This national-level study is based on a survey of AC ownership and usage conducted among a random sample of 3,100 households across seven cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Jaipur. These cities were selected to represent the different types of hot climate zones in India —hot-dry, warm-humid and composite. Survey data revealed that despite strong awareness of energy efficiency, refrigerant leakages remain neglected—40% of ACs are refilled annually, costing households ₹7,000 crore and emitting 52 Mt CO₂e in 2024 alone. The study also shows the rapid growth of AC ownership in India, with associated costs projected to reach ₹27,000 crore alongside 84 Mt CO₂e emissions by 2035. The report proposes Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) and servicing-sector regulations as critical measures to cut emissions, reduce costs, and deliver major climate and economic gains.