Best AC Temperature For Summer? Here’s What The Government Recommends

Just go and step outside for five minutes right now and it feels like the sun has personally declared war. In many parts of India, temperatures are hovering close to 45°C and the first thing most people do after reaching home is grab their AC remote and aggressively punch in 16°C or 18°C. Somewhere along the way, we all started believing that lower temperature means faster cooling. But according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which functions under the Ministry of Power, that is not really how air conditioners work. In fact, the government recommends setting your AC at 24°C and interestingly, most new air conditioners sold in India now arrive with 24°C as the default factory setting.Why 24°C Is RecommendedWhen an AC is forced to cool a room

down to extremely low temperatures like 18°C, the compressor has to work significantly harder. More effort means more electricity consumption, which eventually shows up in the form of a painfully high power bill at the end of the month.According to BEE, every 1°C increase in AC temperature can reduce electricity consumption by nearly 6 percent. So shifting from 20°C to 24°C may not sound dramatic initially, but over weeks of daily usage, the difference in energy savings becomes noticeable.This is one reason why offices, hotels and even many modern homes have gradually started sticking closer to the 24°C mark.5 ACs Under Rs 30,000 You Can Buy Right NowDoes 24°C Actually Feel Comfortable?Surprisingly, yes. In most Indian households, 24°C is usually more than enough, especially when combined with proper airflow.A ceiling fan running alongside the AC helps circulate cool air more efficiently throughout the room. Because of this, a room set at 24°C often feels cooler than people expect.Humidity, room size and insulation also play an important role, but for average bedrooms and living rooms, the setting works quite well. Running the AC at 24°C not only helps reduce electricity bills but also maintains a more balanced and comfortable room temperature without overworking the appliance.