AC temperature
Context: The Union Ministry of Power considers restricting new air conditioners’ temperature range between 20°C and 28°C for energy saving and public health benefits; temperatures below 18°C are linked to increased risks of hypertension, asthma, and respiratory infections, while 24°C is the optimal default setting per Bureau of Energy Efficiency study.
Important Pointers:
Proposed Temperature Range: India’s Ministry of Power is considering limiting new air conditioners to operate between 20°C and 28°C for energy efficiency and public health benefits.
Energy Saving Impact: Increasing AC temperature setting by 1°C saves about 6% electricity, potentially saving 20 billion units annually if adopted nationwide.
Recommended Default Temperature: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) recommends 24°C as the optimal default AC temperature setting.
Health Risks of Low AC Temperatures: Exposure below 18°C can increase blood pressure and, risk of hypertension, asthma, and respiratory infections.
Body Comfort Range: Humans maintain thermal comfort without sweating or shivering roughly between 20°C to 24°C under light clothing.
Sleep Benefits: Sleep studies suggest 16-19°C as ideal for healthy adults for deeper and quicker sleep onset.
WHO Guidelines: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C to avoid increased cardiovascular and respiratory health risks.
AC Working Principle: Air conditioners use a vapour-compression cycle where the refrigerant absorbs heat inside (evaporator) and releases it outside (condenser), consuming most power during compression.
Increasing Cooling Below 18°C is Inefficient: Cooling beyond comfort leads to increased energy consumption due to physical and health risks like vasoconstriction and sympathetic activation.
Global Context: The International Energy Agency reported 2 billion AC units worldwide with residential units tripling between 2000 and 2022, highlighting rising global cooling demand.