The Centre, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has notified new energy performance standards for room air-conditioners. The Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from (3.30-5.00) for split and (2.70-3.50) for window ACs. Additionally, the 24-degree Celsius default setting has been made mandatory for all room ACs covered under the ambit of the BEE star-labelling programme. These performance standards came into effect from January 1.

“All brands and types of star-labelled room ACs, namely multi-stage capacity ACs, unitary ACs and split ACs which are rated from one star to five stars based on their relative energy efficiencies up to a rated cooling capacity of 10,465 watts (9,000 kcal/hour) and manufactured, commercially purchased or sold in India, shall ensure a default setting of temperature in the room ACs at 24 degrees Celsius with effect from January 1,” the notification states.

BEE launched the voluntary star-labelling programme for fixed-speed room ACs in 2006, and this programme became mandatory on January 12, 2009. In 2015, a voluntary star-labelling programme for inverter room ACs was launched and which was made mandatory with effect from January 1, 2018.

The BEE star-labelling programme for room ACs now covers both fixed and inverter room ACs up to a cooling capacity of 10,465 watts. Continual enhancement in performance levels has resulted in substantial energy efficiency improvement of about 43 per cent in the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for split units, which are the most popular ACs sold in the market.

The star labelling programme has led to an estimated 4.6 billion units of energy savings in FY2017-18 and a cumulative energy savings of 46 billion units translating to 38 million tonnes of carbon emission reduction.

What is ISEER?

The Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) is an evolved rating methodology for ACs that factors in variance in higher temperature in India and rates ACs accordingly. ISEER measures energy efficiency of ACs based on a weighted average of the performance at outside temperatures between 24 and 43 degrees Celsius based on Indian weather data.

As per the Indian Weather Data Handbook, 2014, the weather profile of 54 major cities shows that 65 per cent of the total number of hours in a year have a temperature above 24 degrees Celsius (5,778 hours out of 8,760). ACs in India have hitherto been tested under the IS 1391 at a standard operating conditions of outside temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. Star rating is given to manufacturers based on the test results provided by them as tested on the above standard.

About BEE

BEE is a statutory body under the power ministry. It develops policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the economy. BEE coordinates with consumers, agencies and other organisations to identify and utilise existing resources and infrastructure in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

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