ACs consume over 5 % power in Andhra; APSECM calls for setting default temperature
Air conditioners in Andhra Pradesh are roughly consuming 3,000 million units of electricity. This is equivalent to 5% of the state’s overall energy consumption.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 4 May 2022 10:25 AM GMT
Vijayawada: Air conditioners are guzzling five percent of power in Andhra Pradesh.
Air conditioners in Andhra Pradesh are roughly consuming 3,000 million units of electricity. This is equivalent to 5% of the state's overall energy consumption.
The present total installed air conditioner capacity in the country is about 80 million TR (ton of refrigeration). This is expected to increase to 250 million TR in the next 10 years.
Consequently, the total connected load due to air conditioning is expected to touch the 200 GW mark by 2030. Around 20 billion units of electricity, worth Rs 10,000 crore, can be saved annually if consumers set the default AC temperature at 24 degree Celsius.
Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) has appealed to electricity consumers to set the default air conditioner temperature at 24 degree Celsius, which is good for health as well as finances.
The normal human body temperature is approximately 36-37 degree Celsius. Large commercial establishments such as hotels, airports, and offices are maintaining a lower temperature of around 18-21 degree Celsius.
The effects of low AC temperatures include respiratory issues, stiff bones, headaches, dry eyes and skin, hypothermia, high blood pressure, etc. Experts say temperatures up to 24 degree Celsius are quite comfortable for the human body.
The APSECM officials informed that the public could save about 6% of electricity by increasing the AC temperature by every 1 degree Celsius. For instance, if the AC temperature is changed from 20-degree Celsius to 24, it may save 24% of the electricity that the AC requires.
According to the APSECM officials, setting the AC at optimum temperature may also contribute to meeting the daily energy demand to some extent in the state. This may allow and help power utilities to provide 24x7 power supply to various consumer categories.
If a man uses a 1.5-ton AC, it will consume approximately one power unit per hour. One power unit corresponds to approximately 0.98 kg of carbon dioxide (Co2) emission into the air. If one AC runs 8 to 10 hours a day, it will release almost 10 kg of Co2 emissions every day, which is a major challenge for climate change.
