Policy Proposal: Temperature Restriction for ACs
- The Union Ministry of Power is considering mandating air conditioner temperature limits between 20°C and 28°C for new ACs in households, hotels, and vehicles.
- Follows earlier attempts (2018, 2021) to fix default AC temperature at 24°C after consultations and awareness drives.
Relevance : GS 3(Science),GS 2(Governance)
Energy Efficiency Benefits
- According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
- Each 1°C increase in AC setting saves 6% electricity.
- If all consumers adopt 24°C, India could save 20 billion units/year.
- AC load in India projected to be 200 GW by 2030.
- ACs work on vapor-compression cycle:
- Major power is consumed in the compressor.
- Efficiency depends on operating within optimal refrigerant temperature range.
Health Risks of Lower Temperatures
- Temperatures below 18°C can:
- Increase blood pressure (by 6–8 mm Hg due to vasoconstriction and sympathetic activation).
- Raise risk of hypertension, asthma, and respiratory infections.
- WHO (2018) recommends 18°C as minimum safe temperature in temperate climates.
Vulnerable Populations Affected
- Children, elderly, and infants have impaired thermoregulation:
- Children in Japan, NZ, and UK studies slept and breathed better at >18°C.
- Older adults (50+ years) in cold homes faced higher BP, lower vitamin D, and lung function decline.
- A 2013 study showed lung function in children worsened with each 1°C drop below 14–16°C.
Comfort Science and Global Standards
- Comfort = balance between core (37°C) and skin temperature without sweating/shivering.
- Standards:
- ASHRAE-55 & ISO 7730: Comfort range adjusted by region, clothing, cultural context.
- Typical human heat dissipation at rest: ~100 W via radiation/convection around 20–24°C.
Mental Health Implications
- U.K. 2022 study found:
- People in “cold homes” were at 2x higher risk of depression and anxiety.
- Association remained even after controlling for income and prior mental distress.
Global Context & Demand
- As of 2022, 2 billion ACs in use worldwide; 1.5 billion in residences (tripled since 2000).
- Asia-Pacific region still faces a large cooling gap — 43% lack sufficient cooling.
Conclusion: Case for Temperature Standardisation
- The proposed temperature cap ensures:
- Public health protection
- Energy conservation
- Sustainable load management
- Reinforces India’s move toward climate-conscious, health-aligned cooling policies.
