In a one-of-its-kind move, the Indian government has announced standardising the usage of air conditioners to not set them below 20 degrees Celsius or above 28 degrees Celsius. The move was announced by Manohar Lal Khattar of Housing and Urban Affairs.

"Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius, meaning we won't be able to cool below 20 degrees Celsius or warm above 28 degrees Celsius," Khattar said. According to the new regulation, the move, which comes amid growing concerns over climate change, rising temperatures, and also health issues among people, will be a safer alternative to the current 16 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius.

According to experts, it is important to keep your AC at a high setting – cool, which offers several health benefits, including reduced risk of heat-related illnesses, improved sleep quality, and enhanced comfort and productivity. It can also improve air quality by reducing allergens and pollutants and protecting electronic devices from damage. Specific health benefits of high AC settings include:

Air conditioners help prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially during extreme heat, and maintain a cool indoor environment.

Cooler temperatures promote better sleep by creating a comfortable sleeping environment.

A consistent indoor temperature reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances concentration and productivity.

AC units filter air, removing allergens, pollutants, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

Air conditioning controls humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to respiratory health.

According to doctors, prolonged exposure to air conditioning can lead to several health issues, including respiratory problems, dry skin and eyes, increased susceptibility to infections, and even dehydration. The dry air reduces moisture in the body, affecting mucous membranes, skin, and eyes, while the recirculated air can harbor pathogens.

Too much exposure to air conditioners causes:

Spending too much time in air-conditioned environments reduces moisture in the air, leading to dry skin. Your skin feels flaky and itchy.

If you already have dry eyes, staying in AC for too long can worsen the symptoms, leading to itching and irritation in the eyes.

Your skin begins to shrivel as it loses moisture, and so it loses elastic properties, causing the formation of early wrinkles and fine lines. AC also strips away the natural oils that protect hair, causing significant hair damage.

Air conditioners can be breeding grounds for allergens like dust, pollen, and mold. These can circulate in the air, leading to skin rash, urticaria, skin allergy, etc.