In a country like India, where scorching summers can push temperatures past 45°C, an air conditioner isn’t a luxury, it’s survival gear. But while the cool breeze brings relief, the current bill can give you a different heatstroke. Rare cases of harmful AC compressor blasts have also created doubt among people.
Then, how do you remain cool without facing a major danger or overpaying? Let’s take a look at the tips on how to reduce your AC electricity bill and avoid AC blasts this summer.
Reduce Your AC Electricity Bill and Avoid AC Blasts with These Simple Tricks
It’s not necessary to go through loads of stress to save money. Using these ways can make sure your air conditioner works efficiently and you spend less on your monthly bills.
1. Adjust the Temperature Settings
Start here. Every degree matters. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) set 24°C as the default for newer ACs (especially post-2020 models). If you can manage it, just increasing the temperature by 1°C can help you cut your energy bills by up to 6%.
Bumping the temperature up to 26°C from 24°C could already help you save around 12% or more. If you turn on your ceiling fan on its lowest setting, your air conditioning will work more efficiently and without raising the electricity bill.
To put numbers to it:
- 8 hours at 16–18°C → Roughly ₹3,168/month
- 8 hours at 24–26°C + fan → Around ₹2,880/month
That’s a noticeable saving just from a few clicks on your remote
2. Use Energy-Saving or Eco Mode
There’s nothing fake about eco mode. It’s one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills. It regulates the compressor’s action and the fan’s speed to continue cooling the room without using more power. Except for emergency situations, I prefer not to rely on special shield modes since they drain energy rapidly. Those things are similar to an energy drink for your AC. The device will work better, but you’ll pay more.
3. Install the Outdoor Unit in the Right Spot
The placement of your AC’s outdoor unit can make or break your savings. Position the AC in a place that won’t get too hot such as under shade. The workload on the compressor increases if it stays in the sun for a long time. When having strong sunlight is not possible, shutters or covers can act as some defence.
4. Seal the Room Properly
This seems basic, though it is often left ignored. Shut the doors and windows while your air conditioner is operating. ACs help reuse the air in the room and they avoid any leak issues. Even a little opening can cause cold air to get out and warm air to come in which is hard on the compressor.
5. Service the AC Regularly
An AC that has not been cleaned properly will cost you more money. Have your unit checked every six months, because this will keep it well-maintained. When the filters or coils get clogged by dust, the machine has to run for a longer time.
Try to remove dirt and debris from your internal filters twice each month throughout the year. You can use a soft toothbrush or an old one for the job. The amount of dirt that filters can take out will surprise you.
6. Don’t Switch It On and Off Frequently
Quick cycling isn’t clever, it’s costly. Turning the AC on for a short period and then shutting it off several times in an hour is not helping you save energy. A startup needs a boost of energy at the beginning and this stacks up over time.
7. Match the AC’s Capacity with the Room Size
Using a 1-ton AC for a large room gives the same results as running a mini-fridge in your hall. The unit is unlikely to perform smoothly and will probably cause you to use a lot of electricity. Check how many square feet your area is and then choose the right tonnage. Usually:
A one-ton unit is good for a room that is up to 120 sq. feet.
- 1 Ton: Small room (up to 120 sq. ft.)
- 1.5 Ton: Medium room (121–180 sq. ft.)
- 2 Ton: Large room (180+ sq. ft.)
8. Pair the AC with a Fan
Set the fan to speed one. It ensures cool air is distributed more widely in the room which makes the AC work more efficiently. It is not necessary to keep the AC operating full-time, this combination helps you out cheaper and with less effort.
9. Remove Extra Heat Sources
Switch off heat-producing items in the AC room. Additional heat comes from your desktop PC, microwave or refrigerator. Cooling the air around your gadgets is what your AC does as well. If possible, either shift the device or shut it off when you do not need it.
10. Pick an Energy-Efficient AC
Energy star ratings have a purpose. A 5-star rated AC uses much less power than a 3-star one. Should the climate be mild and you don’t use the AC often, then perhaps a 3-star is enough. Pick something that suits how frequently you will be using it.
Tips to Avoid AC Blasts and Keep Your Unit Safe
Even though such accidents happen rarely, they can be very serious. If you want to reduce the chances of this happening, here’s how to lower the risk.
1. Always Use a Voltage Stabiliser
A stabiliser performs in much the same way as a safety seatbelt for your AC. The power supply in India is not always the same. A sudden change in voltage, especially when there is a storm or you are in a rural place, may cause electrical items to short-circuit. They overwork the compressor, and in the most dangerous cases, might lead to a fire or an explosion.
The solution? Use a stabiliser that matches your AC’s capacity (1-ton, 1.5-ton, etc.). It’s a small investment compared to the peace of mind it offers.
2. Stick to Routine Maintenance
Doing regular maintenance keeps your house safe just as much as it helps save energy. A blocked filter or coil in your car will make the engine overheat. If the compressor works with the same constant pressure for a long time, it could malfunction.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to make yourself uncomfortable to keep your expenses low. If you try a few easy adjustments, regular care and less wasteful practices, your house cooling will cost less. Just remember:
- Set a sensible temperature
- Clean filters often
- Use fans with the AC
- Watch out for voltage fluctuations
- Never neglect servicing
The real trick isn’t just cooling your room. It’s cooling it wisely.
