Air-conditioning in China to be regulated at 26 degree C

04 June 2007

Mumbai: China has restricted the temperature of all air-conditioned public rooms in the country at no lower than 26 degrees centigrade, as part of its energy conservation measures.

For winter, the temperature would be 20 degrees centigrade, a government circular issued to all central and local government bodies said.

The circular, issued by the State Council, or the cabinet, said the limit as an in effort to save China''s limited energy resources and brace for the upcoming electricity demand peak in summer.

All government agencies, associations, groups, companies and private owners in public buildings should "strictly comply with this rule", the circular said.

Doors and windows should be closed when air conditioners are on, it said, adding that the temperature ceiling in winter at 20 degrees centigrade.

The circular also bans air-conditioners with low energy efficiency from entering the market and encourages users to make technical changes to make air-conditioners more energy-saving.