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3 Star vs 5 Star AC — Which Should You Buy?
The energy rating is the single biggest factor in your AC's running cost. Here's a detailed breakdown to help you decide.
| Feature | 3 Star Inverter | 5 Star Inverter |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Price (1.5 Ton) | ₹25,000 – ₹32,000 | ₹38,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Monthly Electricity (8 hrs/day) | ₹2,400 – ₹2,800 | ₹1,800 – ₹2,000 |
| Annual Electricity Cost | ~₹16,800 | ~₹11,400 |
| 5-Year Electricity Cost | ~₹84,000 | ~₹57,000 |
| Total Cost (AC + 5 yrs electricity) | ~₹1,12,000 | ~₹1,01,000 |
| Noise Level | 35–37 dB | 30–34 dB |
| Cooling Speed | Good | Excellent (variable speed compressor) |
| Payback Period | — | Extra cost recovered in 1.5–2.5 years |
| Best For | Tight budget, less than 6 hrs daily use | Heavy usage (6+ hrs), long-term savings |
When to Buy a 5 Star AC
- You run the AC 6+ hours daily during summer months
- You plan to use the same AC for 5+ years
- You live in a hot region (NCR, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat) with 4–6 month summers
- You want quieter operation for bedrooms
- You can afford the higher upfront cost
When 3 Star is Good Enough
- You use AC less than 6 hours daily
- You're on a tight budget under ₹30,000
- You live in a cooler climate with 2–3 month AC usage
- You're cooling a guest room or secondary room
- You plan to upgrade within 3 years anyway
The Real Math: 3 Star vs 5 Star Over 5 Years
A 5 Star 1.5 Ton AC typically costs ₹10,000–₹15,000 more than a 3 Star model. But it saves ₹5,000–₹6,000 per year on electricity (at 8 hrs daily, ₹7/unit).
That means the 5 Star pays for itself in about 2 years. After that, you're saving money every month.
Over 5 years, a 5 Star AC actually costs ₹11,000 LESS in total (purchase + electricity combined).
See Best 5 Star Split ACs
LG, Daikin, Samsung, Blue Star — premium models compared.
View 5 Star Models →Best Split ACs Under ₹30,000
Budget 3 Star inverter ACs with solid cooling performance.
View Budget Picks →Calculate Your Exact Electricity Cost
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