3 Star AC Vs 5 Star AC: As soon as the summer season starts, most people start planning to buy an air conditioner for their home. If you are also thinking of buying a new AC, then often a question arises whether to buy 3 star AC or 5 star AC? When seen in the shop, 5 star model looks a bit expensive whereas 3 star AC looks cheaper in terms of price.
But the right decision cannot be taken just by looking at the price. The real difference is how much electricity the AC consumes and how many hours you run it every day. This thing has a big impact on your electricity bill in the long run. Therefore, before purchasing it is important to understand the difference between these two.
What does star rating mean in AC?
The star rating of air conditioners in India is decided by the government organization Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). This rating tells how efficiently an AC uses electricity. The simple rule is that higher the star rating, lower the power consumption. That is, if 3 star and 5 star AC are operated for equal time then 5 star AC will consume less electricity while giving equal cooling. This is the reason why its effect is clearly visible on the electricity bill in the long run.
What is the difference in price of 3 star and 5 star AC?
Generally, the price of 5 star AC is higher than 3 star model. A difference of about Rs 3000 to Rs 7000 can be seen between the two. Depending on the brand, tonnage and features, this difference may be more or less. Many people buy 3 star AC initially after seeing the low price. However, while buying an AC, it is important to keep in mind not only the initial price but also the running cost.
Power consumption and real savings
If we take the example of 1.5 ton AC, then a 3 star AC usually consumes about 1.1 to 1.2 units of electricity per hour. Whereas 5 star AC consumes about 0.8 to 0.9 units of electricity per hour. If you run the AC for about 8 hours a day, there can be a significant difference in power consumption between the two during the entire summer season. 5 Star AC can save hundreds of units of electricity in a season, which can save thousands of rupees in a few years.
After all, which AC would be better to buy?
If the AC in your house runs for several hours every day, especially during summers, then buying a 5 star AC can be a wiser decision. Initially its cost is high but due to less electricity consumption, this additional cost is gradually recovered. At the same time, for those who have to use AC only occasionally or for a short period of time, 3 star AC can also prove to be a good and budget-friendly option.
Keep these things in mind while buying AC
Star rating alone is not everything while buying an AC. The size of the room, tonnage capacity of the AC and inverter technology are equally important. If the right ton AC is not taken as per the room, then excess electricity may be wasted. For example, 1 ton AC is considered appropriate for a small room, 1.5 ton for a medium-sized room and 2 ton for a large room.
Inverter ACs are generally more energy-efficient and maintain a stable room temperature. Apart from this, while buying an AC, it is also important to pay attention to things like installation charge, servicing cost and warranty.
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