Difference between 3 Star AC and 5 Star AC?

With rising summer temperatures, picking the right air conditioner is more important than ever. Choosing between a 3 Star AC and a 5 Star AC can be confusing—but understanding their differences can help you make an informed and energy-efficient choice.

Difference between 3 Star and 5 Star ACs: Which is Better?

The key difference lies in energy efficiency and electricity consumption. A 5 Star AC typically consumes less power than a 3 Star AC while offering similar cooling. It is costlier upfront, but more economical over time.

What is the Star Rating in ACs?

Star ratings are issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to indicate an appliance's power efficiency. The higher the star rating, the more efficiently the AC runs. A 5 Star-rated AC uses significantly less energy compared to a 3 Star unit for the same tonnage.

3 Star AC vs 5 Star AC: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Cooling

If your air conditioner usage is high—especially in peak summer—a 5 Star AC can help reduce electricity bills over time. A 3 Star AC, on the other hand, is suitable for those who use their AC sparingly or only during hot spells.

What to Look for Before Buying 5 Star ACs

Power consumption label from BEE
Inverter technology for variable speed
Cooling capacity and tonnage
Warranty and service support
Smart features like remote monitoring
Noise levels during operation

How Does Knowing Your AC’s Star Rating Help?

Understanding the star rating of your AC helps estimate its impact on your monthly electricity bill. This ensures that you're choosing an AC based on both performance and cost-efficiency.

Comparison Between 3 Star ACs and 5 Star ACs

Feature	3 Star AC	5 Star AC
Initial Cost	Lower	Higher
Power Consumption	Moderate to High	Low
Ideal For	Occasional use	Regular, long-hour usage
Energy Savings	Basic	Significant
Environmental Impact	Higher carbon footprint	Lower carbon footprint

Advantages of 5 Star ACs

Consumes less electricity
Helps save money long-term
Suitable for larger rooms
Reduces environmental impact
More durable due to advanced features

Advantages of 3 Star ACs

Budget-friendly pricing
Good for short, limited usage
Ideal for smaller spaces
Low maintenance cost

How to Calculate Power Consumption of 5 Star or 3 Star ACs

Power usage (in units) = Wattage × Number of hours used × Number of days

To estimate monthly cost, multiply this by your electricity tariff per unit.

Difference of Power Consumption Between 3 Star ACs vs 5 Star ACs

Capacity	3 Star AC (avg. units/month)	5 Star AC (avg. units/month)
1 Ton	150–170 units	110–130 units
1.5 Ton	200–220 units	150–170 units
2 Ton	280–300 units	210–230 units

Factors Affecting Power Consumption

Outdoor and indoor temperature
Size and insulation of the room
Duration and frequency of use
Inverter vs non-inverter model
Filter and coil cleanliness

3 Star ACs and 5 Star AC Features

Feature	3 Star AC	5 Star AC
Energy Rating	Moderate	Excellent
Inverter Tech	Available in some models	Standard in most models
Smart Controls	Basic or none	Available in premium models
Noise Level	Medium	Low

Top-Selling 3 Star ACs with Updated Price

Brand	Model	Price Range
Voltas	1.5 Ton Split Inverter	₹30,000–₹33,000
Lloyd	1.0 Ton Fixed Speed	₹28,000–₹30,000
Whirlpool	1.5 Ton Non-Inverter	₹31,000–₹34,000

Top-Selling 5 Star ACs as Per 2025

Brand	Model	Price Range
LG	1.5 Ton AI Dual Inverter	₹45,000–₹48,000
Daikin	1.5 Ton Split Inverter	₹47,000–₹50,000
Hitachi	2.0 Ton Smart Inverter	₹55,000–₹58,000