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a 5 Star AC is lower in the long run than a 3 Star AC.
- Energy efficiency: 5 Star air conditioners consume less electricity, reducing your energy bills significantly over time.
- Eco-friendly: These ACs have lower carbon emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.
- Long-term savings: Though initially more expensive, 5-star ACs offer greater savings in the long run due to reduced power consumption.
- Enhanced cooling performance: 5 Star ACs are designed for better and faster cooling, ensuring maximum comfort during hot weather.
Advantages of 3 Star ACs
- Affordable upfront cost: 3 Star air conditioners are generally more budget-friendly compared to 5 Star models, making them accessible for many buyers.
- Decent energy efficiency: While not as efficient as 5 Star models, 3 Star ACs still provide reasonable energy savings for moderate use.
- Ideal for occasional use: Perfect for homes or spaces where the AC is not used extensively, offering good performance without high costs.
- Balanced features: 3 Star ACs offer a balance of cost, efficiency, and cooling performance, making them a practical choice.
How to calculate power consumption of 5 Star or 3 Star ACs
Calculating the power consumption of a 5 star AC versus a 3 star AC involves understanding the energy efficiency ratings of each model. The 5 star AC consumes less power compared to a 3 star AC, making it more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run. To calculate the power consumption, you need to check the unit’s power rating (usually in watts) and multiply it by the number of hours the AC is in use. The difference between 3 star and 5 star AC lies in their energy efficiency, where a higher star rating means lower power consumption.
Difference of power consumption between 3 Star ACs vs 5 Star ACs
One of the key differences between the two variants is their electricity consumption after installation. An air conditioner’s electricity consumption depends on its EER rating. 5 Star ACs are more energy-efficient than 3 Star ACs. The electricity consumption of a 5 Star AC (1.5 tons) is approximately 1.5 units per hour, whereas a 3 Star AC (1.5 tons) consumes 1.6 units every hour.
Star Rating
|
0.75 Ton
|
1.0 Ton
|
1.5 Ton
|
2.0 Ton
|
3-Star AC
|
542 Watts
|
747 Watts
|
1104 Watts
|
1448 Watts
|
5-Star AC
|
450 Watts
|
554 Watts
|
840 Watts
|
1113 Watts
|
Difference
|
92 Watts
|
193 Watts
|
264 Watts
|
335 Watts
|
The difference is calculated by subtracting the power consumption of 5 Star ACs from that of 3 Star ACs at each tonnage level.
Factors affecting power consumption
Several factors can influence the power consumption of an AC, including the following:
- Air conditioner type: The energy efficiency of a 5 star AC is higher than that of a 3 star AC, meaning a 5 star AC will consume less power over time.
- Outside temperature: A higher outside temperature may force your AC to work harder, increasing power consumption.
- Room size: Larger rooms require more energy to cool, affecting the 5 star or 3 star AC performance and consumption.
- Number of electrical appliances: The more appliances running in the room, the more heat is generated, which can increase the workload on the AC, affecting its power usage.
For a deeper understanding of the energy efficiency and how it impacts your electricity usage, explore the difference between 3 star and 5 star AC.
3 Star ACs and 5 Star AC features
Here's a table comparing the features and specifications of 3 Star and 5 Star ACs:
Features
|
3 Star ACs
|
5 Star ACs
|
Capacity
|
Up to 1.5 Ton
|
Up to 2 Ton
|
Cooling Technology
|
Inverter or Non-Inverter
|
Inverter
|
Energy Rating
|
3 Star
|
5 Star
|
Noise Level
|
Up to 45 dB
|
Up to 40 dB
|
Additional Features
|
Basic (Fan Speed Control, Sleep Mode)
|
Advanced (Inverter Technology, Wi-Fi Control, Air Purification)
|
