New energy performance standards for air-conditioners come into force

The central government in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) had, on 30 October 2019, notified new energy performance standards for room air-conditioners (RACs).

The 24 Degree C default setting has been made mandatory from 1 January 2020 for all room air-conditioners covered under the ambit of BEE star-labelling programme vide this notification. 

Additionally, the Indian Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (ISEER) as per the new standards will range from (3.3 degree - 5.0 degree) for split and (2.7 degree – 3.5 degree) for window air conditioners, which will be applicable from 1 January 2021.

“All brands and types of star labelled room air conditioners, namely, multi-stage capacity air-conditioners, unitary air-conditioners and split air-conditioners, which are rated from one star to five star, based on their relative energy efficiencies up to a rated cooling capacity of 10,465 Watts (9,000 kcal/hour) and manufactured, commercially purchased or sold in India, shall ensure default setting of temperature in the room air-conditioners at twenty-four degrees Celsius with effect from the 1 January 2020,” the notification states.

BEE launched the voluntary star labelling programme for fixed-speed room air-conditioners (RACs) in 2006, and this programme became mandatory on 12 January 2009. Thereafter, in 2015, voluntary star labelling programme for inverter room air-conditioners was launched and which was made mandatory with effect from 1st January 2018. The BEE star labelling programme for room air-conditioners now covers both fixed and inverter RAC up to a cooling capacity of 10,465 watts (2.97 TR). Continual enhancement in performance levels has resulted in substantial energy efficiency improvement of about 43 per cent in the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for split units, which are the most popular RACs sold in the market. 

Indian Seasonal Energy efficiency ratio (ISEER) is the energy performance index used for room air-conditioners (RACs) and its assessment is based on the bin hours defined in ISO 16358.

BEE is a statutory body under the union ministry of power, set up to assist in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy. BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organization to identify and utilize the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the energy conservation Act.