Sweating Through the Heat: India’s AC Takeover
Ratan Kumar’s summer survival story used to involve damp bedsheets and midnight baths. Today he’s traded those for a cool, humming machine that keeps his two‑room home in Behror, Rajasthan, off the brink of a sauna. His move echoes what millions of Indians are doing: turning on the AC to stay alive in an increasingly blistering climate.
How big is this AC boom?
- India’s AC market is poised to grow from 30 million units to a staggering 1 billion by 2050.
- That would make the world’s second‑most populous country the biggest consumer of cooling electricity on the planet.
- Currently, only 5 % of Indian households own an AC, compared with 90 % in the U.S. and 60 % in China.
Why does it matter for emissions?
India already spews 800 million tonnes of CO₂ each year from coal, making it the third‑largest greenhouse‑gas emitter. Adding an AC avalanche could mean the energy grid needs to tripling electricity output just to keep the lights on.
While ACs give people a much-needed lifesaver during scorching heat waves, their refrigerants and the electricity powering them amplify global warming. Studies show AC motors can raise urban temperatures by a degree or more.
India’s potential for energy‑efficient cooling
Manufacturers like Daikin are pushing energy‑efficient units, promising cooler homes with fewer kilowatt hours. Yet, Indian buyers often repair rather than replace, making upgrades slow.
In June, the government issued a non‑binding advisory to keep ACs at a 24 °C default setting. While it could save billions in electricity costs, many are skeptical of its impact.
People’s real‑world concerns
Ram Vikas Yadav, an electronics store owner in Behror, says the market frenzy is all about keeping homes cool, not about climate activism. His sales hit a 150 % jump this year, selling 300 units.
Ratan mentions that scientists warn of rising temperatures, but he’s relieved that now he can enjoy a sound night’s sleep without sweating.
Bottom line
India’s AC boom is a double‑edged sword: it means comfort for millions, yet energy consumption rises and global warming acceleration follows. The question is whether India can cool the nation while cooling the planet. Only time (and greener tech) will tell.