As India grapples with one of the most severe heatwaves in over fifty years, the demand for air conditioners has surged dramatically, reflecting the country’s urgent need for effective cooling solutions. This summer, air conditioner sales in India are expected to more than double compared to last year, highlighting the increasing reliance on these appliances to combat extreme temperatures.
Govind Ram, a junk dealer living on the outskirts of Delhi, epitomizes this trend. Faced with relentless pleas from his children suffering in the oppressive heat, he decided to purchase an air conditioner for their bedroom. This decision, while providing much-needed relief, resulted in a significant spike in his electricity bill, which soared to seven times its usual amount. Ram’s experience underscores the broader challenges faced by many Indian households as they seek to balance comfort and affordability.
The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) reports that despite 97% of Indian households being electrified, a vast majority still rely on fans for cooling. However, the extreme heat has driven a substantial increase in air conditioner sales, with Blue Star, a leading cooling and refrigeration company, anticipating a 60% growth in sales this summer. This surge is not just a response to rising temperatures but also reflects growing aspirations and disposable incomes among India’s middle class.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects a nine-fold increase in home air conditioner ownership in India by 2050, outpacing the growth of other household appliances. This trend is particularly pronounced in smaller cities and towns, where many first-time buyers are opting for zero-interest consumer loans to finance their purchases.
As temperatures in cities like Delhi consistently exceed 40°C (104°F), the demand for cooling solutions becomes ever more critical. A recent survey revealed that 32% of respondents found their homes uncomfortably hot, highlighting the disparity between households with and without air conditioners. This gap is particularly stark among the less privileged, who continue to endure extreme indoor heat.
Experts stress the need for India to address the rising demand for cooling solutions while considering environmental impacts. The urban heat island effect, exacerbated by high-rise buildings and limited green spaces, makes cities hotter and less livable. To mitigate these effects, experts recommend enhancing energy efficiency in cooling technologies, rejuvenating aquatic habitats, and adopting sustainable urban planning practices.
Despite progress in implementing policies to improve air conditioner energy efficiency, challenges remain. Many users in Delhi and its suburbs report that their units struggle to achieve optimal cooling levels. As India faces the devastating consequences of extreme heatwaves, ensuring equitable access to effective cooling solutions becomes increasingly vital to protect its population from the escalating impacts of climate change.
