6 Simple Tips to Lower Your AC Bills & Save Money

Aside from being an ecological disaster, these hot summer days can also be a disaster for your wallet. By far, the largest part of your energy bill comes from your home’s heating and cooling system. With your AC running 24/7 all summer long, you can expect some of your highest electric bills of the year to come between June and September. As the mercury and humidity rise, an AC can keep you comfortable. But is there a way to keep the electricity bills from shooting up, minimising energy wastage and keeping cosy during the hot summer days? Your biggest worry when you buy an air conditioner- How much will it increase my monthly energy bill?  You don’t want to suffer the hot temperatures of summer. But you also don’t want a very high electricity bill month on month.

Fortunately, you don’t have to boil in the summer heat just to save a few bucks. By following these simple summer energy-saving tips, you can keep the temperature, and your budget, well within the comfort zone.

Set the Right Default Temperature

Earlier this year, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) mandated AC manufacturers to keep the default temperature of their devices at 24°C. Before the mandate, the default was 20 degrees. Studies show that about 6 per cent of electricity is saved for every degree we raise the temperature. And the lower you keep your AC, the longer its compressors work, shooting up your electricity bill.

So if you choose to keep the AC running on its default temperature, you can save up to 24 per cent electricity (the difference of four degrees, multiplied by 6 per cent saved electricity)! Of course, you are still able to lower the temperature according to your preference—more on that below. Now we know that for every degree that we lower on the AC, we consume 6 per cent more electricity. So change your habit from lowering it to 18°C to keeping it around 23-24°C. You will soon realise that even at this temperature, your home is perfectly cool.

Seal your windows

If your home has old windows, they might not be energy efficient. You can cut the costs of cooling your home by installing new energy-efficient windows. Some upfront cost is involved, but you’ll make it up in the long run with lower bills. Poorly sealed windows leak air, which makes your air conditioning system work harder. Caulking leaks or cracks and weather stripping your windows will prevent cool air from leaking out of your windows. Heavy electronic devices like the fridge, TV and computer generate a lot of heat and make your AC work harder. Switch them off before you start the AC. Let the room cool a bit, and then you can switch them back on.

Use ceiling fans

Ceiling fans circulate cool air, taking some of the burden off your air conditioning system. Use your existing ceiling fans (or install them throughout the house) to increase energy efficiency. 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. Also, you will not have to keep decreasing the temperature.

For efficient cooling with minimum energy usage, start with switching on the fan and driving away the hot air in your room and then switching on the AC.

Correct Installation

This is the easiest way to reduce your energy bills from air conditioners. Incorrect installation will make your AC unit work harder, reducing it’s efficiency and durability while increasing your monthly electricity bill.
Always get a trained service technician to do the installation. If you get a local handyman to do it, chances are, he may not do it well. Incorrect installation, in worse cases, also rob you off your warranty.

Make sure your AC outdoor unit is not installed in a direction where it is exposed to   direct sunlight for a very long period of time and also ensure that the room where the AC is installed has comparatively less number of windows and doors through which sunlight can penetrate make it more hotter. This increases the performance load on your air conditioner, reducing its operational efficiency.

Use Your Thermostat Wisely

A smart thermostat can make these temperature transitions easy. Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi enabled devices that automatically adjust the temperature settings in your home for peak energy efficiency. Smart thermostats learn your habits and preferences and establish a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away.

In hot, humid climates, a dehumidifier is a perfect partner to your A/C and a great way to lower humidity levels in your home. A dehumidifier helps lower energy costs because your A/C won’t have to work as hard. 

 Regular Maintenance & Service

When you buy your air conditioner, check about service and maintenance from your manufacturer. Like any machine, your AC also needs to be serviced regularly. During service, all components are checked and dust or dirt are cleared from coils. If there is a problem with oil and lubrication, that is also fixed.

Clean or replace your air conditioning system’s filter every month or two. Filters need more frequent attention if your A/C is in constant use, is subjected to excessive dust, or if you have fur-shedding pets. Single-room air conditioners will have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room. In central air systems, you can find the filter somewhere along the length of the return duct. Common locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner itself.