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.
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.
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.