What is ISEER (Star Ratings): How They Help Save On Electricity Bills

ISEER can be curious to discuss? Come on, let’s dive into this particular topic. 

Government of India recognized the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2002 under the aspect of Energy Conservation Act 2001. Then, the major objectives of BEE are to decrease energy intensity within the Indian economy and to promote the use of well-organized energy equipment and devices. In addition, to endorse energy competence and preservation, BEE familiarized a star rating system (can be rated from 1-5).

Where does the rating be applicable?

It applies to numerous electrical appliances like air conditioners, ceiling fans, color televisions, direct cool refrigerators, LED lamps, water heaters, frost-free refrigerators, washing machines, etc., which are generated for power consumption. Although the star rating system is a category system, the manufacturer must maintain the label representing the value of electricity the appliance is likely to drink under pre-set conditions. 

EER of Air Conditioner:

Prior, the star rating of ACs in India was implemented for Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). At the same time, the EER is termed as a ratio of cooling capacity to power input. Hence, air conditioners with higher EER are recommended, as these are more competent. Generally, the EER of an air conditioner is calculated concerning the particular condition, i.e., 35 degrees C, 27 degrees C indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and 50% relative humidity.

In accordance with many countries, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is utilized for measuring the air conditioner’s energy efficiency. There, you have the season-wise difference in temperature, the amount of cooling, and, therefore, the amount of energy mandatory, which will also differ from season to season.

Why Did Inverter ACs Not Have Star Rating Earlier?

Though the purpose of any air conditioner is to reduce or cool down the space, the way cooling can happen at a fixed speed. In which, the ACs may differ from the way it happens in Inverter ACs. In which the technology is quite easy. Fixed Speed ACs consist of the static cooling capacity (only for tonnage) & fixed input wattage; Inverter ACs have changing cooling capacity concerning the input wattage. Here, the definition of efficiency for a fixed-speed AC has given below, which is quite easy:

Also read, 7 Reasons Why your AC is Not Cooling Properly

EER (or COP) = Output Wattage (or cooling capacity) ÷ Input Wattage.

Hence,

  • EER Stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio
  • COP stands for Coefficient of Performance

While you calculate the EER/COP of fixed-speed ACs and calculate the fixed ranges, BEE will be divided by all the fixed-speed models in the market. This can be implemented by using the five groups of different star ratings. But this sort of action can be well-suited when you notice a fixed output wattage & fixed input wattage. But it is quite important that the Inverter AC was very hard as both the input and output wattages show differences.

Also read about best dual inverter ac and its benefit.

What is EER? Why is it called ISEER?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) consists of a grading system called Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This is highly meant for the home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and eventually electrical equipment. For example, air conditioners can be rated in BTU (short for British Thermal Unit) despite their volumes and weight. This BTU number claims you how fast an air conditioner can cool a room, with a fixed temperature outside.

But the temperatures across India might vary and can show you an extreme change through the seasons; the EER standards method of scheming performance was less than ideal. In addition, air conditioners utilize more energy, resulting in high electricity bills. Therefore, BEE defined a new seasonal EER rating standard called ISEER in India.

BEE – What the label means?

Here, you can notice any major changes to the BEE power savings label, excluding the word ISEER on it. In which the new label has star ratings listed on the top and holds other details like 

  • Star ratings
  • Annual electricity consumption units
  • Manufacturer unique identification number
  • Product details and a BEE logo are below.

How is ISEER different?

ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio)

ISEER is termed as a rating standard and was made mandatory in 2018. Whereas the recently introduced ISEER rating standard, the existing EER star rating brackets were reviewed. Eventually, try to remember that the ratings are quite different for the Window and Split air conditioners. 

1.    Cooling Seasonal Energy Consumption (CSEC) – It is the calculation of the Total annual amount of energy (electricity) used up by the equipment when it is functioning for cooling only in an active mode.

2.    Cooling Seasonal Total Load (CSTL) – It is the term of the Total annual amount of heat removed from the indoor air while the equipment is functioning for cooling in active mode.

