Opinion Not so cool: Government’s rule setting AC temperatures, and its impact

While detailed guidelines are still awaited, the proposed regulation is expected to apply primarily to new room air-conditioners purchased after it comes into effect. Manufacturers have indicated that implementing the change would take just two to three months, as it largely involves modifying temperature presets. However, large commercial spaces such as malls and corporate offices are likely to remain outside the scope of this mandate. They are typically cooled by centralised air-conditioning systems, and enforcing such controls in those settings would be far more complex.

Who will actually be affected by such regulations? National-level data on actual AC temperature settings does not exist, but surveys indicate only a small share of households set their ACs below 20°C. Moreover, many of those who do may be doing so under a common misconception that setting a lower temperature cools the room faster. Actually, the cooling rate depends on the capacity of the AC and not the temperature setting. A 1.5-ton AC cooling a room from 28°C will do so at roughly the same rate whether it’s set to 24°C, 20°C, or even 16°C.

Another common misconception is that an indoor setting of 20°C will not feel cool enough when outdoor temperatures are higher. In reality, 20°C should be comfortable regardless of whether it’s 35, 40, or even 45 degrees outside. As long as the AC is correctly sized, well-designed, and equipped with a reliable thermostat, thermal comfort should not be compromised due to a limit on the temperature setting.

The change may directly affect only a small subset of users who prefer to keep their living spaces below 20°C. And this brings us to the heart of the matter. Should the government micro-manage individual choices in the interest of the greater good? It’s a valid concern. A useful parallel is the helmet law, which governments enforce for public benefit, although wearing a helmet is primarily a matter of personal safety. The proposed AC regulation similarly treads the line between personal freedom and collective responsibility.

However, as the regulation will affect a small group, its total impact on energy use and emissions will likely be limited. That said, it serves an important purpose in raising public awareness about the responsible use of ACs. It also builds on earlier government initiatives, such as setting 24°C as the default temperature in ACs and recommending the same for malls and office spaces. Still, more systemic measures are urgently needed to truly address the issue of rising electricity demand for air-conditioning. While ACs offer much-needed comfort from heat, they are also energy-intensive. Most of India’s electricity still comes from coal, which contributes heavily to global climate change. When large numbers of people use ACs simultaneously, it strains the electricity grid, increasing the risk of power cuts.

There are several measures that can be adopted to address this growing challenge. A better building design can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for air-conditioning. While energy-efficient building codes already exist, their implementation has been limited and inconsistent.

The efficiency of ACs themselves should improve. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) mandates a star-rating system, with 1-star models being the least efficient and 5-star models the most efficient. Only about 20 per cent of ACs purchased in the market today are 5-star variants. Furthermore, the efficiency thresholds that determine these ratings remain lenient. While BEE periodically revises them, the current trajectory in place till 2028 leaves ample room for tightening and greater ambition. These regulatory efforts should be complemented by greater public awareness and targeted incentives. Measures such as mandatory public procurement of 5-star ACs, lower GST rates for high-efficiency models, and exchange programmes for older ACs could help shift the market toward more efficient models.

While air-conditioners have become essential for coping with rising heat, India needs a comprehensive strategy to address the growing energy demand, environmental impact, and infrastructure strain associated with cooling. The proposed temperature regulation is a small but sensible step in the right direction.

The writer is fellow, Prayas (Energy Group)