Everyone would have noticed the distinctive BEE Star labels on their electrical and electronic appliances. They indicate the power efficiency of the specific appliances. These devices are rated on a scale of 1-star to 5-star, with 1-star being the least and the 5-star rated appliance the most energy efficient.
These ratings are valid for specific periods as notified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). BEE keeps updating the star ratings from time to time. So an appliance bought in 2021 might have been 5-star rated at the time of its purchase. But it could have been downgraded to 4-star in 2023.
How do you know the star rating?
BEE is an Indian governmental organization working under the aegis of the Ministry of Power. The agency stipulates these ratings for eleven (11) mandatory and nineteen (19) voluntary appliances.
Manufacturers must mandatorily affix the BEE star labels on mandatory appliances. So, consumers can look at the star label and know the appliance’s rating. Besides the star rating, the BEE Star Label offers other helpful information regarding the appliance.
We shall discuss the appliances that we regularly use at home. Let us start with the mandatory appliances.
Star Ratings for Mandatory Appliances
Refrigerators BEE Star Ratings – Frost-free and Direct Cool
Let us start with the refrigerator. BEE has different star ratings for frost-free and direct cool refrigerators. The star ratings depend on the appliance’s Annual Energy Consumption (AEC). Understanding the calculation or formula is not essential because the manufacturers furnish the AEC value on each label. Nevertheless, we explain the formula for academic reasons.
The AEC value depends on the following factors.
- Constant Multiplier = K kilowatt-hour per liter per year
- Constant Fixed Allowance = C Kilowatt hour per year
- Adjusted Storage volume = V
- Comparative Energy Consumption = CEC
The constant values depend on the year of manufacture, import, or sale.
CEC = (K x V) + C Therefore, the AEC value is in Kilowatt-hour per year. The following table should help you to understand the star rating bands of frost-free refrigerators.
| Star Rating | Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year) |
| 1-Star | (0.157 x Volume + 243) <= AEC < (0.180 x Volume + 279) |
| 2-Star | (0.136 x Volume + 211) <= AEC < (0.157 x Volume + 243) |
| 3-Star | (0.118 x Volume + 184) <= AEC < (0.136 x Volume + 211) |
| 4-Star | (0.103 x Volume + 160) <= AEC < (0.118 x Volume + 184) |
| 5-Star | AEC < (0.103 x Volume + 160) |
The calculations for the frost-free and Direct Cool refrigerators are similar. But the constant values are different, based on the year of manufacture and sale.
| Star Rating | Annual Energy Consumption (kWh/year) |
| 1-Star | (0.115 x Volume + 179) <= AEC < (0.129 x Volume + 201) |
| 2-Star | (0.103 x Volume + 160) <= AEC < (0.115 x Volume + 179) |
| 3-Star | (0.091 x Volume + 141) <= AEC < (0.103 x Volume + 160) |
| 4-Star | (0.080 x Volume + 124) <= AEC < (0.091 x Volume + 141) |
| 5-Star | AEC < (0.080 x Volume + 124) |
Read: BEE Star Ratings for Refrigerators
Stationary Storage Type Electric Water Heaters BEE Star Ratings
BEE stipulates that all electric storage water heaters up to 200 liters capacity must conform to star ratings. In addition, it includes all types of stationary electric water heaters.
The star ratings for storage water heaters depend on the Standing Loss, calculated using a complex formula. It constitutes the energy consumed by a water heater connected to an electrical source for 24 hours and containing a full tank of water at 450C. Consumers can look at the star label to get the Standing Loss figure.
