Understanding the Difference Between Old and New AC Star Ratings

Is the AC less efficient now? Have the rules changed? Understanding the old vs new AC star rating system can help you make a better buying decision without confusion.

Let’s understand this through this simple guide.

Why Did BEE Update the Star Ratings?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) revises AC star ratings every few years. The goal is simple: encourage manufacturers to build more energy-efficient products.

Technology improves over time. What was considered highly efficient a few years ago may be average today. If ratings were not updated, most ACs would continue to qualify as 5 Star, making the label less meaningful.

By revising the benchmarks:

• Energy efficiency standards improve

The minimum performance required to earn higher star ratings becomes stricter. This ensures that only truly energy-efficient ACs qualify for 4 or 5 Star labels, raising the overall quality of products available in the market.

• Manufacturers innovate more

To meet the updated standards, brands invest in better compressors, smarter inverter technology, and improved cooling systems. This pushes the industry to continuously upgrade designs instead of relying on older technology.

• Consumers benefit from lower power consumption

Stricter ratings mean newer AC models are designed to consume less electricity for the same cooling output. Over time, this can help reduce electricity bills and support energy savings at a larger, national level.

This update is the main reason behind the difference between old and new AC star ratings.

Old vs New AC Star Ratings – What’s Changed?

The biggest change is in the efficiency criteria.

Earlier, the energy performance required to earn a 5 Star rating was lower. Under the new rules, an AC must deliver higher efficiency to qualify for the same rating.

So, when comparing old vs new AC star rating, remember:

• The AC’s cooling capacity hasn’t changed

• The electricity usage hasn’t changed

• Only the rating scale has become stricter

The standards are now tighter, especially for inverter ACs.

Old vs New Star Rating Comparison Table

To better understand the old vs new AC star rating system, the table below shows how earlier star categories typically align under the revised, stricter BEE benchmarks. This highlights the practical difference between old and new AC star ratings.

Important Note: The AC’s cooling performance and electricity consumption remain unchanged. The rating shift reflects updated efficiency standards, not reduced product performance.

Conclusion

The difference between old and new AC star ratings lies in stricter evaluation standards, not in the AC’s performance.

Understanding the old vs new AC star rating system helps you make an informed decision. If you’re buying a new AC, compare models within the same rating period to get a clear picture of efficiency.