5 tips to reduce your air conditioning (AC) bill this summer

With all of us confined in our homes due to the coronavirus pandemic, one issue that many are facing is paying hefty electricity bills. And the reason is clear enough, the hot and humid weather from which only an air conditioner (AC) can provide relief. This article will provide you with some handy tips to reduce your AC power consumption and in turn, paying less for your AC bill, hence less burden on your pocket.

So let’s take a look at some simple tips to reduce your AC bill this summer

Cut-off temperature

Having the AC set at a cut-off rate of 24-degrees Celsius is a good idea. This will basically cut off your AC when it detects that the room has reached the desired temperature. The AC will turn on the compressor back when it detects that the room temperature is rising. In cut-off mode, the AC will consume less power and help you reduce the electricity bill.

Last year, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) mandated AC manufacturers to keep the default temperature of their devices at 24°C.

For every degree that we lower on the AC, we consume 6 per cent more electricity. So change your habit from lowering it. And after you start that you can see the change in your electricity bills.

Switch on and Switch off

If you are spending long hours in an air-conditioned room, try this tip. Keep it on for a couple of hours and then turn it off for another couple of hours. The room remains adequately cool while also saving on a lot of electricity.

Fan + AC

Keep the ceiling fan switched on when the AC is running. Together, they keep the room ventilated and circulate the cool air in all corners.

Set a timer

Setting a timer for AC is one of the best things you can do to reduce your electricity bill. Skip running the AC all night and set a timer of around 1-2 hours

Regular servicing and cleaning

Ensure your air conditioning unit is regularly serviced and maintained. The filter is either replaced or cleaned to maintain optimum efficiency. All the dirt which accumulates in the ducts and vents of the AC just makes it work extra hard to ensure that cool air reaches your room.