As the unforgiving sun heralds the onset of summer in New Delhi, air conditioners (ACs) become essential for survival in the scorching heat. However, the luxury of constant cool air comes with a price—a hefty electricity bill that can cause anxiety at the month’s end. Trimming your AC expenses without sacrificing comfort may seem challenging, but it can be achieved with a few practical adjustments to your cooling habits.
Here, we share seven effective strategies to help you enjoy a cool home during summer without burning a hole in your wallet.
1. Give Your AC a Break
Remember to power down your AC when it’s not needed. Rely less on the remote control and more on the main power switch to help ensure that your unit is completely shut off. Leaving the AC on at the main switch keeps the compressor running, which consumes unnecessary electricity. Implementing this simple habit can reduce energy waste and decrease your bill.
2. Smart Use of Timers
Take advantage of the timer function on your AC unit. Rather than allowing the AC to run throughout the night, set the timer to shut off the system after a couple of hours, ideally after you have fallen asleep. This technique ensures the AC doesn’t operate needlessly throughout the early morning hours, leading to savings on energy costs.
3. Team Up with a Fan
Using a ceiling or standing fan in conjunction with the AC can enhance air circulation significantly. This duo helps to spread cooling evenly across the room, lightens the load on the AC, and ultimately saves electricity. It’s an excellent way to stay cool and keep your energy consumption under control.
4. Optimal Temperature Settings
Keeping your AC at the right temperature is crucial. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) states that the human body is most comfortable at a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). Setting the AC around this temperature requires less energy to cool the air, thereby reducing electricity usage and your monthly bill.
5. Seal Off the Heat
It’s essential to keep all windows and doors closed while the AC is running to prevent loss of cool air. In addition to creating a contained environment, utilize thick curtains or blinds to shield your rooms from the sun’s heat. This not only helps maintain a cooler room temperature but also reduces the pressure on your AC, leading to more energy savings.
6. Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to efficient AC performance. Ensure you routinely clean or replace air filters and keep the outside compressor unit free from obstructions—this guarantees better airflow and cooling efficiency. An AC unit that is well-maintained operates more effectively which, in turn, reduces energy usage and minimizes your bills.
7. Invest in Energy-Efficient ACs
Consider the energy efficiency of your AC. The BEE star rating system indicates that 5-star rated ACs save more energy than units with fewer stars. Although they may cost more initially, the long-term savings on electricity bills make this investment worthwhile. By opting for a 5-star AC, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs over its lifetime.
Embracing these strategies can remarkably diminish your AC-related electricity costs. By making smart choices, such as shutting off the AC when inactive, using timers, combining fan use, setting optimal temperatures, sealing rooms from external heat, maintaining your unit, and choosing energy-efficient models, you create a road map for cool, cost-effective comfort during summer’s hottest days. Confront the rising temperatures head-on without fearing the post-summer bill shock.
