Govt Plans to Cap AC Temperatures Between 20°C and 28°C to Cut Power Use

11 June, 2025:

If you’re someone who cranks the AC down to a chilly 16 degrees, brace yourself — that luxury may not last much longer. The government is considering setting limits on how low or high you can set your air conditioner. Soon, your AC might not cool below 20°C or heat beyond 28°C, as part of a nationwide standardisation experiment aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing power consumption.

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Tuesday announced that the government will soon conduct an experiment to standardise air conditioner (AC) temperatures across the country. The proposal aims to cap cooling at 20°C and heating at 28°C in a bid to promote energy efficiency and sustainable usage.

The announcement comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Delhi, which is currently grappling with a severe heatwave. With temperatures soaring well above normal, residents continue to endure an intense hot spell.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday that a new provision on air conditioning standards will be implemented soon. “Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation 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," Khattar stated, adding, “This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings.”

Explaining the rationale behind the move, the former Haryana Chief Minister told the media, "We have decided the minimum temperature of ACs will be fixed at 20 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 28 degrees Celsius to bring uniformity to air conditioning use and help reduce excessive power consumption due to extremely low cooling settings.

Air conditioners, especially when used at very low temperatures, place a significant burden on the power grid. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) notes that most Indians typically set their ACs between 20°C and 21°C, much lower than what is actually needed for thermal comfort. This practice not only results in higher electricity bills but also contributes to increased emissions from coal-based power plants, which generate a large portion of India's electricity.

By introducing a minimum cooling limit of 20°C and a maximum heating limit of 28°C, the government aims to enhance energy efficiency, ease pressure on the national power grid, and curb greenhouse gas emissions. More importantly, the initiative seeks to encourage a behavioural shift, promoting not just technological compliance but also a greater awareness of responsible and sustainable energy consumption.