Govt to check power consumption in AC, may go for default setting at 24 degree celsius

In a bid to check power consumption in the air-conditioning, the government has decided to make a default setting in the AC at 24 degree celsius, said RK Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, while launching a campaign to promote energy efficiency. He said the new campaign will result in substantial energy savings and also reduce greenhouse gas emission.

Speaking on the occasion here today, Singh said, "Every one degree increase in the air-conditioner temperature setting results in saving of 6 per cent of electricity consumed. Normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37 degree Celsius, but large number of commercial establishments, hotels and offices maintain temperature around 18-21 degree Celsius. This is not only uncomfortable but is actually unhealthy."

"Setting the temperature in the range of 18-21 degree Celsius compels people to wear warm clothing or use blankets, therefore, this is actually wastage of energy. Some countries like Japan have put in place regulation to keep the temperature at 28 degree celsius," the minister said.

Under the guidance of Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) carried out a study and recommended that the default setting in the air-conditioning should be at 24 degree celsius. The government has decided to issue an advisory to all establishments and manufacturers in this regard. 

Singh held a meeting with major air-conditioner manufacturers and advised them to keep the default setting of air conditioners at 24 degree celsius. Further, the manufacturers were also asked to carry out labelling indicating the optimum temperature setting for benefits of consumers both from financial and their health points of view. These temperatures setting will be in the range of 24-26 degree celsius.

The ministry will first launch this awareness campaign for 4-6 months, followed by a survey to gather public feedback, and then would consider making it mandatory. 

If consumers adopt the new guidelines, this will result in savings of 20 billion units of electricity in merely one year, the power ministry statement said.

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All the manufacturers and associations of air-conditioner manufacturers present in the meeting have agreed to this government proposal.