What is the star rating label of an air-conditioner telling you?

Published on : 22 Sep 2025, 10:14 am Summary

Higher star ratings do mean greater efficiency — but variations exist within the same-star appliances

ISEER gives a more realistic picture than older rating methods

Electricity use assumptions (1,600 hrs/year) might not match real behaviour

Regional differences like Chennai vs Bengaluru aren’t reflected in one national label

Looking to purchase a new air-conditioner? The first consideration is usually the tonnage, followed by energy efficiency. But how does one truly assess efficiency? By the star rating, perhaps? A higher star rating does indicate better efficiency and greater energy savings. But the real question is, how much?

For most buyers, checking the star label is the extent of the evaluation. More stars equal more efficiency