New energy efficiency rating methodology for ACs

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has introduced a new star rating methodology called ISEER for air conditioners to address the issue of different climatic zones in India.

"Keeping the performance of air conditioners during higher temperature in mind, ISEER (Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) will address the different climatic zones in India and higher temperature," BEE said in a statement.

ISEER measures energy efficiency of air conditioners based on a weighted average of performance at outside temperatures between 24 and 43 degree Celsius based on Indian weather data.

This has evolved rating methodology factors in variance in higher temperature in India and rates air conditioners accordingly.

Consumers can now purchase air conditioners with higher efficiency leading to lower electricity bills.

As per Indian Weather Data Handbook, 2014, 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 deg C (5778 hours out of 8760).

Air conditioners in India have hitherto been tested under the IS 1391 at a standard operating conditions of outside temperature of 35 degree C. Star rating is given to manufacturers based on the test results provided by them as tested on the above standard, it said.

Talking about ISEER, BEE Secretary Sanjay Seth said in the statement that the new methodology for rating system will bring in higher energy efficiency of appliances and reduce energy consumption.

He further said that the standards have been developed while keeping changing Indian temperature in mind. Such innovations will help us achieve the objective sooner.

Ratings based on ISEER have been introduced on a voluntary basis for Variable Speed (Inverter) Air Conditioners since June 2015 and proposed to be merged with fixed speed air conditioners in the mandatory regime from January 2018.

Some of the leading manufacturers have already adopted the rating for inverter air conditioners, it added.