AIR CONDITIONER USE IN MUMBAI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
About the program
What is this program about?
This program aims to understand how households in Mumbai use air conditioning, especially as global temperatures rise. The research will help develop better energy management policies and technologies.
How does the program work and what’s my role?
• On two random days each week (Monday to Sunday), you’ll get a message at 8:45 am letting you know the event is starting.
• The event runs from 9:00 am that day until 9:00 am the next day.
• During this time, we ask that you use your AC as you normally would, but pay attention to the message you receive – it will mention a target temperature (for example, 26°C) and the remaining instructions.
• You don’t need to keep your AC on the whole time – just make sure that whenever you do use it during this period, it’s set at or above the target temperature mentioned in the message.
How will you communicate with me?
We’ll send you occasional messages through SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
About your Participation
Do I have to take part or can I still change my mind about participating in the program after I enroll?
No, Participation is completely voluntary. You can choose to withdraw from the program at any time without any penalty.
Am I required to pay any money at any stage in the program?
No. All expenses will be covered by the program team. We will never ask you for any payment.
What are the benefits of participating in the program?
You will receive a free Wi-Fi-enabled AC sensor worth ₹1,000, installed at no cost by a technician, along with assistance in setting up the Tata Power EZ Home app and free AC servicing. You may also receive cash rewards (up to ₹5,000) based on your participation and can continue using the sensor even after the program ends. Apart from this, you also get to take part in cutting-edge research that can help inform future energy-saving programs and policies.
Installation and Support
What happens during the installation and survey stage?
A Voltas service technician will install and configure the AC sensor and assist with setting up the Tata Power EZ Home app.Next, a J-PAL SA surveyor will provide a printed copy of the Participant Information Sheet and conduct a short household survey.
What if the AC sensor doesn’t work after installation?
Please contact us at dcool.research@gmail.com if the sensor stops working at any time during the program. We will forward your issue to the Tata Power service team and arrange for it to be fixed or replaced if needed. Please note that this support is available only during the course of the program.
Will the AC sensor affect my AC’s performance or functions?
No. The sensor only enables remote or Wi-Fi–based monitoring and control. It does not interfere with your AC’s performance or warranty.
What if my AC sensor goes offline?
If your sensor goes offline, please try the following steps:
• Check your Wi-Fi connection to ensure it is working properly
• Make sure your AC is plugged in – it does not need to be turned on, but it must be connected to power for the sensor to work
• Confirm the sensor is properly registered. You can re-register it using the mobile app if needed
If the issue persists, please contact us at dcool.research@gmail.com for support.
Rewards
How will the cash rewards be distributed?
Rewards will be provided in the form of an Amazon voucher or via UPI (up to ₹5,000), based on your participation. Details on how rewards are earned will be shared with you through messages during the program.
Are the rewards guaranteed and when can I expect them?
Rewards are not guaranteed and depend on your participation in the program. They will be distributed at least once a month during the program, based on your participation.
Privacy, Risks and Data Usage
Are there any risks involved?
There are no known risks. We will remove your name and any personal details from the information you provide, so no one can identify it as yours. The information will be stored securely and only the research team will have access to it.
Will I be identified in any publications?
No. All findings will be anonymized and reported in aggregate. No personal information will be shared.
What happens to the data collected?
The data will be used for academic research and may be published in international journals. It will be stored securely and will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
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