Government Proposes New Rules for AC Temperature Settings

Government Proposes New Rules for AC Temperature Settings

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that in the coming times, the temperature of air conditioners (ACs) in homes, offices, and other places will not be set below 20 degrees Celsius. This decision is a major step towards regulating energy conservation.

Government Proposes New Rules for AC Temperature Settings

• The Government is Planning a New Regulation
• The government is preparing to implement a new rule under which new air conditioners will not operate at temperatures below 20°C.
• If a consumer purchases a new AC, they will not be able to set it to 16°C or 18°C. The temperature will be limited to a range between 20°C and 28°C.
• The government is working with AC manufacturing companies to develop new technologies for temperature control.
  • The software and hardware of ACs will be designed in such a way that they cannot cool below 20°C.
• The government is also planning to implement this rule in vehicle air conditioners.

Note: Currently, there is no legal obligation regarding AC temperature settings. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has long recommended that 24°C is the most energy-efficient temperature for ACs.

Why the Government is Implementing this Rule

• Increasing Power Consumption: India’s summer this year broke all previous records, leading to an unprecedented rise in electricity demand. In June 2025, the peak daily demand touched 241 GW, the highest ever, and is expected to reach 270 GW soon.
  • One of the main reasons for this surge is the heavy usage of ACs and other cooling appliances.
• Pressure on Power Grid: When ACs are run at very low temperatures, the compressor stays active longer, significantly increasing electricity consumption. Every 1°C increase in AC temperature can lead to approximately 6% savings in electricity usage.
  • This growing power demand puts direct pressure on the national grid, and if demand surpasses limits, it may result in blackouts, tripping, and load shedding.
• National Benefit: If a nationwide regulation on AC temperature is implemented, India could save approximately 20 billion units of electricity annually, greatly easing the energy crisis.
• Health Impact: Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 18°C can lead to high blood pressure, asthma, and respiratory illnesses, especially among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Environmental Protection: In a country like India where a large portion of energy is still generated from coal and conventional sources, controlling AC temperatures is environmentally critical.
  • It will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also help mitigate climate change effects.

Benefits of AC Temperature Control

• • Financial Relief for Consumers: According to the government, this policy could lead to direct savings of ₹18,000–₹20,000 crore over the next three years for millions of households and businesses. Restricting the temperature range to 20°C–28°C will reduce electricity usage, potentially cutting electricity bills by an average of 15–20%.
  • Sustainable Energy Solution: There are around 6 crore homes and 12 lakh commercial buildings in urban India using ACs. If all these consumers set their ACs between 22°C and 24°C, it could save 12–15 billion units of electricity annually.
    • This would reduce dependency on energy resources and eliminate the need for 4–5 new coal-based power plants.
  • Reduced Grid Load: Heavy AC usage during peak hours stresses the power grid. According to a University of California study, implementing a temperature control rule in India could reduce peak power demand by 60 GW by 2035. This would not only ease the load on the grid but also reduce instances of load shedding.

• Move Towards a Greener India: Standardizing temperature settings can significantly reduce the carbon footprint. This policy will support India’s international climate commitments, and strengthen the country’s transition towards green energy. It also promotes the idea of sustainable consumption.

• Boost to Smart Products: In the near future, smart ACs will enter the market that can monitor energy consumption, adjust temperatures based on weather, and offer user-friendly features to ensure efficient power usage.
  • Consumers will benefit from a better experience with low-consumption appliances.

Global AC Temperature Control Policies

• Italy: Under “Operation Thermostat”, Italy mandates that ACs in public buildings must be set to at least 27°C. Places like malls, airports, and stations strictly follow this rule, and violators face penalties.
• Spain: In Spain, public spaces must operate ACs at 27°C or higher during summers, and not exceed 19°C in winters. Although not mandatory for homes, the government advises citizens to adopt this standard voluntarily.
• Japan: Japan does not enforce a mandatory limit but promotes “Cool Biz”, an awareness campaign encouraging citizens to set ACs at 28°C. This model relies more on public cooperation and civic consciousness than legal enforcement.
• China: China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment recommends that ACs be kept above 26°C in summer and below 20°C in winter. This policy is based on a scientific guideline framework.
• Singapore: Singapore promotes “Go 25”, a campaign encouraging homes and offices to run ACs at 25°C or higher. This initiative aims not only at energy saving but also at long-term climate conservation.