LG Electronics India has begun selling air conditioners that comply with the upcoming 2026 Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) star-rating norms, becoming one of the earliest brands to transition to the stricter energy-efficiency framework. The company’s future-ready AC lineup has been available in the market since early January, well ahead of the peak summer buying window.
This early rollout ensures that consumers purchasing air conditioners ahead of the season are buying models aligned with the new efficiency benchmarks, rather than products built around outgoing standards. LG has aligned its manufacturing and supply chain to support the updated ratings, while older models will continue to be sold until existing inventory is cleared.
The shift is not limited to a single brand. Other major players, including Haier India, have also begun selling air conditioners aligned with the 2026 BEE norms, indicating that the industry’s transition is already underway. With early movers now active in the market, more AC brands are expected to follow in the coming months as the new standards move closer to wider enforcement.
Why the 2026 BEE Norms Matter for Buyers
The revised BEE framework raises efficiency thresholds across star categories. As a result, models that earlier qualified as 5-star under the older system may now fall into lower star bands, not because of reduced performance, but due to significantly tougher evaluation criteria. In effect, star ratings going forward will reflect higher real-world efficiency standards.
Industry estimates suggest that upgrading to a 5-star air conditioner under the 2026 norms could help households save up to ₹19,000 over a 10-year usage period, depending on electricity tariffs and usage patterns. For buyers focused on long-term operating costs, the updated ratings offer clearer guidance than ever before.
Smart Usage and Energy Control Take Centre Stage
Alongside higher efficiency benchmarks, brands are increasingly emphasising features that help manage everyday power consumption. LG’s lineup, for instance, includes tools such as geofencing-based Precool, which starts cooling automatically as users approach home, and Energy Manager+, which analyses past usage patterns to recommend operating hours and consumption targets.
As electricity costs rise and regulatory benchmarks tighten, the AC buying conversation is steadily shifting from headline cooling performance to lifecycle energy efficiency. With multiple brands already selling 2026-compliant models and more expected to join soon, the upcoming summer
