By Kavita Mistry 
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, India is preparing to cap the temperature range of air conditioners. Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that ACs in India may soon only cool up to 20°C and heat up to 28°C, as part of a nationwide temperature standardisation plan.
This means users may no longer be able to cool their rooms below 20°C or heat beyond 28°C, a move that is being framed as an energy efficiency experiment.
Why This Move Matters
The decision aligns with India’s broader goals to:
- Cut down electricity usage
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Tackle climate change
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has already set a default AC temperature of 24°C for all star-labelled room ACs. Now, they are working on setting a minimum temperature limit on AC remotes to further nudge users toward smart energy practices.
Comfort Vs Conservation
Traditionally, Indians set room temperatures between 20°C to 22°C for maximum cooling. However, experts recommend 24°C to 26°C as ideal for both comfort and energy savings. By locking in a range of 20°C to 28°C, the government aims to strike a balance between personal comfort and national sustainability goals.
Seeking Public Input
In March, BEE launched a public consultation inviting feedback on:
- Optimal temperature settings
- Transitioning to 5-star-rated ACs
- Incorporating renewable energy
- Addressing cost and accessibility concerns
- Introducing market incentives like buyback and financing schemes
A Step Towards Energy-Aware India
With the AC market booming in India, this bold policy direction seeks to reshape cooling habits and promote eco-friendly choices. While some may resist these limits initially, the long-term benefits for the power grid, climate, and consumer electricity bills could be substantial.
As the initiative rolls out, it may set a precedent for other countries facing similar environmental and energy challenges.