I used to think air conditioners were a blessing, especially during scorching Indian summers. But then I read an article that made my stomach drop: the very machines keeping us cool are making the planet hotter.

Here’s why. Most air conditioners use refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide at trapping heat. When these gases leak — and they often do — they enter the atmosphere and accelerate global warming. Add to that the electricity A/Cs use, often generated from coal, and we’ve got a recipe for disaster.

Last summer, our electricity bill was sky-high. That’s when my parents decided to switch to ceiling fans during the day and use the A/C only at night. We also invested in curtains to block sunlight and planted some greenery outside our windows. Not only did it lower our bills, but it felt good to be doing something right.

I’m not saying never use an air conditioner. But being mindful — using energy-efficient models, setting the temperature to 24–26°C, and ensuring proper maintenance — makes a big difference.

Cooling our homes shouldn’t come at the cost of heating the planet. Let’s stay cool, but responsibly.