Star Rating in Air conditioners

Last updated on April 8th, 2025 at 04:29 pm

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) assigns star ratings to air conditioners. This helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions. The decisions are based on energy efficiency. The rating system ranges from 1 to 5 stars. A 5-star rating indicates the highest energy efficiency. This means lower electricity consumption and cost savings. while 1-star represents the least energy-efficient appliance, consuming more power for the same cooling output.

The primary performance parameter for star rating selection is the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER). The higher the ISEER value, the higher the star rating and the better the energy efficiency of the air conditioner. This system allows consumers to easily compare different models. They can choose air conditioners that offer optimal cooling and minimal energy consumption. This choice leads to lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. BEE periodically updates the rating criteria to align with advancements in technology and evolving energy efficiency standards.

For understanding basic terminology in air conditioning, Please click here, For information on refrigerants click here. For best air conditioner available in Indian market click here

What is mean by ISEER?

The Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) is defined as the ratio of the total cooling output of an air conditioning system during the Indian seasonal conditions to the total power consumed during the same period.

Given India’s vast geographical diversity and regional seasonal variations, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has established a standardized reference for outdoor temperatures to ensure uniform measurement of air conditioning performance across the country.

Below table shows reference outdoor temperature bin distribution for Indian climate (Based on 54 cities weather condition across india):-

Test of the air conditioning system is done at 100% loading and 50 % loading at temperature condition shown below in the table:

After measuring Cooling capacity and power consumption, ISEER are calculated as per attached excel sheet.

inverterACmastersheetprotected-1Download

For Unitary(windows) and split AC below table shows range of ISEER requirement to be put product into different star rating categories,

 Labelling of appliances are based on time period, therefore before taking decision on Star rating in air conditioners, it is imported to take a note on the validity of star rating period, With increase on time efficiency of appliances increases and similarly BEE keep on improving standard from time to time,

Sharing ISEER Rating For window and Split Ac star rating from 2018 to 2028 :

further notification was kept on revising and extended as below :

With updated ISEER 5 Star rating for Split ac shall be above 5.6 from 1st Jan 2026 as shown below in the table :

For more detail on energy efficiency program by BEE, Please click here