| Capacity | 1-Star | 2-Star | 3-Star | 4-Star | 5-Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0.387 < SL <= 0.426 | 0.352 < SL <= 0.387 | 0.320 < SL <= 0.352 | 0.291 < SL <= 0.320 | <= 0.291 |
| 10 | 0.485 < SL <= 0.534 | 0.441 < SL <= 0.485 | 0.401 < SL <= 0.441 | 0.365 < SL <= 0.401 | <= 0.365 |
| 15 | 0.558 < SL <= 0.614 | 0.507 < SL <= 0.558 | 0.461 < SL <= 0.507 | 0.419 < SL <= 0.461 | <= 0.419 |
| 25 | 0.680 < SL <= 0.748 | 0.618 < SL <= 0.680 | 0.562 < SL <= 0.618 | 0.511 < SL <= 0.562 | <= 0.511 |
| 35 | 0.777 < SL <= 0.855 | 0.706 < SL <= 0.777 | 0.642 < SL <= 0.706 | 0.584 < SL <= 0.642 | <= 0.584 |
| 50 | 0.898 < SL <= 0.988 | 0.816 < SL <= 0.898 | 0.742 < SL <= 0.816 | 0.675 < SL <= 0.742 | <= 0.675 |
| 70 | 1.019 < SL <= 1.121 | 0.926 < SL <= 1.019 | 0.842 < SL <= 0.926 | 0.766 < SL <= 0.842 | <= 0.766 |
| 100 | 1.164 < SL <= 1.280 | 1.058 < SL <= 1.164 | 0.962 < SL <= 1.058 | 0.875 < SL <= 0.962 | <= 0.875 |
| 140 | 1.310 < SL <= 1.441 | 1.191 < SL <= 1.310 | 1.083 < SL <= 1.191 | 0.985 < SL <= 1.083 | <= 0.985 |
| 200 | 1.456 < SL <= 1.601 | 1.323 < SL <= 1.456 | 1.203 < SL <= 1.323 | 1.088 < SL <= 1.203 | <= 1.088 |
Color Televisions BEE Star Ratings
BEE Guidelines require all color televisions up to FHD screen resolution (1920 x 1080p) should mandatorily comply with star ratings and satisfy the standby power consumption requirements.
Here are the standby power requirements for different color televisions are listed here.
| Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Televisions | <= 1.0 W |
|---|---|
| LCD TVs with CCFL backlighting and Plasma TVs | <= 0.8 W |
| LCD TVs with LED backlighting | <= 0.6 W |
The star ratings are calculated based on the annual energy consumption. Accordingly, these TVs are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
AEC = [(6 x Pa) + (12 x Ps)] x 0.365 Kilowatt-hour/annum, where
Pa represents ‘On Mode’ power consumption, assuming the TV works for six hours daily
Ps represents ‘Standby Mode’ power consumption on a daily usage pattern of 12 hours
Other factors determining the star ratings are the screen size in square centimeters and the manufacturing/selling year.
These star ratings apply to LCD TVs with LED backlighting because CRT TVs, LCD TVs with CCFL backlighting, and Plasma TVs are no longer manufactured. Therefore, these ratings apply to LCD/LED TVs with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p. The latest ratings are valid up to 31st December 2024.
| Valid from 01.07.2022 to 31.12.2024 | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | Star Rating Equations for televisions with resolution up to 1920/1080 |
| 1-star | (0.022 x A) + 2.63 < AEC <= (0.024 x A) + 2.63 |
| 2-star | (0.019 x A) + 2.63 < AEC <= (0.022 x A) + 2.63 |
| 3-star | (0.016 x A) + 2.63 < AEC <= (0.019 x A) + 2.63 |
| 4-star | (0.013 x A) + 2.63 < AEC <= (0.016 x A) + 2.63 |
| 5-star | AEC <= (0.013 x A) + 2.63 |
Room Air Conditioners – All air conditioners BEE Star Ratings
The BEE star ratings for air conditioners assume significance because these appliances consume the maximum power. However, consumers should understand specific concepts before looking at the star ratings because the ratings depend on EER and ISEER calculations.
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Generally, the EER is calculated for fixed-speed ACs. It constitutes the ratio of the amount of heat removed by the air conditioner in an hour to the power consumption. As the room temperature is not the same throughout, BEE stipulates calculating the EER at specific temperature settings. It has stipulated 350C for outdoor and 270C for indoor temperature, with the humidity set at 50%.
- Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER)
ISEER is a complicated calculation depending on multiple variables. This ratio is generally calculated for inverter ACs, known as variable speed ACs. It assumes specific values for outdoor and indoor temperatures. Besides, it considers that the weather is not uniform throughout the year and varies from place to place.
