Overview

• The government will require new air conditioners to default at 24°C and restrict settings to a 20–28°C range starting within three months.
• Manufacturers including Haier, Blue Star and Voltas say minor firmware adjustments will align upcoming inventory to the new range ahead of the festive season without raising prices.
• Officials highlight that air conditioning accounts for about 20% of India’s electricity demand and that each 1°C increase in temperature can reduce energy use by roughly 6%.
• Consumer groups and hospitality operators warn the mandate could compromise comfort in homes and restaurants even as environmental advocates praise its potential to prevent grid overload.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s planned 2027 standards will demand tougher efficiency levels and an estimated ₹600 crore in investment from AC makers.