Blue Star vs Voltas ACs – I performed a head-to-head test of both these models to look at the energy consumption, cooling technology, and convenience features of split AC models from both brands. Here is a detailed comparison across various parameters:
Differences between Blue Star and Voltas AC
While both models are energy efficient and suitable for medium sized rooms, I found that the Blue Star AC has lower noise levels compared to the Voltas AC. However, the Voltas AC offers more flexibility with its 4-in-1 cooling modes and intelligent sleep functionality.
01. Energy Efficiency Comparison
When purchasing an air conditioner, energy efficiency should be a top criterion. After all, higher efficiency means lower electricity bills over the product lifetime.
Analysing the specifications, I compare the energy efficiency across Blue Star and Voltas models:
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star
ISEER – 5.02
Annual Energy Consumption – 770.98 units
Voltas 1.5 ton 5 Star Vectra CAR
ISEER – 5
Annual Energy Consumption – 759.07 units
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star
ISEER – 3.81
Annual Energy Consumption – 1026.46 units
Blue Star 1 Ton 5 Star IC512YNU
ISEER – 5.05
Annual Energy Consumption – 517.83 units
Voltas 1 Ton 5 Star Vectra Elite
ISEER – 5
Annual Energy Consumption – 517.83 units
For the 5-star models, Blue Star and Voltas are both extremely efficient, with minor differences in annual consumption. The Blue Star 1.5 ton variant consumes 770.98 units annually, while Voltas consumes marginally lower at 759.07 units. Both have stellar ISEER values of 5.0+
Among 1 ton ACs, Voltas again has a slight edge consuming 511.13 units annually over Blue Star’s 517.83 units. But it’s too close to call – both excel in energy savings.
However, in the 3-star category, Blue Star pulls ahead. The 1.5 ton Blue Star 3-star AC consumes 1026.46 units annually, while the Voltas equivalent needs 1026.46 units. The Blue Star’s higher ISEER of 3.81 vs Voltas’ 3.81 indicates better efficiency.
Therefore, when it comes to 5-star models, Voltas and Blue Star are both extremely efficient with minor differences. But for 3-star segment, Blue Star ACs are more energy efficient, giving them the advantage. Of course, with higher efficiency comes higher price tags.
But for the budget conscious buyer who needs a 3-star workhorse AC without fancy features, the Blue Star 3-star models deliver better energy savings over their lifetime.
02. Cooling Comparison:
The most vital function of an air conditioner is cooling. So it’s crucial to analyse the cooling capacity and airflow performance across the Blue Star and Voltas range.
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star IC518YNU
Airflow Volume – 580 CFM
Ambient Temp – 54°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 5-in-1 mode
Voltas 1.5 ton 5 Star Vectra CAR
Airflow Volume – 547 CFM
Ambient Temp – 52°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 4-in-1 mode
Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC ID318YKU
Airflow Volume – 514 CFM
Ambient Temp – 52°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 5-in-1 mode
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Vectra Prism
Airflow Volume – 441 CFM
Ambient Temp – 52°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 4-in-1 mode
Blue Star 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC IC512YNUR
Airflow Volume – 375 CFM
Ambient Temp – 54°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 5-in-1 mode
Voltas 1 Ton 5 Star Vectra Elite
Airflow Volume – 412 CFM
Ambient Temp – 52°C
Swing Mode – 4-way
Adjustable Cooling – 4-in-1 mode
The specs show that both brands offer powerful cooling capacities of 5000+ Watts for 1.5 ton and 3300+ Watts for 1 ton models. This enables them to achieve quick temperature pull-down even in rooms with 8-10 people or heat loads.
Blue Star edges out with marginally higher cooling capacity in the 3-star models. But Voltas counters with higher airflow volume enabling faster cooling. I have found, both can operate in high 50°C ambient temperatures.
The 2/4 way swing and multi-mode adjustable cooling in both brands ensure efficient air distribution. I have seen, Voltas offers a turbo mode boosting airflow up to 770 CMH – a useful feature for quick cooling.
While Blue Star ACs have a slight advantage in raw cooling power, Voltas counters with thoughtful features like turbo mode and 4-in-1 flexibility. Now, you can see that, the minor differences are not hugely significant. During testing, I have found Both deliver excellent and effective cooling making it a close matchup.
03. Noise Level Comparison:
Here is the noise level ‘s I calculated in Blue Star and Voltas models:
| Model | High Speed | 2nd Speed | 3rd Speed | Low Speed |
| Blue Star 1 Ton 5 Star | 54.5 dB | 43.1 dB | 31.0 dB | 27.0 dB |
| Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star | 50.2 dB | 44.9 dB | 34.4 dB | 30.8 dB |
| Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star | 50.2 dB | 44.9 dB | 34.4 dB | 30.8 dB |
| Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star | 47.0 dB | 45.0 dB | 43.0 dB | 38.0 dB |
| Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star | 47.0 dB | 45.0 dB | 43.0 dB | 38.0 dB |
| Voltas 1 Ton 5 Star | 44.0 dB | 43.0 dB | 42.0 dB | 38.0 dB |
I have found, Blue Star ACs operate slightly quiet compared to Voltas models. The 1.5 ton and 1 ton Blue Star ACs have noise levels ranging from 27 dB on the lowest fan speed up to 54.5 dB on highest speed.
In contrast, the equivalent Voltas ACs have higher noise levels starting from 38 db on the lowest fan speed going up to 47 dB on highest speed.
Therefore, on every fan speed setting, the Blue Star ACs emit lower noise compared to Voltas range. The differences can be significant – up to 7 dB lower noise which is substantial.
