The recent proposals regarding air conditioning aim to regulate the operational temperature of air conditioners between 24°C and 28°C. This initiative is designed to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate electricity consumption as the usage of air conditioning systems continues to rise.
These updated norms were introduced by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at a recent conference. They build upon the 2018 initiative established by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which operates under the Ministry of Power.
In 2018, the BEE recommended that major commercial establishments, such as airports, hotels, shopping malls, and government buildings, adopt energy-efficient temperature settings. These guidelines were voluntary, urging a default AC temperature of 24°C.
By 2020, the government mandated that all newly manufactured air conditioners must have a preset temperature of 24°C. Despite this, users retained the ability to adjust settings according to personal preferences.
The 2025 proposals introduce a significant shift by proposing that air conditioners be hardwired to operate strictly within the temperature range of 24°C to 28°C. This standardization aims to further reduce energy consumption compared to previous policies.
The urgency of these proposals arises from India's rapidly rising cooling demand. As temperatures increase and urbanization accelerates, a greater number of households are expected to install air conditioners, potentially leading to a substantial rise in electricity demand.
The BEE forecasts that India's total air conditioning load could reach 200 GW by 2030. Currently, India's cooling demand is approximately 50 GW, which constitutes about 20% of the country's peak power load.
Presently, only about 6% of Indian households utilize one or more air conditioners. However, this figure is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade.
Countries such as Japan have already implemented default temperature regulations for air conditioning units. For instance, Japan encourages a default setting of 28°C in offices and public buildings to promote energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Despite the new regulations, individuals will still have the flexibility to adjust their AC settings, provided they remain within the designated range of 24°C to 28°C.
Q1. What is the purpose of the new AC temperature-control proposals?
Answer: The proposals aim to limit air conditioner settings to 24°C-28°C to enhance energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption as usage increases in India.
Q2. Who proposed the new AC guidelines?
Answer: The updated norms were proposed by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at a recent conference, building on previous recommendations from the BEE.
Q3. How does the 2025 proposal differ from previous guidelines?
Answer: Unlike earlier guidelines, the 2025 proposal mandates that air conditioners must operate within a fixed temperature range, promoting standardized energy-efficient controls.
Q4. What is the projected air conditioning load in India by 2030?
Answer: The BEE estimates that India's air conditioning load could reach 200 GW by 2030, up from the current demand of about 50 GW.
Q5. Can individuals adjust their AC temperatures under the new guidelines?
Answer: Yes, individuals can adjust their AC settings, but they must remain within the mandated range of 24°C to 28°C.
Question 1: What is the temperature range proposed for air conditioners in India?
A) 22°C to 26°C
B) 24°C to 28°C
C) 20°C to 25°C
D) 23°C to 27°C
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: In which year did the BEE first recommend energy-efficient temperature settings?
A) 2015
B) 2018
C) 2020
D) 2022
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who introduced the new proposals for air conditioner regulations?
A) Prime Minister
B) Union Power Minister
C) Bureau of Energy Efficiency
D) Ministry of Environment
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What was the default temperature setting mandated in 2020 for new air conditioners?
A) 25°C
B) 24°C
C) 26°C
D) 23°C
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which country has implemented similar temperature regulations for air conditioners?
A) India
B) Japan
C) China
D) USA
Correct Answer: B
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