Stories / Power and bills
Power and bills
Most of the bill is decided before the AC is ever switched on. Star labels, inverters, tonnage, stabilisers and what a tripping MCB is telling you.
- Read the number, not just the starsThe ISEER rating on the BEE star label measures an AC's cooling per unit of electricity across Indian temperatures from 24 to 43 °C, and it is a better way to compare two ACs than the star count alone.
Inverter or fixed speedInverter vs non inverter comes down to hours of use: an inverter AC varies its compressor speed and usually uses less power over long hours, while a fixed-speed unit simply switches on and off, and may still suit a room used only briefly.
Measuring the room before you buyFor which ton AC suits which room size, LG India's guide gives up to 120 sq ft for 1 ton, 120–180 sq ft for 1.5 ton and 180–240 sq ft for 2 ton, and sun, a top floor or a crowd can push a room up a size.
Stabilisers and power cutsA voltage stabiliser for an inverter AC is often not needed where the supply stays inside the model's stated range, but check your manual, because some units and some areas still need one, and an electrician can measure your supply.
A burning smell means off, and it stays offWith an AC burning smell or sparks, switch off at the MCB and leave it off, and if there is smoke or fire, get everyone out and call the fire brigade from outside, without stopping to deal with the unit.