How is BEE Star Rating decided for electrical appliances?
With climate change and global warming being one of the biggest threats facing us today, the Government of India under the Ministry of Power formed the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) which provides a star rating of electrical appliances. The BEE star rating program was initiated in 2006 by the Government of India. The energy star rating informs consumers about the energy efficiency of electronic appliances. The ratings are given on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest and given to the most energy-efficient appliances. The star rating of appliances is decided by how efficiently they consume power and help save energy and costs.
The BEE star rating enables consumers to purchase highly efficient appliances, thereby reducing their energy consumption and electricity bills. Most households have heavy electronic appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, heaters and even ceiling fans which rake up your electricity bills. A smart, environmentally conscious consumer would definitely want to opt for an option that helps save not only energy but also costs, so these BEE star ratings help the end consumer and the environment simultaneously.
What are the Criteria for the BEE Star Rating of an Appliance?
When it comes to calculating the BEE star rating of a particular appliance, it all depends on the category it belongs to. Every category has a set of calculations and standards that are put together. The ratings depend on several factors like energy efficiency, power consumption and any other norms that are set by the BEE. However, it must be noted that a 5-star rated product doesn’t mean that it is the best product available in the market; it means that it ranks highest on energy efficiency.
How is the BEE Star Rating Decided?
BEE has set norms for manufacturers about the star rating of their products. The manufacturer tests each product in a NABL lab (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). NABL-accredited labs take a few days to test each new appliance that is launched in the Indian market. Depending on the NABL certificate provided by the NABL lab, the manufacturer can display the star ratings of their products.
The BEE tests each appliance before issuing a rating. They get the energy efficiency of certain appliances checked and take punitive actions against the company if they deliver lower efficiency than what its star labels suggest.
If consumers find out that the model’s performance is not as per the specifications on the label, then the consumer can submit a complaint to BEE which is backed by a deposit.
The BEE then tests the model, and if the results do not match the label specifications, the product is removed from the market and the BEE rating is lost.
The BEE star rating program is updated every year. As technology improves and more appliances are introduced in the market, guiding standards of the star ratings are upgraded to improve the efficiency of such devices. The process of star ratings differs between various categories. So, it is essential for manufacturers to adhere to the changing norms and standards of the industry and accordingly provide the right ratings to their consumers.
BEE has made star rating mandatory for ceiling fans from January, 2023 onwards. This will motivate people to buy energy efficient 5-star rated fans only.
More on NABL Accredited Labs
When shopping for energy-efficient products, always look for these star ratings that are provided based on the test conducted at an accredited NABL lab. The results manufacturers receive from NABL labs have to be submitted to the BEE and only then can a manufacturer display the star ratings to the consumers. For every appliance, a method of calculation is already defined. Based on these calculations, the market is analysed for existing products.
EER & SEER Ratings for Appliances
The BEE has a grading system called Energy Efficiency Ratio. EER means a ratio that is meant for home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners and other electrical appliances.
In 2016, BEE announced a new seasonal EER rating standard called ISEER rating for air conditioners. ISEER rating means Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is an evolution of the SEER method that was developed in the US. ISEER allows manufacturers to make more efficient air conditioners keeping in mind the Indian climatic conditions.
The BEE is enabling consumers to make an informed decision by providing these star ratings and thereby helping us keep our energy footprint in check. As a consumer, ensure to check these ratings before purchasing an electrical appliance for yourself.