New Delhi, June 23 -- If you're planning to buy an air conditioner this summer, there's a good chance you'll make the same mistake that thousands of buyers make every year: focusing almost entirely on the star rating. For many shoppers, the BEE label has become the ultimate buying guide, with 5-star ACs often seen as the best option for lower electricity bills and superior performance.

But here's the catch: a star rating tells only part of the story. Under real-world conditions, a poorly chosen 5-star AC can sometimes consume more power and cool less effectively than a well-equipped 3-star model. That's because ACs are tested under controlled conditions, while Indian summers bring extreme heat, voltage fluctuations, dust, and varying roo...