The ISEER calculation involves calculating two additional variables.
- Cooling Seasonal Total Load (CSTL): The amount of heat the AC removes when operating for cooling in the active mode
- Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption (CSEC): The amount of energy the AC consumes when operating for cooling in the active mode.
ISEER = CSTL / CSEC
The crucial aspect is that ISEER considers seasonal temperature changes and variable energy consumption by inverter ACs.
EER Vs. ISEER
| EER | ISEER |
|---|---|
| Internationally approved concept | Specific to Indian conditions |
| Applies to fixed-speed ACs | Applies to variable-speed ACs |
| Independent of seasonal changes | Considers seasonal temperature variations |
| Remains constant globally | Considers Indian temperature conditions |
| Comparatively less accurate | Highly accurate |
| From 01.01.2018 to 30.06.2022 | From 01.07.2022 to 31.12.2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (kWh/kWh) | |||||
| Star Level | Minimum | Maximum | Star Level | Minimum | Maximum |
| 1-star | 3.10 | 3.29 | 1-star | 3.30 | 3.49 |
| 2-star | 3.30 | 3.49 | 2-star | 3.50 | 3.79 |
| 3-star | 3.50 | 3.99 | 3-star | 3.80 | 4.39 |
| 4-star | 4.00 | 4.49 | 4-star | 4.40 | 4.99 |
| 5-star | 4.50 | 5-star | 5.00 | ||
Tubular Fluorescent Lamps BEE Star Ratings
Tubular fluorescent lamps have replaced tube lights all over India. These appliances comprise LED strips enclosed in plastic tubes that glow brightly and consume less power than conventional tube lights.
The star ratings depend on luminous efficacy (Lumens per Watt). Tubular fluorescent and LED lamps have different standards. However, manufacturers should mandatorily include the star label on each product.
| Valid from 01.07.2018 to 30.06.2023 | |
|---|---|
| Star Level | Lumens per Watt at 0100 hours of operation |
| 1-star | 65 <= LPW < 75 |
| 2-star | 75 <= LPW < 85 |
| 3-star | 85 <= LPW < 95 |
| 4-star | 95 <= LPW < 110 |
| 5-star | 110 <= LPW |
LED Lamps BEE Star Ratings
Here are the star ratings for LED lamps.
| Valid from 01.01.2018 to 31.12.2020 | Valid from 01.01.2021 to 30.06.2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Star Rating | Luminous Efficacy (Lumen/Watt) | Star Rating | Luminous Efficacy (Lumen/Watt) |
| 1-star | 68 <= LE < 79 | 1-star | 79 <= LE < 90 |
| 2-star | 79 <= LE < 90 | 2-star | 90 <= LE < 105 |
| 3-star | 90 <= LE < 105 | 3-star | 105 <= LE < 120 |
| 4-star | 105 <= LE < 120 | 4-star | 120 <= LE < 135 |
| 5-star | 120 <= LE | 5-star | 135 <= LE |
Ceiling Fan BEE Star Ratings
BEE has made it mandatory for ceiling fan manufacturers to include star ratings for ceiling fans with blade sizes 900 mm and above. Besides, BEE has stipulated that the rated quality of air delivery and service value should conform to the following minimum values.
| Fan size mm | Minimum air delivery – cubic meters per minute | Minimum service value cubic meters per minute per Watt |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 130 | 3.1 |
| 1050 | 150 | 3.1 |
| 1200 | 210 | 4.0 |
| 1400 | 245 | 4.1 |
| 1500 | 270 | 4.3 |
Here are the BEE ratings for ceiling fans valid up to 31.12.2024.
| Valid from 01.07.2022 to 31.12.2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweep size less than 1200 mm | Sweep size 1200 mm and more | ||
| Star Level | Rated Service Value (Cubic meter per minute/Watt) | Star Level | Rated Service Value (Cubic meter per minute/Watt) |
| 1-star | 3.1 <= SV < 3.6 | 1-star | 4.0 <= SV < 4.5 |
| 2-star | 3.6 <= SV < 4.1 | 2-star | 4.5 <= SV < 5.0 |
| 3-star | 4.1 <= SV < 4.6 | 3-star | 5.0 <= SV < 5.5 |
| 4-star | 4.6 <= SV < 5.1 | 4-star | 5.5 <= SV < 6.0 |
| 5-star | 5.1 <= SV | 5-star | 6.0 <= SV |
Voluntary Appliances
The appliances discussed above should mandatorily have BEE star labels. In addition, BEE has advised manufacturers to maintain high-quality standards for other home appliances. Therefore, manufacturers can register the following home appliances for star ratings, but it is not mandatory to include star labels.
