Using an air conditioner doesn’t have to result in a massive electricity bill. By making a few small adjustments to how you operate and maintain your unit, you can significantly lower your power consumption. With rising energy costs and the increasing use of ACs in Kerala’s humid climate, these simple tips can help you stay cool without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are five highly effective AC electricity saving tips that you can start using today.
The first and most important tip is to set the temperature to 24°C. Avoid the temptation to set your AC to 16°C or 18°C when you turn it on. Instead, keep it set between 24°C and 26°C. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, every one-degree increase in the AC temperature setting saves roughly six percent of electricity. Setting it to 24°C provides ideal comfort while keeping the compressor from working in overdrive. The second tip is to use a ceiling fan simultaneously. Run your ceiling fan on a low or medium speed at the same time your AC is running. The fan creates a wind chill effect that circulates the cool air evenly throughout the room. This makes the room feel one to two degrees cooler than it actually is, allowing you to comfortably set your AC to a higher temperature like 25°C or 26°C without sacrificing comfort.
The third tip is to clean the AC filters every two weeks. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, forcing the AC to work twice as hard to cool your room. Slide out your indoor unit’s mesh filters every 15 days and wash them under tap water to remove dust. Keeping the filters clean can reduce your AC’s energy consumption by five to 15 percent and extends the overall lifespan of the appliance. The fourth tip is to ensure perfect room insulation. Double-check that all doors and windows are tightly closed while the AC is running. Use door bottom seals or draft stoppers to block the tiny gaps under your doors, and close thick curtains to block out radiant heat from the sun. If cool air constantly escapes and hot air leaks in, the AC compressor will run continuously without ever taking a break, skyrocketing your power bill.
The fifth tip is to utilize the sleep mode and timer function. Always activate the sleep mode on your remote control before going to bed, or set a timer for the AC to automatically shut off one or two hours before you wake up. Sleep mode automatically increases the set temperature by 1°C every hour for the first couple of hours. Since your body temperature naturally drops when you are deep asleep, you won’t notice the slight warmth, but your electricity meter certainly will. By incorporating these five simple habits into your daily routine, you can enjoy a comfortably cool home while significantly reducing your electricity bill every month.