What are the new BEE Star Ratings for ACs from 2018?

You might have heard that older star ratings of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)  have changed. But how does it impact you as a buyer? Should we be concerned about it? What are the benefits? We shall try to find out the answers that people have by understanding how BEE Star Rating system works in as little words as possible.

In June 2015, a new rating system called Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) was introduced on a voluntary basis for Variable Speed Inverter Air Conditioner. Nearly all leading AC makers have adopted it for their inverter range of ACs. The new rating which was voluntary for the brands are now mandatory for both Inverter ACs and fixed speed ACs from January 2018.

To drive inefficient products out of market and encourage more innovation, BEE revises the ratings of the efficient ones downward from time to time which also helps in reducing consumer’s electricity bills.

Revised BEE Star Rating Plan – Valid from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2019

Under the current rating system, a five star rated unit will be reclassified as three star from January 2018. Likewise, a three star rated AC will be reclassied as one star.

Consumers may feel the pinch as prices are expected to rise in non-inverter Star labelled AC segment, but the move may ultimately push the growth of highly energy efficient Inverter ACs in Indian cities where power fluctuation is not an issue and it will provide higher value for money in the longer run.

Under the new star rating system – ISEER  the performance of air-conditioners will be tested at temperatures of 24-43 degrees Celsius based on Indian weather data, in contrast to current system of using a flat 35 degree celsius as benchmark.

By raising the bar of energy efficiency rating of air conditioners in India, it can be predicted comfortably that in near future air conditioners will no more be a power hog as these are known as today.