India to soon propose standardising of air conditioner temperature limits: All the details

Union Minister for Power, Manohar Lal Khattar, has announced that the Indian government is planning to implement a new standard temperature range for air conditioners across the country. Under this move, ACs will not be allowed to cool below 20 degrees Celsius, while the maximum limit will be capped at 28 degrees Celsius.

Khattar called the decision a bold step towards energy efficiency. “We have decided the minimum temperature of ACs will be fixed at 20 degrees Celsius and maximum at 28 degrees Celsius,” he said. The implementation will roll out soon and be monitored for effectiveness. The new rules aim to bring uniformity to air conditioning use and help reduce excessive power consumption due to extremely low cooling settings.

Energy efficiency focus
India has long been working to promote energy conservation and reduce electricity demand, especially during peak summer months. According to Khattar, the revised limits are part of a larger policy framework aimed at improving residential and commercial energy efficiency.
ACs in India often operate below 20°C in homes and offices, which leads to higher energy use and increased pressure on the power grid. With rising temperatures and growing demand for cooling appliances, managing consumption is becoming a national priority.

What this means for users
If the new rule get implemented, then the ACs which currently go till 18°C (or 16°C in some ACs) and up to 30°C will get restricted to 20°C for the lowest possible temperature and 28°C as the highest temperature.