Have you ever wondered who decides how cold your air conditioner should be? The Indian government has just announced new rules that will change how we use ACs across the country. According to NDTV, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar revealed these temperature standards during a press conference marking 11 years of the Modi government.
What These New AC Rules Really Mean
The government will soon require all air conditioners to operate between 20 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. This might sound simple, but it represents a major shift in how we cool our spaces. Currently, many people set their ACs much lower, sometimes even below 18 degrees, which uses enormous amounts of electricity.
Think of it this way: your AC works like a refrigerator for your room. The colder you want it, the harder it has to work. By limiting how cold ACs can go, the government aims to save massive amounts of energy across India. The Times of India reported that compliance will be monitored, though exact enforcement methods are still being developed.
These rules will apply to every type of air conditioning system. Gogi Tech confirmed this includes homes, offices, shops, and even car ACs. StudyIQ noted that new AC models will come with preset limits, and existing star-rated units may receive updated software from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Development Journey
This AC announcement comes as part of India’s ambitious development plan. Minister Khattar explained that with 22 years remaining until 2047, the government aims for “Viksit Bharat” – a fully developed India. The year 2047 marks 100 years since India’s independence, making it symbolically important for achieving complete development.
The country’s power sector growth shows this development in action. Peak electricity demand has nearly doubled from 130 gigawatts in 2013-14 to 250 gigawatts in 2024-25. To understand this better, one gigawatt can power about 750,000 homes. This growth is expected to reach 270 gigawatts by 2025-26.
How This Will Actually Work
The government is currently consulting various groups to finalize these rules. The Logical Indian reported that implementation details are being worked out with key stakeholders:
- AC manufacturers will need to redesign their products to meet the new temperature limits
- Automobile companies must adjust car AC systems to comply with the 20-28 degree range
- HVAC experts will help develop technical standards for proper implementation
- Urban developers will ensure new buildings are designed with these energy-efficient cooling systems
StudyIQ indicated that public buildings might be the first to implement these standards. This systematic approach will help test the rules before applying them everywhere.
These changes represent India’s commitment to energy efficiency while maintaining comfortable living standards. Will this balance between comfort and conservation become the new normal for Indian households?
