3-Star vs 5-Star AC: Which Cools Stronger? Comparison of Top AC Brands in India 

When it comes to cooling anything other than the electricity bill, differentiating between 3-star models vs 5-star models of ACs from India's top brands, we have similar performance in terms of temperature control. The only difference is in energy consumption, cost efficiency, and savings over time.

If you're strictly buying based on cooling speed and comfort, a 3-star AC will provide the same degree of comfort as a 5-star AC. If you want, in addition, lower electricity bills, environmental friendliness and to be an ethical consumer, a 5-star AC is the better option. 

Star Rating System in AC

When it comes to star rating systems in India, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) assigns energy ratings from 1 to 5 stars. 

5 Star: very energy efficient, thus low power consumption. 

3 Stars: moderate energy efficiency, thus higher power consumption. 

The BEE rating system ranks air conditioning brands based on the following criteria: 

BTUs (British thermal units) – cooling effectiveness 

Energy efficiency ratio – cooling output vs. energy used 

3-Star AC vs 5-Star AC – Key Differences

Feature

3-Star AC

5-Star AC

Cooling Performance

Similar to 5-star AC

Similar to 3-star AC

Power Consumption

Higher

Lower

Electricity Bill

Higher over time

Lower over time

Initial Price

Lower

Higher

Best For

Short-term use, budget buyers

Long-term use, energy savings

Maintenance Cost

Slightly higher

Lower

Bottom line: If you use AC for 4–6 months per year, a 5-star AC model will pay itself off in 2–4 years by saving you money on your electricity bills.

Haier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Triple Inverter Split AC

The Haier 1.5 Tonne 5 Star Triple Inverter Split AC has an efficient design with an effective inverter variable-speed compressor, which adjusts its power draw according to the heat load. With a wonderful 7-in-1 convertible mode, it enables you to control its capacity anywhere between 40% and 110%, allowing you to deliver comfortable temperatures in a room. It was built for performance at a 5-star rating and is perfect for rooms of medium to larger volumes.

The Frost self-clean feature provides a service that can give a complete indoor wet wash in 21 minutes and therefore deliver up to 99.9% clean air, as it needs no technician. It has a triple inverter design to provide added savings and trust for reliability.

Key specifications:

Capacity: 1.5 Tons

Annual Electricity Consumption: 965 kWh

Noise level: 42 dB

Voltage: 50V | Power: 1595W

Refrigerant: R-32 (ecological refrigerant) 

Energy rating: 5 Star

Advantages: long air throw, twin inverter, frost self-clean feature, sleep mode, anti-bacterial filter.

Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

Beat the heat and humidity in your medium- to large-sized room with the cool breeze from the Voltas 1.5 Tonne 3 Star Inverter Split AC. It features inverter compressor technology that automatically adjusts its power draw according to the heat load in the room, and the operation can be adapted or customised further through its four-step adjustable cooling mode via remote control. Additional special features consist of an anti-dust filter and antimicrobial protection for enhanced cooling comfort and an antifreeze thermostat ensuring satisfactory cooling safely.

Key specifications:

Capacity: 1.5 Tons

Annual Electricity Consumption: 4800W

Noise level: 38 dB

Voltage: 230V

Energy rating: 3 Star

Material: PVC

Advantages: 4-step cooling mode, anti-rust and anti-corrosive paint finish, anti-freeze thermostat for safety and improved performance, and 100% copper condenser tubes for reduced maintenance expenses and better performance.

Disadvantages: Mixed user reviews on cooling performance, not wonderfully reliable. 

Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

The Daikin 1.5 Tonne 5 Star Inverter Split AC delivers an amazingly efficient cooling performance utilising the new Dew Clean technology that will assure you that the inside unit heat exchanger is 100% clean and provide excellent airflow and significantly improved cooling conditions throughout the room. The triple display design informs you of the operating conditions in which it is running. One display will even inform you of the real-time energy consumption for "awareness" of your actual consumption of energy. The PM 2.5 filter is a bonus that removes all fine particulate matter from the air, thus significantly improving your air quality. The 3D air adaptation technology ensures superior and even cooling throughout the room, regardless of outdoor conditions. The built-in stabiliser eliminates the need for external stabilisers altogether. 

Key specifications:

Capacity: 1.5 Tons

Annual Electricity Consumption: 785.67 kWh 

Noise level: 38 dB

Voltage: 230V | Power Consumption: 1325W

Energy rating: 5 Star

Advantages: providing a unique triple display appearance, a cool dew-clean PM 2.5 filter, superb equalised cooling specified via 3D air adaptation technology, and a built-in stabiliser that improves cooling effectiveness.

Disadvantages: Performance with most loads (slightly noisy operation) – but this is true with all AC units, and it's not worth noticing the noise; just readjust your position to the slight electrical noise.

Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC

The Lloyd 1.5 Tonne 3 Star Inverter Split AC utilises an efficient inverter compressor so that when it must reach a cooling level, it automatically adjusts the power it consumes, and power consumption will depend on room temperature. The 5-in-1 convertible mode is ideal for providing versatile operation with various tonnage cooling options that meet your needs. The Lloyds evaporator coil is made with the Blue Fin anti-corrosive treatment process, which will ensure that the copper coils are corrosion-resistant and last longer. Additional features include 2-way air swing, low gas detection with no extra inconvenience or concerns on your behalf, and a PM 2.5 filter cleaner that provides added benefits to clean indoor air quality for comfort. 

Key specifications:

Capacity: 1.5 Tons

Annual Electricity Consumption: 956.79 kWh

Noise level: 32 dB

Energy rating: 3 Star

Refrigerant R-32

Advantages: Long air throw distance, no extra usage for low gas detection, 100% copper condenser tubes will save you maintenance costs over time compared to plastic condensers, energy efficiency will pay you back over time, and limited costs compared to others on sale.

Disadvantages: Unknown; mixed reviewer experiences provided no clear indication of their benefits or poor performance – they should lie with conscious consumers noting an average level of performance otherwise unknown.