The latest figures are unavailable on the BEE Star label’s official website. Therefore, we produce the information available on record.
Washing Machines BEE Star Ratings
Front and top loading fully automatic and semi-automatic machines
Surprisingly, washing machines are included in the voluntary list. But there are specific reasons. Washing machines consume less power than the appliances listed in the mandatory category. However, users should know the star ratings because washing machines are popular home appliances.
Washing machine star ratings depend on the ‘Per-cycle energy consumption per kg (Kilowatt-hour per cycle per kg) concept. It considers various parameters as follows.
- Washing performance
- Rinsing performance
- Energy consumption
- Water consumption
- Water extraction performance
The standard conditions for calculating star ratings for washing machines are as follows.
- Semi-automatic and top-loading washing machines with or without an inbuilt heater system – Standard Cotton 300C program
- Front-loading machines with or without inbuilt heaters – Standard Cotton 600C program
Since it was a voluntary phase, the ratings were valid till 31.12.2020. However, the BEE Star Label website still needs to update the ratings.
| Voluntary Phase – Valid from 08.03.2019 to 31.12.2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Loaders – Cotton 600C | Top loaders and semi-automatic – Cotton 300C | ||
| Star Rating | Energy Consumption per cycle (kWh/kg/cycle) | Star Rating | Energy Consumption per cycle (kWh/kg/cycle) |
| 1-star | 0.16 < E <= 0.18 | 1-star | 0.0171 < E <= 0.0185 |
| 2-star | 0.14 < E <= 0.16 | 2-star | 0.0158 < E <= 0.0171 |
| 3-star | 0.11 < E <= 0.14 | 3-star | 0.0145 < E <= 0.0158 |
| 4-star | 0.09 < E <= 0.11 | 4-star | 0.0132 < E <= 0.0145 |
| 5-star | E <= 0.09 | 5-star | E <= 0.0132 |
Microwave oven BEE Star Ratings
BEE has decided to include microwave ovens in the star rating list because these appliances are becoming popular. The star ratings for microwave ovens include various parameters and apply to grill and convection microwave ovens.
- Microwave function efficiency
- Energy consumption
- Power consumption in standby mode
Microwave oven star ratings are based on per cooking cycle energy consumption (Watt-hour per cooking cycle). IEC has stipulated the following minimum qualification standards.
- Microwave function efficiency should be greater than or equal to 54%
- Power consumption in standby mode should be less than 0.6W.
| Validity Period – 01.03.2019 to 31.12.2020 | |
|---|---|
| Star Rating | Energy Consumption per cooking cycle E (Wh) |
| 1-star | 56 < E <= 60 |
| 2-star | 52 < E <= 56 |
| 3-star | 48 < E <= 52 |
| 4-star | 44 < E <= 48 |
| 5-star | E <= 44 |
LPG Stoves BEE Star Ratings
BEE star ratings for LPG stoves depend on thermal efficiency. Therefore, all LPG stoves should comply with the following star label requirements, regardless of size.
| Star Rating | Thermal Efficiency |
|---|---|
| 1-star | <= 68% TE < 72% |
| 2-star | <= 72% TE < 75% |
| 3-star | <= 75% TE < 78% |
| 4-star | <= 78% TE < 81% |
| 5-star | <= 81% TE |
Solid State Inverters BEE Star Ratings
BEE has stipulated that inverter manufacturers should comply with star-label ratings. At present, it is voluntary. So, BEE has included inverters running on 12V batteries with an output rating between 250VA and 2000VA. The inverters running on 24V batteries are excluded from the ratings.
