When Will 20–28°C AC Norms Be Implemented? Union Minister Says ‘Situation May Arise…’

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Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 17:24 IST

Earlier this month, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had announced new provisions to standardise air conditioning temperatures across India.

The government has proposed new rules limiting AC temperatures to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

The government is unlikely to implement the fixation of air conditioner temperature between 20 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius anytime soon, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav clarified on Friday, adding that the move will roll out gradually with time.

The Minister said that such a situation “may arise only after 2050". His remarks came while answering a query at the India Climate Summit about when the new AC temperature range would be implemented in the country.

His clarification came after Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced earlier this month new provisions to soon standardise air conditioning temperatures across the country, according to which, the operational range for ACs will fall between 20°C and 28°C. “A new provision is being implemented soon regarding air conditioning standards. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20°C to 28°C, which means we will not be able to cool below 20°C or heat above 28°C," Khattar had said then, describing the decision a bold step towards energy efficiency.

“I do not think it will happen immediately; capacities will be gradually built for it over time," Bhupender Yadav said today.

Yadav said that meeting climate goals should take into account each country’s specific situation and follow the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).

The principle of CBDR-RC means that while all countries must take action to fight climate change, developed countries should take on a bigger share of the responsibility because they have caused more pollution in the past and have more money and resources to deal with the problem.

According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), most of the ACs operating in India are currently set between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius, even though the ideal range of comfort is 24 to 25 degrees Celsius.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) suggests setting air conditioners at 24 to 25 degrees Celsius to maintain comfort while saving energy. It warns that setting the temperature too low, like 20 to 21 degrees Celsius, uses unnecessary electricity. The agency also says that raising the AC temperature by just 1 degree can save around 6% of electricity. So, increasing it from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius could save up to 24% energy.

(With PTI inputs)

Ashesh Mallick

Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes...Read More

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