India is Set to Air Conditioner Temperature Guidelines

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Environment

Context

• The Indian government is planning to adopt new standards to cap air conditioner (AC) temperature settings between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius to reduce peak power demand.

Rising Cooling Demand in India

• Cooling Demand Statistics: Cooling accounts for around 50 GW, or nearly 20% of India’s peak power demand.
• Growth in AC Usage: India currently has 10 crore ACs, with 1.5 crore units added every year.
• Energy-Saving Potential: Each 1°C increase in AC temperature leads to 6% electricity savings.

How do Air Conditioners Work?

• An AC works by pumping heat from one space to another. ACs remove heat from indoor spaces using a vapour-compression cycle involving a refrigerant (liquid).
• Key Components:
  • The evaporator absorbs heat and removes humidity.
  • Compressor compresses the vapour, consuming the most energy.
  • Condenser releases heat and transforms vapour back into liquid.
  • The expansion device regulates pressure and temperature before recirculation.

Need for Temperature Standardisation

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has recommended setting the default temperature at 24°C.
  • Temperatures at 18–21°C in public buildings (airports, hotels, offices) does not enhance cooling performance, but leads to energy wastage and discomfort due to excessively cold environments.
• Human Comfort Standards: According to the comfort chart, temperatures up to 25°C are comfortable when accompanied by adequate humidity and air movement.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining indoor temperatures above 18°C to avoid adverse health impacts like respiratory infections, hypertension, and reduced cognitive function.

What are the Challenges?

• Only 20% of ACs sold are 5-star rated. BEE’s efficiency rating thresholds are lenient and due for stricter revision by 2028.
• Despite having building codes like Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), implementation remains weak. Passive cooling designs must be incentivized.

Way Ahead

• Promote Passive Cooling Designs: Encourage architectural features like cross-ventilation, shaded facades, thermal insulation, and green roofs.
  • Incentivize through urban planning norms and affordable housing schemes.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers on the economic and health benefits of keeping ACs at 24–26°C.
• Stricter Energy Efficiency Norms: Gradually raise BEE standards and phase out inefficient models.

Concluding Remarks

• Air-conditioners are now indispensable in India due to rising temperatures, but unregulated and energy-intensive usage is straining both the power grid and the environment. 
• Setting a regulated temperature range is a strategic and health-conscious intervention. 
• However, to truly achieve sustainable cooling, complementary measures such as building design reforms, product efficiency upgrades, and public awareness campaigns must be integrated into a comprehensive national cooling policy.

Source: TH