| Validity from 01.01.2017 to 31.12.2019 | |
|---|---|
| Solid-state State Inverters run from storage batteries (12V DC) | |
| Star Rating | Efficiency Range (DC to AC) |
| 1-star | 83% < ER < = 85% |
| 2-star | 85% < ER <= 87% |
| 3-star | 87% |
| 4-star | 89% < ER <= 91% |
| 5-star | 91% < ER |
Computers BEE Star Ratings
Desktop computers, laptops, and notebooks are included as voluntary appliances requiring star ratings. However, it does not apply to gaming consoles, docking stations, handheld gaming devices, e-readers, PDA devices, and mobile thin clients. Besides, POS products that do not use internal components like a motherboard, processor, and memory are excluded from the ratings.
Though the star ratings are unavailable on home computers, energy-efficient computers are available with the Energy Star label.
Solar Water heaters BEE Star Ratings
Since solar water heaters are becoming popular, BEE has included them in the voluntary phase. The star ratings depend on the heater’s efficiency, also referred to as the rate of change in the energy contents of the water in the storage tank. The formula for calculating the system efficiency is as follows.
Rate of change in energy of the water in the tank = Rate at which energy is supplied to the water minus the rate at which the energy is lost from the water to the ambient air.
However, the calculations require assuming the following standard conditions.
- The average storage temperature is 500C.
- The average ambient air temperature is 250C.
- Average of the total amount of solar radiation incident on the solar collector plane = 700W/sq. meter
Here are the applicable ratings for solar water heaters.
| Validity from 14.12.2019 to 31.12.2021 | |
|---|---|
| Star Label | System Efficiency |
| 1-star | 40 < SE < 45 |
| 2-star | 45 < SE < 50 |
| 3-star | 50 < SE < 55 |
| 4-star | 55 < SE < 65 |
| 5-star | 65 < SE |
We have considered all home appliances that require star ratings. Besides these domestic devices, various industrial and commercial appliances are included in the BEE rating list.
Frequently Asked Questions on BEE Star Ratings
BEE provides energy-efficiency ratings for each appliance. So the appliance with a 5-star rating consumes less power than a similar appliance with a 3-star rating. So, the user saves power. For example, a 3-star AC can consume 1.5 units an hour, whereas a 5-star AC of the same brand could consume around 0.75 units an hour. Thus, you save money in the long run.
Yes. The 5-star appliances in any category are more expensive than corresponding appliances with lower star ratings. However, the 5-star rated appliances consume less power. So, the user saves money.
No. BEE does not test every appliance for its energy efficiency. Instead, the manufacturers test each appliance and submit the relevant information to BEE. However, BEE can conduct surprise checks if it has any doubts. Besides, manufacturers must maintain a market reputation. So they do not misrepresent facts.
Manufacturers test each appliance under test conditions in the factory. But the appliance’s performance in real-life situations in user homes can vary because of the different conditions. However, the star ratings are reasonably accurate.
Users should look out for the following aspects when purchasing star-rated appliances.
The date of the rating: BEE ratings are valid for specific periods. They change over time. So, a 5-star appliance in 2020 might become a 3-star product in 2023. So users should purchase products with recent manufacturing dates.
BEE ratings are unavailable for all products: We have already discussed various products needing mandatory ratings. Besides, we have seen appliances whose ratings are voluntary. In addition, some appliances, like 3-door refrigerators, do not have any ratings. Similarly, 4K TVs do not have ratings. Appliances imported in a wholly assembled form do not need BEE star ratings.
Look at the ROI: Though 5-star rated appliances save power, they are considerably expensive. So users should do the economics of power consumption and perform a costing analysis before purchasing a 5-star rated product. A 3-star or 4-star product from the same brand can be more economical.
Final Thoughts
We trust that the BEE star rating concepts are now clarified. While a higher-rated appliance saves power in the long run, much depends on usage patterns. Users should be careful when using electrical and electronic appliances.
Factors like power surges can damage the equipment and reduce the appliance’s lifespan. Therefore, investing in voltage stabilizers, especially Air Conditioners and refrigerators, is advisable to extend the appliance’s lifespan. Nevertheless, star ratings are crucial, and users should know everything about them.