ACs in India Will Soon Be Locked Between 20°C & 28°C for Homes, Offices and Even Cars – Govt’s Big Move Explained
In a groundbreaking move to regulate air conditioning usage nationwide, the Indian government has announced that all air conditioners (ACs) will soon be restricted to a temperature range of 20°C to 28°C. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar revealed the new mandate on Tuesday, calling it a first-of-its-kind experiment to standardize cooling and heating settings across residential, commercial, and automotive sectors.
Why the New AC Temperature Regulations?
The decision comes amid growing concerns over climate change, rising energy demands, and excessive power consumption due to extreme cooling settings. Currently, many ACs allow temperatures as low as 16°C or as high as 30°C, leading to unnecessary energy wastage.
Khattar explained, “We have decided the minimum temperature of ACs will be fixed at 20°C and the maximum at 28°C to bring uniformity in usage and reduce excessive power consumption.”
Impact on Energy Efficiency & Consumer Savings
The new rule is expected to:
✔ Boost energy efficiency by preventing extreme cooling/heating
✔ Reduce sudden spikes in electricity demand
✔ Lower power bills for households and businesses
This aligns with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 2020 mandate, which set the default AC temperature at 24°C for star-labelled appliances. Commercial buildings were advised to maintain temperatures between 24°C and 25°C for optimal energy savings.
What Changes for Consumers?
- Residential & commercial ACs will no longer operate below 20°C or above 28°C
- Car AC systems will also follow the same restrictions
- Manufacturers must update temperature control settings to comply
A Step Towards Sustainable Cooling
The government’s move highlights India’s commitment to sustainable energy practices while balancing user comfort. If successful, this could set a precedent for other nations facing similar energy challenges.