3.    Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) – It shows the ratio of the total annual amount of heat that the equipment are removed from the indoor air when working for cooling in active mode with respect to the total annual amount of energy used up by the equipment during the same period.

ISEER ratings for Window ACs(Fixed and Variable speed ) ISEER ratings for Split ACs(Fixed and Variable speed )
Star levelMinimumMaximum Star levelMinimumMaximum
1 Star2.502.69 1 Star3.103.29
2 Star2.703.89 2 Star3.303.49
3 Star2.903.09 3 Star3.503.99
4 Star3.103.29 4 Star4.004.49
5 Star3.30  5 Star4.50 

Note: It’s always better to Remember it’s not fair enough to compare the star ratings of a split air conditioner to the window air conditioner. 

For example: A 4-star window air conditioner might not have the same efficiency as a 4-star split air conditioner. Therefore, most manufacturers are dropping their Window ACs line-ups and looks-up the Split AC. Eventually, many of these are highly inverter based. Hence, this is how their function leads to better energy efficiency when compared to the non-inverter models. 

How is ISEER calculated?

The motive behind the EER and ISEER star ratings is quite similar. Star ratings are the modest component when it comes to the comparison of any AC models. When you are interested in describing the ISEER ratio, it highly gives you a simpler form or output. You can even read more using the official BEE website.

In reference to the previous discussion, ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a rating system which is introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India, aimed at supporting consumers to select energy-efficient air conditioning (AC) systems that can help lessen their electricity bills. The ISEER rating specifies the energy efficiency of an AC system and depends on several factors, including the AC’s cooling capacity, EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), and the climatic conditions in which the AC is likely to be used.

Whereas, by selecting AC with a high ISEER rating, you have a chance to reduce your electricity consumption and which can minimize your electricity bills. This is due to a more energy-efficient AC system which consumes less power to generate the same amount of cooling, reducing the amount of electricity you need to run it. Moreover, the ISEER rating considers the local climate, which shows that the AC with a high ISEER rating in one region may not be the most efficient in another.

Factors to be considered while calculating ISEER?

ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is calculated with the help of complex formula that takes into account numerous factors, including:

1.    Cooling capacity: The cooling capacity of the air conditioner is represented as the amount of heat it can remove effectively from the room on an hourly basis.

2.    Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): The EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity of the AC reference to the power it consumes. The EER is measured based on laboratory tests shown under standardized conditions.

3.    Climate data: The ISEER calculation considers the local climate conditions, like average temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. At the same time, this is due to an AC system’s efficiency, which can differ depending on the local weather conditions.

The formula for calculating ISEER depends on a weighted average of the EER and the energy

consumption of the AC over a year, considering the local climate conditions. The formula is as follows:

ISEER = (EER1 x T1 + EER2 x T2 + … + EER12 x T12) / (T1 + T2 + … + T12)

Where EER1,

EER2, …, and EER12 are the EER values for every 12 months of the year, and T1, T2, …, and T12 are the respective monthly cooling hours for each of the 12 months.

The ISEER value is expressed as a ratio and is typically expressed to one decimal place.

A higher ISEER value directs a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, while a lower ISEER value specifies a less efficient system.

In summary, ISEER helps save on electricity bills by fetching consumers with a consistent, easy-to-understand rating that shows the energy efficiency of various AC systems, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions & dropping their energy consumption.

FAQs:

What is the iseer label?

This label shows you the new label has star ratings listed on the top and other details like star ratings, annual electricity consumption units, manufacturer unique identification number, product details, and a BEE logo below. 

How is ISEER different? 

The ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio) rating standard has been declared mandatory since 2018.

Can iseer be used for fixed-speed AC?

Here, the aim of ISEER can also be utilized for fixed-speed ACs. Whereas the rating standards of fixed-speed ACs will be constant as per the EER. From this, we have noticed that- even a BEE 2 or 3-star rated inverter AC would be equal to or better than a BEE 5-star rated split AC of fixed speed type.

Mageshwari
Mageshwari
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