ACs can’t go below 20 deg C: All about Centre's new norms for air conditioning usage

In a landmark initiative to regulate and optimise air conditioning usage, the Government of India is set to introduce mandatory temperature limits for air conditioners across sectors. 

Informing about the development, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Tuesday said that ACs will soon be restricted to operate between 20 degree Celsius to 28 degree Celsius temperature range.

Terming it as a pilot measure, Khattar said that the move is designed to bring uniformity to temperature settings and improve energy efficiency. 

"Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardization for ACs will be set between 20°C to 28°C, meaning we won't be able to cool below 20°C or warm above 28°C. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings," said Khattar.

"It is a unique step towards controlling unnecessary power consumption caused by extremely low cooling temperatures," he said.

The regulation will be applicable not just in homes and office spaces but also in air-conditioned vehicles. 

The ministry hopes that limiting temperature settings will reduce electricity bills, ease peak load pressures on the power grid, and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

Currently, most AC units allow s to set temperatures from as low as 16 degree Celsius to as high as 30 degree Celsius. The new rules will override those settings.