Know The Difference Between 3 Star And 5 Star ACs: Best Picks For Energy Efficiency In 2025

Have you been on the lookout for the best AC in India with high energy efficiency? An inverter split AC with a 5-star rating offers maximum power optimisation and results in lower electricity bills as compared to 3-star ACs. For higher affordability, a 3 star AC is better than 5 star AC, so the choice depends on your requirements for powerful cooling and budget-friendliness.

Best Energy-Efficient Split ACs With 5-Star And 3-Star Ratings
Best Energy-Efficient Split ACs With 5-Star And 3-Star Ratings

The rising temperatures have begun to cause discomfort in the tropical indian hot and humid weather, and with the onset of summer, this is the right time to get a new AC for home. One of the major considerations that arise when choosing the best AC in India for optimal cooling and energy efficiency is which is better, 3-star or 5-star AC? The difference lies in their power consumption for the same amount of cooling, with 3 star ACs using more power than 5-star ACs, which are more energy efficient. While the 5 star AC price may seem a little higher than that of 3-star ACs, its operating cost is lesser as it uses less power for better cooling. Some of the leading AC brands in India like LG, Daikin, and Panasonic offer reliable performance, high energy ratings and smart features like inverter compressors with convertible modes, inbuilt air filters for clean indoor air, 4-way swing with long air throw range, low noise operation, and durable copper condensers so you can use the air conditioner for several years.

Which Is Better, 3 Star Or 5 Star AC?

Let us understand the difference between 3 star and 5 star AC so you can choose a suitable pick for your optimal home cooling. The BEE or Bureau Of Energy Efficiency rates air conditioners on the basis of their energy efficiency from 1 to 5, with 5 star being the most energy-efficient air conditioner. When choosing the best AC in India for home use, consider the star rating as a 3-star AC is more economical with a lower upfront AC price while a 5-star AC is most economical to run with lower operating cost and higher energy efficiency. So, the final choice depends on your specific home cooling needs. Consider these top-rated split ACs from top brands and find your pick:

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Top Five Products

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    LG 1.5 Ton 3 Star DUAL Inverter Split AC

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    The LG 1.5 ton split AC with 3 star energy rating offers optimal cooling and has multiple smart features for a user-friendly performance. This LG AC under 40000 offers a budget option with powerful cooling performance and comes with a high air circulation speed of 441CFM from the indoor unit along with a 2-way air swing to spread the cool air in every corner of the room. For long usage, this split AC is made from a copper condenser coil along with OceanBlack protection which makes it highly durable and also saves the AC from any rust buildup. Running on dual inverter compressor technology, this 1.5-ton air conditioner can be run on one of the six convertible modes depending on your requirements and ambient temperature. Its stabiliser-free operation in the range of 120 to 290V ensures uninterrupted cooling even during mild voltage fluctuations. This smart AC with a Wi-Fi connectivity option allows you to adjust the performance right from your smartphone with the AI ThinQ app.

    Specifications:

    • Model Number: ‎US-Q18JNXE
    • Energy Efficiency: ‎4.0
    • Annual Energy Consumption: 852.44 Kilowatt Hours Per Year
    • Noise Level: 26 dB
    • Capacity: 1.5 Tons
    • Cooling Power: 4.4 Kilowatts
    • Dimensions: 18.9D x 83.7W x 30.8H cm
    • Weight: 32 kg 500 g

    Pros:

    • AI dual inverter for optimised performance
    • Gold Fin+ technology for rust resistance
    • Long 50-feet air throw range

    Cons:

    • No major cons
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    Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Twin Inverter Split AC

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    Enjoy versatile home cooling with one of the seven convertible modes using the Haier 1.5 ton 3 star split AC. Running on a twin inverter technology, this air conditioner uses a variable speed compressor that can adjust the cooling performance based on the heat and surrounding temperature from 40% to 100% of its capacity. Suitable for cooling a medium-sized room from 111 to 150 sq ft in size, this split AC with 1.5 ton capacity comes with 900CFM air speed and also creates an ambient home temperature even at 54 degrees Celsius. One of the most impressive features of this 1.5 ton split AC is that it comes with a frost self-clean technology that can completely clean the indoor unit with just one click of the remote in 21 minutes. Made from a high-quality copper condenser coil, this split AC offers optimal cooling with high durability. Its super micro anti-bacterial filter effectively traps and removes even small dust, bacteria, and allergens from the room to ensure cleaner indoor air.

    Specifications:

    • Model Number: HSU17V-TMS3BN-INV
    • Capacity: ‎1.5 Tons
    • Annual Energy Consumption: 965 Kilowatts
    • Cooling Power: 16380 British Thermal Units
    • Noise Level: 42 dB
    • Dimensions: 20D x 86.5W x 29H cm
    • Weight: 22 kg

    Pros:

    • Silent Mode
    • Auto clean technology
    • High 900 CFM air circulation speed

    Cons:

    • Moderate energy efficiency with 3-star AC rating
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    Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

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    Ensure an energy-optimised cooling performance with the Blue Star 1.5 ton 5 star split AC that uses only the required amount of power for great cooling performance. This inverter split AC runs on 5 in 1 convertible mode of operation and can adjust the home cooling as per the requirements based on room temperature and the surroundings. As a smart AC with WiFi support, this split air conditioner uses DigiQ Hepta sensors to effectively adjust the cooling performance and fan speed based on ambient temperature and cooling requirements. This 5-star AC uses an R32 refrigerant which makes it environmentally friendly as it has a low ozone depletion potential. Its 4-way swing technology spreads the cool air all across the room and also allows you to adjust the airflow as per your requirements. Offering voice command technology, this air conditioner is both user-friendly and energy-efficient.

