India sets cool new limits: ACs to chill only between 20°C and 28°C

In a move aimed at promoting energy efficiency and addressing climate concerns, the government is set to introduce a regulation that will restrict air conditioner temperature settings to a defined range.

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar announced on Tuesday that air conditioning systems will soon be mandated to operate only between 20°C and 28°C.

“Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, meaning we won't be able to cool below 20 degrees Celsius or warm above 28 degrees Celsius,” Khattar said while speaking to reporters.

Calling it a pioneering initiative, the former Haryana chief minister described the measure as a test case. “This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings,” he noted.

The new regulation will apply universally — covering residential homes, commercial premises, and even air-conditioned vehicles. Officials cited the increasing use of cooling systems and escalating global temperatures as key reasons behind the decision.

“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,” Khattar further added.

Currently, many air conditioners in the market allow users to select settings as low as 16°C or as high as 30°C. Once enforced, the new rules will supersede such capabilities to align with the government’s updated guidelines.

This initiative also ties into India’s broader energy-saving goals. Officials believe the step will not only curb unnecessary electricity consumption but also reduce household power bills and ease strain on national power grids during peak demand.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in a 2020 directive, had already mandated that star-labelled room and car air conditioners must come with a default setting of 24°C. For commercial spaces, acceptable temperature adjustments range between 24°C and 25°C, striking a balance between efficiency and occupant comfort.

By setting a national temperature standard for air conditioners, the government hopes to encourage more responsible energy use and support its commitment to combating climate change.