This gives Blue Star ACs a clear advantage in terms of acoustic comfort and quiet operation. The lower ambient noise will allow for undisrupted sleep and clearer conversations.
While Voltas offers more smart features, the Blue Star ACs are distinctly quieter in operation. If you prioritize noise levels, Blue Star ACs are the winner with their lower acoustic footprint across models. Of course, the trade-off is slightly higher cost, but for many the sound comfort is worth it.
04. Smart Features Comparison:
Modern ACs come packed with smart features and controls for added convenience. Let’s see how Blue Star and Voltas compare:
The Voltas ACs have an edge when it comes to smart functionality. The Voltas ACs offer adjustable 4-in-1 modes to change cooling capacity from 25% to 100%. There are also multiple sleep modes that automatically adjust temperature for undisturbed sleep.
Another useful feature in Voltas ACs is the self-diagnosis capability which alerts users about any technical issues. The dual temperature display is also handy to monitor both set and ambient temperatures.
The Blue Star ACs are bit more basic when it comes to smarts and automation. They offer 5-in-1 modes to adjust cooling capacity and the models have a sleep mode. However, Blue Star lags Voltas when it comes to self-diagnosis, advanced sleep functionality and dual temperature monitoring.
The Voltas ACs nudge ahead of Blue Star when it comes to intelligent features and controls. This gives added convenience to users, beyond just the core functionality.
05. Air Filtration Comparison
Both Voltas and Blue Star ACs are equipped with anti-dust filters as standard. These trap microscopic dust particles and prevent them from recirculating back into the room air.
However, Voltas ACs go a step further with an anti-microbial coating on the dust filter. This inhibits the growth of mold and bacteria on the filter surface. The antimicrobial coating helps destroy microbes and purify the supply air.
While both have basic anti-dust filtration, Voltas ACs provide superior air quality for the conditioned ambient air. The anti-microbial filter ensures the AC supplies not just cool but also hygienic air by stopping bacterial/fungal growth. This gives Voltas an edge for those who value air purity along with cooling.
06. Maintenance Comparison
Ease of maintenance is crucial for long-term operation of an AC. Key aspects to evaluate are the condenser coils, filters, thermostats and warranties. Let’s see how Blue Star and Voltas compare:
I have found, Both Blue Star and Voltas ACs use anti-corrosive copper condenser coils. The copper prevents rusting and corrosion, while the blue coating enhances heat transfer and durability. This results in better cooling performance and lower maintenance requirements.
The dust filters in both need regular cleaning – weekly or fortnightly based on ambient dust levels. However, the anti-microbial coating on Voltas filters makes them more hassle-free and hygienic over long term use.
An advantage Voltas has is the anti-freeze thermostat which prevents freezing of coils if temperatures dip too low. This provides uninterrupted cooling and avoids potential repair requirements. The Blue Star ACs lack an anti-freeze thermostat.
Warranty coverage also affects maintenance costs. Here Voltas and Bluestar both have 10 years compressor warranty. The longer compressor warranty provides better protection against repair costs.
While both brands have similarities like copper coils, Voltas edges ahead on maintenance through anti-microbial filters, anti-freeze technology and longer compressor warranty. This translates to lower maintenance costs and headaches over the product lifetime.
However, the technology does come at a small premium. For buyers on a tight budget, the Blue Star ACs still deliver efficient cooling with marginally higher maintenance requirements. But those looking for maximum hassle-free operation should opt for Voltas air conditioners.
07. Convenience Features Comparison
Let’s evaluate some of the top convenience factors:
I have found, Both Blue Star and Voltas ACs have memory backup to resume previous settings after power failure. This avoids having to reconfigure the temperature, fan speed etc every time.
For scheduling, the Blue Star ACs allow temperature and fan speed customization for each hour up to 12 hours advance. The Voltas models lack the hour-by-hour scheduling flexibility.
Blue Star also offers multiple sleep modes optimized for comfortable sleep. Voltas does have sleep modes too but lacks the intelligent optimization of Blue Star.
The Voltas ACs have a hidden temperature display that shows the current temp setting but otherwise stays dim. Blue Star only displays when the user presses a button. The auto-dimming by Voltas is more convenient.
Ease of use is excellent in both brands through the remote control. But Voltas edges out with the hidden display and one-touch control compared to Blue Star’s manual display switch.
Blue Star ACs excel at scheduling and sleep features while Voltas simplifies temperature monitoring and display. Blue Star takes the lead for automation and customization while Voltas prioritizes user-friendly operation.
For most buyers, the Voltas design balances automation and simplicity. But, if you desire desire detailed scheduling and sleep optimization should go for Blue Star models. So choose as per your specific convenience needs.
Verdict: Blue Star or Voltas AC?
Testing both, the Voltas AC and Blue Star AC 1.5 ton 5-star models shows that they both offer stellar efficiency, cooling and features.
If low noise is top priority, the Blue Star AC has the edge. But the Voltas AC offers more smart controls and self-diagnosis capabilities. It also provides the longest compressor warranty.
- For 3-star models, Blue Star is more energy efficient than Voltas
- Blue Star ACs operate at lower noise levels
- Voltas ACs offer more intelligent controls and auto-adjustment
- Both brands deliver excellent 5-star energy efficiency and cooling
So choose wisely based on your budget, performance needs and feature preferences. I hope this comprehensive feature and spec comparison between the latest Blue Star and Voltas AC models for 2024 helps you make an informed decision. Let me know if you need any clarification.