    Specifications:

    • Model Number: ‎IC518ZNURS
    • Capacity: 1.5 Tons
    • Annual Energy Consumption: 783.33 Kilowatt Hours
    • Noise Level: 45 dB
    • Dimensions: 22.3D x 95W x 31.7H cm
    • Weight: 36 kg 200 g

    Pros:

    • Supports Alexa and Hey Google for voice-controlled cooling
    • 4-way swing technology
    • Eco-friendly R32 refrigerant

    Cons:

    • Some users mentioned there is an additional installation cost
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    Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC

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    Want to enjoy a truly powerful home cooling performance? Then consider the Panasonic 1.5 ton 5 star split AC that offers a powerful airflow of 703CFM for meeting the requirements of an average-sized room from 120 to 170 sq ft in size. Offering a high operating temperature of up to 55 degrees Celsius, this Panasonic inverter AC is perfect for the tropical indian climate and offers seven different modes that you can choose from for optimal home cooling. This 5 star AC has an energy efficient performance and offers a stabiliser-free operation in the range of 100 to 290V. Made from a high-quality copper condenser coil, this split AC has a durable build quality and makes a low noise of just 34dB for an undisturbed sleep performance. The PM 0.1 filter can provide clean indoor air by filtering even the smallest dust particles and offering an allergen-free environment. It also comes with a TrueAI mode to ensure maximum comfort while saving energy for an efficient cooling performance.

    Specifications:

    • Model Number: CS/CU-NU18AKY5WX
    • Energy Efficiency: ‎5.2 SEER
    • Annual Energy Consumption: 759.55 Kilowatt Hours
    • Noise Level: ‎34 dB
    • Capacity: 1.5 Tons
    • Cooling Power: 17402 British Thermal Units
    • Dimensions: 24.9D x 104W x 29.6H cm
    • Weight: 36 kg 500 g

    Pros:

    • Smart AC with True AI mode
    • PM 0.1 Filter that can trap the smallest dust particles
    • High airflow with 4-way swing

    Cons:

    • Moderate noise levels
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    Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

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    The Daikin 1.5 ton 5 star split AC is one of the best-selling split ACs in India that has a high user rating as it offers powerful home cooling with optimal power usage. This energy-efficient 5 star AC is made from a high-quality copper condenser coil for high durability and also requires low maintenance with a dew clean technology that ensures better cleaning of the indoor unit. Perfect for cooling medium-sized rooms in the range of 111 to 150 sq ft size, this air conditioner is suitable for use in medium-sized rooms and has a low noise performance of just 30dB so you can sleep comfortably without any disturbance. Its auto variable speed compressor adjusts the cooling as per the heat load, and the 3D airflow technology effectively spreads the cool air all across the room for a uniform temperature creation. Apart from cooling, this AC also removes the small dust particles and allergens using its PM 2.5 filter which creates a cool and ambient home environment.

    Specifications:

    • Model Number: MTKM50U
    • Energy Efficiency: ‎5 star
    • Capacity: ‎1.5 Tons
    • Annual Energy Consumption: ‎785.67 Kilowatt Hours Per Year
    • Noise Level: ‎38 dB
    • Cooling Power: 5.28 Kilowatts
    • Dimensions: 22.9D x 88.5W x 29.8H cm
    • Weight: 44 kg

    Pros:

    • Self-Diagnosis
    • Air Purification Filter with dehumidifier
    • Triple display technology

    Cons:

    • No particular cons
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Top Features Of Best-Selling Split ACs

Split models from top air conditioner brands like LG, Daikin, Blue Star, Haier, and Panasonic offer powerful cooling for an ambient home environment. Some of the main features of best-selling ACs in India include:

  • Inverter Compressor: The finest picks for inverter ACs in India offer convertible modes of operation that can adjust the cooling performance based on heat load and thus help in reducing power wastage for optimal room cooling. 
  • High Energy Efficiency: Offering 3-star to 5-star energy ratings, the top-rated split options from the best AC brands in India strike a balance between cooling and power consumption. 
  • Smart Features: Most of the reliable AC brands now offer smart air conditioners that use AI to detect the room temperature and surroundings for choosing the right temperature, fan speed, and mode, and detect any malfunctioning for uninterrupted cooling performance. These smart ACs with Wi-Fi technology also support voice assistants for hands-free AC control. 
  • Air Filters: Apart from creating an ambient temperature, the top energy-efficient ACs have inbuilt air filters with PM 0.1 to PM 2.5 ratings for trapping the smallest dust particles and allergens for cleaner indoor air.  

Read more: Top Rated 1.5-ton split AC with auto clean feature

Disclaimer: At HerZindagi, we prioritize providing the up-to-date information on the latest trending commodities and goods. This Article is written and vetted by our in-house category authors in sync with the Google guidelines on product reviews and shoppable content. HerZindagi is in an associate partnership, so we may earn a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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Faq's

  • Which is the best AC in India for high energy efficiency?
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    Some of the top picks for 5 star ACs with high energy efficiency include the Daikin 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC, Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC, and Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC.
  • Which AC brand is most durable?
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    Durable air conditioners from top brands like LG, Daikin, Haier, Panasonic, and Blue Star offer high build quality with copper condenser coils and boast rust-resistant coatings that make the unit long-lasting.
  • Which is more efficient, a 3-star or 5-star air conditioner?
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    An inverter split AC with 5 star energy rating is more efficient than a 3 star split AC and uses less electricity for similar tonnage capacity and comparable cooling performance, thus making it a more energy-efficient option.
  • Which is better Daikin 3 star or 5 star?
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    While Daikin 3 star AC is more cost-effective at first, the Daikin 5 star AC is more economical to run and creates lower electricity bills with optimal power consumption.