As Bengaluru grapples with an unexpected heatwave, residents like Akansha S. from Koramangala find themselves considering options they never thought necessary before. Despite living in the city for five years, Akansha, like many others, never anticipated needing an air conditioner. However, the scorching temperatures, particularly on the top floor of her rented apartment, prompted her to explore renting an AC as a more efficient cooling solution.
Akansha’s experience reflects a broader trend in Bengaluru, once celebrated for its moderate climate but now facing an unprecedented heatwave. With temperatures reaching alarming levels, many residents, especially those in rented accommodations or frequent movers, are turning to rental ACs as a convenient and cost-effective solution.
Start-ups like Rentomojo, Cityfurnish, and Furlenco have witnessed a surge in demand for rental ACs in the tech hub. These platforms collaborate with AC manufacturers to procure units in bulk, offering hassle-free delivery, installation, and maintenance services to users. With monthly rental rates ranging from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000, renting ACs provides flexibility and affordability for short to mid-term requirements.
Sumeet Saxena, from the All India Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Association, notes that the rental market appeals to individuals with transferable jobs and cost-conscious start-ups. The convenience and sustainability of rental solutions have become increasingly attractive amid rising temperatures.
Neerav Jain, founder of Cityfurnish, emphasizes the benefits of renting, including flexibility and hassle-free maintenance. The growth in demand has already surpassed previous peaks, indicating a shifting trend towards rental solutions for cooling needs.
Bengaluru’s harsh summer and prolonged absence of rainfall since November 2023 have exacerbated the situation. Architect Naresh V Narasimhan underscores the importance of architectural interventions to mitigate heat, emphasizing the need to discontinue the use of glass structures and implement shading strategies.
However, widespread AC usage has raised concerns about its environmental impact and increased power consumption. Bescom reports a surge in peak power demand, particularly during the night, attributed to AC usage. As the city grapples with escalating temperatures and energy consumption, rental ACs offer a temporary yet effective solution to beat the heat while minimizing environmental impact.
