- By Alex David
- Mon, 19 May 2025 01:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
As the summer sun is shining too brightly across Northern India, the rising temperatures are driving people indoors; it is now the time when the air conditioner becomes the season’s MVP. But that cooling comfort often comes at a steep cost, literally — from soaring electricity bills to, in rare cases, dangerous AC malfunctions.
Yes, last year we saw multiple incidents of air conditioners overheating and causing short circuits — some even led to fires. The risk is real. But it doesn’t mean you need to sweat it out this season. By following a smart usage plan, you can keep your home cool, safe, and energy-efficient. To help you stay cool, safe, and energy-efficient this season, we’ve compiled some must-follow tips to avoid AC disasters and reduce your power consumption. Every way to keep your bill short and stay cool in these heatwaves. Read on to learn how to protect your home, save money, and enjoy a worry-free summer.
6 Ways to Save your AC and Decrease Electricity Bill
Here’s your 6-point summer survival guide for using your AC smartly, safely — and affordably:
1. Maintain Your AC, Like You Would a Car
While your AC may not require any emotional support, it sure does need care. Avoid the hassle of servicing your AC frequently by making sure your coils and filters are spotless. Regular cleaning can prevent the AC from shorting out or catching fire.
Also, avoid hooking your AC up to an extension cord that is already in use by other heavy appliances, such as microwaves or refrigerators. Overloads can be dangerous, so exclusive power sockets with earthing should be used.
2. Set It to 24°C — The Goldilocks Temperature
Like seperating the positive and negative terminals of a battery, cranking your AC to 18°C will do lower the temperature faster, but will not be efficient. The best temperature for the compressor would be 24°C and that has been recommended by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Every single degree below 24 degrees will raise energy consumption by 6%. Setting the temperature to 24° C will bring a good balance of comfort and energy utilization.
3. Use a Ceiling Fan Alongside the AC
While some may think fan use is redundant when using an AC unit, it is actually a proactive power-saving method. Fans expedite the AC unit’s function by evenly distributing the cool air throughout the entire room as it cools the room quicker and eliminates hot spots.
4. Block Out the Heat
Curtains, blinds, and even window films that block sunlight will help lower temperature increase inside homes. If blinds aren’t used, sunlight will flow into a room, which will make the AC’s cooling function harder.
5. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC
People who use older decade units may be suffering when it comes to power cuts because older models use a lot of energy. Upgrading to 5-star rated AC units reduces the cost by up to 50 percent and even upgrading to 3 or 4 star rated units will reduce power usage significantly.
6. Use Timer and Sleep Mode Wisely
Most new air conditioning units come with the option to set a timer, which aids in turning off your unit when not in use and helps reduce unnecessary energy expenditure. The sleep mode function gradually changes the temperature while you rest, turning off after a predetermined duration.
By following these simple yet powerful steps, you can stay cool and safe this summer — without sweating over your electricity bill. Let the AC work for you, not against your budget.