As energy conservation becomes increasingly important, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India has issued guidelines recommending optimal temperature settings for air conditioners (ACs). By setting the temperature at a specific level, it is estimated that significant energy savings can be achieved. In this article, we will explore the BEE recommendations and answer the question: What is the best AC temperature to save money in India?
Understanding the BEE Guidelines For Energy Saving:
According to the BEE, setting the default temperature of an AC to 24 degrees Celsius can result in approximately 24% energy savings compared to conventional temperature settings of 20-21 degrees Celsius. This initiative aims to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting these guidelines, India has the potential to save around 10 billion units of electricity annually, equivalent to a reduction of 8.2 million tonnes of CO2.
Benefits of Setting AC Temperature at 24 Degrees Celsius:
The BEE suggests that setting the temperature at 24 degrees Celsius offers several advantages. Firstly, it aligns with the comfort zone, ensuring a pleasant environment for occupants. It is important to note that the human body’s normal temperature is around 36-37 degrees Celsius. Therefore, a temperature range of up to 25 degrees Celsius is considered comfortable, along with appropriate humidity and airflow levels.
Savings Potential:
By increasing the room temperature by just 1 degree Celsius, it is estimated that approximately 6% of electricity can be saved. Considering the recommended change from 20 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius, there is a potential increase of at least 4 degrees Celsius, leading to energy savings of about 24%. This reduction in energy consumption translates into substantial cost savings for AC users.
Impact on Comfort and Cooling Performance:
Setting the AC temperature to 24 degrees Celsius does not compromise comfort or cooling performance. The cooling action of the compressor remains the same at other temperature settings. Moreover, maintaining the temperature within the recommended range ensures comfortable conditions even with more occupants in the room. The compressor may work slightly longer initially until equilibrium is reached.
Should I Keep My AC Temperature at 24?
No. Setting your AC temperature according to the weather and comfort is the best practice. I usually keep my AC at 26-27 if there are 1-2 people in the room and it’s quite comfortable. But your comfortable temperature might be different.
If you want to save the most money you should keep the AC temperature that does not make the room too cold. Anything below 23 is an overkill.
Conclusion:
To save money and contribute to energy conservation efforts in India, setting the AC temperature at 24 degrees Celsius is recommended by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. This temperature aligns with comfort levels and can result in significant energy savings. By following these guidelines, individuals can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce their electricity bills. Let’s embrace this initiative and strive for a more sustainable and cost-effective cooling experience.
