New Star Rating 2026 for Air Conditioners
From January 2026, all air conditioner (AC) manufacturers in India will follow a new ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) standard.
This means new ACs will be more energy-efficient than before — giving you more cooling for less electricity.
But here’s something important you should know — AC Prices are likely to increase once this new rule starts.
Let’s understand why.
What Is ISEER?
ISEER stands for Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
It shows how efficiently an AC uses power to cool your room.
✅ Higher ISEER = More efficient = Lower electricity bills
Old Star Rating Chart (Till Dec 2025)
Star Level | Minimum ISEER (kWh/kWh) | Maximum ISEER (kWh/kWh) |
1 Star | 3.3 | 3.49 |
2 Star | 3.5 | 3.79 |
3 Star | 3.8 | 4.39 |
4 Star | 4.4 | 4.99 |
5 Star | 5.0 | — |
New Star Rating Chart (Effective Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2028)
Star Level | Minimum ISEER (kWh/kWh) | Maximum ISEER (kWh/kWh) |
1 Star | 3.5 | 3.79 |
2 Star | 3.8 | 4.29 |
3 Star | 4.3 | 4.99 |
4 Star | 5.0 | 5.59 |
5 Star | 5.6 | — |
Comparison: What’s Changing?
Aspect | Current (Till 2025) | New (From 2026) | What It Means |
Efficiency | Lower | Higher | New ACs save more power |
ISEER Range | 3.3 – 5.0 | 3.5 – 5.6 | Stricter standards |
Price | Moderate | Higher | Due to advanced parts |
Cooling | Standard | Improved | More cooling for same energy |
Size | Compact | Bigger | Larger coils and compressors |
Why New ACs Will Cost More
To achieve better ISEER values, manufacturers will need to:
- Use bigger indoor and outdoor units
- Add high-efficiency compressors
- Include larger copper/aluminum coils
- Spend more on R&D and raw materials
This means production cost will rise, and AC prices may increase after January 2026.
Some brands might even start using multi-channel alloy condensers to keep prices lower, but performance may vary.
So, Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you’re planning to buy an air conditioner soon, here’s a smart suggestion:
Buy Now (Before 2026)
- Current models are already efficient.
- Prices are lower than what they’ll be after new rules.
- You’ll still get good savings on electricity.
Wait for 2026 Models
- You’ll get the latest technology and even higher energy savings.
- But expect a higher price tag and larger units.
Conclusion: Buying now is a wise financial decision.
You’ll get a great balance of price, performance, and energy efficiency.
Final Thoughts:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is continuously improving standards to make India greener and more energy-conscious.
From 2026 onwards, air conditioners will become more efficient — but also more expensive to produce.
So, if you’ve been planning to upgrade or buy a new AC, 2025 is the best time to make your purchase.