Energy Label No.5 & the 1–5 Stars
The No.5 label on air-conditioners, fridges and washing machines — what is it, why do some models carry 1–5 stars, and how many baht more does a 5-star really save? This page explains EGAT's energy-saving label system in plain terms: what "No.5" and the star count mean, how to read the figures on the label, and how to use it to shop so your bill actually drops.
The No.5 energy label shows an appliance's energy-efficiency level and is issued by EGAT (the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) — the higher the number, the more efficient, with No.5 being the most efficient. The newer label adds a “star” system (1–5 stars) on top of No.5, because nearly every product now reaches No.5, so the star count separates them more finely — more stars = less power used. The label prints “electricity used (kWh/yr)” and an “approximate annual cost (THB/yr)” so you can compare models on the spot; the difference in THB/yr between two models is the money you save per year.
Summary: Label No. 5 and the 1–5 Stars in Five Lines
Short answers to the most-searched questions — details in the sections below:
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What is Label No. 5? | EGAT's energy-saving label: it shows the model met the top energy-efficiency level — the higher the number, the more efficient. |
| What are the 1–5 stars? | Sub-levels within No. 5 — every starred model has already passed No. 5, and more stars = less electricity for the same use (the maximum star count differs by product type). |
| Where do I see the saving in baht? | The estimated electricity cost (THB/year) and units/year printed on the label — subtract one model from the other for the yearly difference. |
| Which appliances carry it? | Many categories, e.g. air conditioners, fridges, fans, washing machines, lamps, kettles, water heaters — and the list keeps growing. |
| Where can I verify a model? | The physical label on the unit/box, and EGAT's Label No. 5 search (labelno5.egat.co.th) by brand and model. |
What Is the Energy-Saving Label No.5?
Note: the No.5 label is distinct from other agencies' efficiency labels (e.g. HEPS/TIS or carbon labels) — this page is specifically about EGAT's No.5 energy-saving label.
No.5 With 1–5 Stars: How Do They Differ?
The stars subdivide efficiency *within* No.5 — every starred model already passed No.5, but more stars mean more efficient (fewer units per year under the same use). Five stars is therefore the most efficient level available in that product category — the maximum star count and the kWh/yr thresholds per star vary by product type, so check each model on the actual label or EGAT's lookup.
| Label level | What it means |
|---|---|
| No.5 | Passes the original top efficiency bar (the base for stars) |
| No.5 ★ (1 star) | One step more efficient than standard No.5 |
| ★★ – ★★★ (2–3 stars) | Uses less power as the star count rises |
| ★★★★★ (5 stars) | The most efficient in that category (the top available) |
The maximum star count varies by product and criteria are revised periodically — verify a model's actual stars on EGAT's No.5 label lookup (labelno5.egat.co.th).
How to Read How Many Baht/Year the New Label Saves
The stars / number — the quick efficiency level (more = more efficient)
Approximate annual cost (THB/yr) — the number for comparing model to model
Electricity used (kWh/yr) — the energy amount, independent of a fluctuating tariff
Model / brand — use it to verify the real star count at labelno5.egat.co.th
Good to know: the label's “THB/yr” is computed from standard hours and a standard tariff set by EGAT, so it is a “compare-models” figure, not your home's real bill — for your actual cost by usage, see what each appliance costs or try the home bill calculator.
More Stars but a Higher Price — Worth It? Work Out the Payback from the Label
The label tells you "baht saved per year" but not how many years until the price gap pays back. Three steps (the right-hand column is a hypothetical example to show the method only — substitute the real label and price-tag figures):
| Step | What to do | Hypothetical example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Yearly cost difference | THB/year of the fewer-star model − THB/year of the more-star model | 1,100 − 850 = 250 THB/year |
| 2. Price difference | Price of the more-star model − price of the fewer-star model | Say a gap of 2,000 THB |
| 3. Payback years | Price gap ÷ yearly cost difference, then compare with how many years you expect to keep the appliance | 2,000 ÷ 250 = 8 years → worth it if you'll keep it longer than 8 years |
The label's THB/year assumes EGAT's standard usage hours and tariff. If your household runs the appliance longer, the real gap is bigger and payback is faster. For a figure that fits your home, use (units/year of model A − units/year of model B) × your bill's average cost per unit (total ÷ units) — see how to read both on your bill in how to calculate your electricity bill.
Efficient appliances help keep the bill under a benefit ceiling
For homes near a benefit ceiling, choosing high-star appliances genuinely cuts kWh/yr — e.g. holders of the 315-THB welfare-card electricity benefit who must keep the bill at or under 315 THB/month find switching to low-consumption units a durable way to shed units — see air-con cost and water-heater cost, the home's biggest draws.
About the Author
Compiled by the CapSolar team under Frank Lee (Founder). CapSolar is a commercial & industrial solar EPC/PPA provider in Thailand that condenses energy and electricity topics from official sources so households and businesses can decide with confidence. For per-model label criteria, rely on EGAT's data.
FAQ
The Next Saving Step: Know Which Machines Really Cost You
High-star appliances help to a point, but the real bill depends on how you use them. Calculate your home bill from actual units — and if it's still high, generating your own power with solar is the next saving step. CapSolar assesses free from your real bill.