India’s new AC rule: The Modi government, through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, is actively developing new guidelines that will soon mandate a fixed default temperature range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius for all air conditioners used in homes, offices, and vehicles.
This initiative is a significant shift aimed at addressing several critical issues:
- Energy Efficiency and Lowering Burden on the Power Grid:
Reducing Electricity Consumption: The primary driver for this change is to improve energy efficiency. Many people habitually set their ACs to very low temperatures (sometimes as low as 16°C), which significantly increases electricity consumption. The BEE estimates that every 1°C increase in AC temperature can reduce energy consumption by approximately 6%. By standardising the range, the government aims to curb this excessive usage.
Managing Peak Demand: India’s electricity demands are reaching unprecedented highs, with recent peaks hitting 241 GW on June 9, 2025. This surge is largely attributed to soaring temperatures and the widespread use of cooling appliances. By regulating AC temperatures, the government seeks to ease the immense pressure on the power grid, especially during peak summer months, and prevent blackouts.
Long-term Savings: Studies, like one by the University of California, Berkeley, suggest that stricter energy rules for ACs could save up to 60 gigawatts of peak demand by 2035, potentially avoiding the need to spend ₹7.5 trillion ($88 billion) on new power plants and grid infrastructure.
Consumer Savings: Lower electricity consumption translates directly into reduced electricity bills for consumers.
- Health Benefits:
Preventing Temperature Shock: Doctors and health experts highlight that setting ACs to excessively low temperatures and then stepping into scorching outdoor heat can cause “temperature shock” to the body, leading to headaches, fatigue, sinus issues, and worsening conditions like migraines.
Maintaining Body’s Natural Regulation: The human body is designed to regulate its own temperature. Artificially cold environments can disrupt this natural thermoregulation, potentially leading to discomfort or illness. An ideal temperature range (often cited as 24-26°C for comfort and health) allows the body to function most efficiently.
Respiratory Health: Very cold ACs can dry out mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and eyes, making them less effective at trapping pathogens and increasing the risk of infections. Damp, cold environments can also promote fungal growth, which is particularly risky for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
Improved Sleep: Some experts suggest that sleeping in a slightly warmer, rather than too cold, room can promote better sleep as muscles relax more easily.
- Standardisation and Uniformity:
Consistency Across Sectors: The new guidelines will apply to ACs in homes, offices, hotels, and even vehicles, aiming to bring uniformity to AC usage across various sectors.
Industry Compliance: AC manufacturers will need to reprogram their devices or provide software updates to ensure compliance with the new 20°C-28°C range. This is largely a software change, which industry officials believe will be relatively easy to implement.
Existing BEE Recommendations and Context:
It’s worth noting that the BEE has previously recommended an ideal indoor temperature of 24-25°C for optimal comfort and energy savings. Since 2020, all star-rated ACs in India have been mandated to have a default setting of 24°C. The new guidelines aim to make this recommendation a mandatory operating range, preventing users from cooling below 20°C or warming above 28°C.
This move aligns India with other countries like Japan, which has already implemented similar regulations for AC temperature settings.
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