To combat the ongoing energy crisis and move towards sustainability targets, the Indian government is developing a policy that mandates temperature restrictions for air conditioners across the country.
According to multiple sources, new air conditioners will likely be programmed not to go cooler than 20°C, with the upper limit set at 28°C.
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently reported that lowering air conditioning by even a degree uses 6 per cent more energy.
The management of indoor temperatures is viewed as an important move to control non-essential energy use, carbon emissions, and energy load, especially in the peak summer months. A substantial increase in AC demand is anticipated, and is expected to continue increasing with a growth in India's economy and population.
Under the proposal, newly manufactured air conditioning units will be made available to buyers with limited temperature settings. End users would not be able to heat their spaces above 28°C or cool them below 20°C, as the units will operate at a factory setting within this band. Although this has not been implemented yet, it will be shortly.
It is worth noting that this is not only seen in India. For decades, countries like Japan have recommended doing this for potential energy reduction during the summer months, specifically suggesting that individuals turn their ACs to 28°C. In a similar manner, the US Department of Energy recommends household thermostats be set to ranges of 24-26°C when individuals are at home, and higher when they are not.
In that regard, the European Union has released recommendations advising public buildings to keep their thermostats at or above 25°C during the summer.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), India could become the largest user of cooling energy by 2050 without more proactive efficiency standards. In urban areas, air conditioners already draw approximately 40 per cent of electricity consumed during the hottest summer months.
While consumer responses to the change have been varied, many consumers consider lower AC settings as a necessity for comfort. Experts believe this standardisation could be important for regulating environmental targets while also going for economic growth.
If India's proposal becomes a reality, then it could even be a model for other developing countries trying to reconcile energy demands with sustainable development goals.
