How much electricity does a 1.5 ton 3 star AC use?

Air conditioners have become an integral part of homes and offices due to rising temperatures. When purchasing an air conditioner, one of the key considerations is the electricity consumption based on the tonnage, star rating, and ceiling AC price. Here is a detailed look at the electricity usage of a commonly purchased 1.5 ton 3 star AC.
Overview of 1.5 Ton 3 Star ACs
A 1.5 ton AC is suitable for rooms sized 121 to 180 square feet. The tonnage refers to the cooling capacity. A 3 star rating means the AC meets the 2021 Indian seasonal energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 3.1. This makes a 1.5 ton 3 star AC an energy efficient model suitable for small to medium rooms with a ceiling AC price that is affordable for most households and offices.
1.5 ton 3 star split ac price in India ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 45,000 depending on the brand and features. Leading brands offer 1.5 ton 3 star ACs in this price bracket.
Electricity Consumption of a 1.5 Ton 3 Star AC
The electricity consumption of an AC depends on several factors like temperature setting, room size, insulation, and usage hours. An AC requires more electricity to cool a room down to lower temperatures. Here is the approximate electricity usage.
- Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity of a 1.5 ton AC with a 3 star rating is 5100 Watts or 5.1 Kilowatts (KW). This indicates the rate of heat removal. The higher the capacity, the greater the electricity needed.
- Units of Electricity Consumed
A 1.5 ton 3 star AC consumes 1.5 to 2 units per hour on average. If used for 8 hours daily, it would consume 12 to 16 units. If the usage increases to 12 hours daily, electricity consumption rises to 18 to 24 units per day.
- Monthly and Yearly Consumption
Based on average usage of 8 hours daily for 30 days:
Monthly consumption: 360 to 480 units
Yearly consumption: 4,320 to 5,760 units
With 12 hours of usage per day, the consumption rises to:
Monthly: 540 to 720 units
Yearly: 6,480 to 8,640 units
These electricity usage patterns highlight why 3 star ACs lead to lower electricity bills over time.
Factors Affecting Electricity Consumption
Apart from star rating and daily usage, some other key factors impact 1.5 ton 3 star AC electricity consumption.
- Temperature Setting
Setting the AC at lower temperatures like 16°C to 18°C increases electricity usage by 20% to 40% compared to 24°C to 26°C. This is because the AC works harder to cool to lower temperatures.
- Room Size
The electricity consumption will be 15% to 20% higher in a larger 180 square feet room compared to a 120 square feet room. Larger spaces require more cooling.
- Thermal Insulation
Poor insulation leads to heat gain, forcing the AC to work extra to maintain the temperature. Proper insulation can reduce electricity usage by 10% to 15%.
- Maintenance
Regular AC service ensures optimum performance and efficiency. Lack of maintenance can increase electricity consumption by 8% to 12% due to issues like gas leakage or dust accumulation.
Comparison with 5 Star 1.5 Ton ACs
While 3 star 1.5 ton ACs have good energy efficiency, 5 star models perform even better. The best 5 star rated 1.5 ton ACs consume 10% to 15% less electricity compared to 3 star models. However, they also cost 15% to 25% more.
Over 5 years, the higher upfront cost gets offset by lower electricity bills. So for maximum savings, 5 star 1.5 ton ACs are a worthy investment.
Cassette air conditioner
In addition to traditional split air conditioners, you may also want to look at cassette air conditioners. Cassette air conditioner are concealed in the ceiling, with only the front panel being visible. They provide uniform cooling and take up zero floor space. Cassette ACs are also easy to clean and maintain as the filters are easily accessible through the front panel. They can be a great choice for rooms with limited wall space for wall-mounted split ACs or if you want an unobtrusive cooling solution.
Conclusion
I hope this detailed look at the electricity usage patterns of a 1.5 ton 3 star AC gives you a clearer picture. To summarize, at an average usage of 8 hours daily, it would consume 12 to 16 units daily, translating into a monthly consumption of 360 to 480 units. Opt for 5 star models for even better efficiency. Proper room size, temperature settings, insulation, and regular maintenance also minimize electricity wastage. The typical price range for a 1.5 ton 3 star split AC in India is Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 35,000.