
When it comes to air conditioners, Blue Star is a name that resonates with reliability and cutting-edge technology. Known for their robust performance and durability, Blue Star ACs have been a trusted choice for many households. The Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC (IC518YNUR) 2023 model continues this legacy with features that promise efficient cooling and energy savings. Ideal for medium-sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft), this AC is designed to provide consistent comfort and peace of mind. Let’s explore what makes this AC stand out.
Build Quality and Design
Indoor Unit
The indoor unit of the Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC sports a sleek and modern design. With branding prominently displayed on the left and a clear LED temperature display on the right, it adds a touch of elegance to your room. The “AI Pro” and “Fast Cool” labels highlight its advanced cooling capabilities, ensuring you get both style and performance.
Anti-Corrosive Blue Fins
Incorporated with anti-corrosive Blue Fins, this AC effectively combats corrosion and leakage caused by harsh climates, rainwater, salty air, and humidity. These protective shields cover the condenser and evaporator coils, significantly enhancing the unit’s longevity and reliability. Imagine your AC standing strong against the elements, resilient and unwavering, providing uninterrupted comfort regardless of environmental challenges.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit is equipped with a copper condenser known for its superior heat transfer capabilities and durability. This ensures efficient cooling and a long lifespan for the AC, even in challenging weather conditions. The remote control is handy and features a circular display, differing from the more common square designs, adding a unique touch to its functionality.
Dimensions and Weight
- Indoor Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 96 cm x 32 cm x 21.5 cm
- Indoor Unit Weight: 11 kg
- Outdoor Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 88.84 cm x 58.15 cm x 36.7 cm
- Outdoor Unit Weight: 27.5 kg
Installation and Getting Started
Customers generally appreciate the prompt response from Blue Star’s official service centres and the availability of customer support. Once service requests are logged, follow-up is typically efficient. However, some users have posted online regarding issues with remote controls and other accessories.
Modes and Operation
The Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC offers a range of modes to cater to different cooling needs and preferences:
Auto Mode
Auto Mode automatically adjusts the cooling and fan speed based on the current room temperature. This mode ensures optimal comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature without the need for manual adjustments.
Cool Mode
Cool Mode is the standard mode for regular cooling. It allows you to set the desired temperature, and the AC works to maintain that temperature efficiently, providing consistent and reliable cooling.
Fan Mode
Fan Mode circulates air without cooling. This is useful for ventilation, especially when the outside temperature is pleasant and you don’t need active cooling. It helps keep the air moving and fresh.
Dry Mode
Dry Mode reduces humidity in the room, making the air feel cooler and more comfortable. This is particularly useful during the monsoon season or in areas with high humidity levels.
Sleep Mode
Sleep Mode optimises the temperature throughout the night to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. It gradually adjusts the temperature to prevent the room from becoming too cold or too warm, helping you sleep better without sudden temperature changes.
Standout Features
AI Pro
The AI Pro feature in the Blue Star Split Inverter AC adapts the cooling and fan speed based on both the room’s conditions and the outdoor temperature. This intelligent system ensures optimal comfort by making real-time adjustments, providing a consistently comfortable indoor environment regardless of external weather conditions.
Turbo Cool
Turbo Cool mode is designed for rapid cooling. When activated, it quickly lowers the room temperature, making it ideal for those extremely hot days when you need immediate relief from the heat. Just a tap of a button transforms your room into a cool haven, providing instant comfort.
5-in-1 Convertible Cooling
This AC offers five different cooling capacities, allowing you to adjust the cooling level based on your preference and the room’s requirements. Whether you need a gentle breeze or a powerful blast of cool air, the 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling mode provides the flexibility to tailor the cooling to your needs.
Smart Ready
The Smart Ready feature allows you to upgrade your AC to be compatible with voice commands for an additional cost. This means you can control your AC using simple voice instructions, adding a level of convenience that integrates seamlessly with modern smart home systems. However, we are yet to find someone that can shed light on how this works.
Quiet Performance
The Blue Star Split Inverter AC is designed to operate quietly, thanks to its acoustic jacket that reduces noise and vibrations. However, from our research, we found this to be slightly louder than some window ACs we’ve reviewed. It has a noise level of 51.1 dB, while most 1.5 Ton ACs from brands like LG, Haier and Hitachi maintain indoor noise levels between 34 to 38 dB. This might be more noticeable in quieter environments but is generally acceptable for most users.
Dust Filter and Antibacterial Filter
Equipped with a dust filter and an antibacterial filter, this AC ensures that the air you breathe is cleaner and healthier by trapping dust particles and preventing the growth of bacteria.
Cooling Performance
The AC’s tonnage is almost 1.6 tons, which, combined with a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of 580, provides robust cooling performance. This CFM is lower than the 2024 model of this AC, which means the newer model is likely to be more efficient at cooling the room quickly. It is designed to work effectively even at temperatures as high as 52 degrees Celsius, making it reliable during extreme summer conditions. The 2-way air throw ensures even distribution of cool air throughout the room, enhancing overall comfort. However, we prefer a 4-way air throw more.
Energy Efficiency
The Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC boasts a 5-star energy rating as per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 2023 standards. This high rating indicates that the AC is designed to provide significant energy savings, up to 25%, compared to non-inverter 1-star models. This efficiency not only helps in reducing electricity bills but also makes it an environmentally friendly option. The annual electricity consumption for this model is 770.98 kWh, making it an economical choice for long-term use.
Warranty and Maintenance
Comprehensive Warranty
Blue Star offers a robust warranty package for this AC:
- 1-Year Comprehensive Warranty: Covers the entire AC unit, ensuring peace of mind for the first year of use.
- 5 Years on PCB: Protects the printed circuit board, a crucial component of the AC.
- 10 Years on Compressor: Covers the compressor, which is the heart of the AC, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
This extensive warranty coverage underscores Blue Star’s confidence in the durability and quality of their product.
Value for Money
Priced at ₹44,490 on Flipkart, the Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC offers a solid mix of advanced features, robust performance, and energy efficiency. Given its comprehensive warranty and smart features, this AC provides good value for the investment, ensuring both comfort and cost savings over time.
Verdict
The Blue Star 1.5 Ton 5 Star Split Inverter AC (IC518YNUR) has powerful cooling capabilities. Its 5-star rating promises significant energy savings, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. The unit features a 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling system, allowing for adaptable cooling based on room size and usage, which can be a great feature for households with varying needs.
However, despite these advantages, some users have noted that the AC can be noisier than expected, particularly during its high-power cooling modes. The absence of advanced air purification features like anti-bacterial filters might also be a drawback for some users. Overall, this AC is a robust option for those looking for a smart, energy-efficient solution for medium-sized rooms, with the added convenience of smart control through a mobile app.
Disclaimer: The reviews are curated based on secondary sources and hands-on experience with demo units at brand outlets. Each model has been meticulously researched for cooling efficiency, energy savings, noise levels, and advanced features.