Electricity consumption is a conspicuous topic of discussion in India when it comes to air conditioners, and rightly so. During the summer, your air conditioner can contribute to 50% of your total electricity bill. This is true irrespective of the brand; whether it’s a Samsung AC or an LG AC, the power consumption will be high if you don’t use it economically.
The star rating system signifies the energy efficiency of an AC. But the star rating alone doesn’t decide the amount of power that an AC will consume. The power consumption of an AC depends on a number of other factors such as usage, and heat generated in the room. In this article, we’ve rounded up tips for operating your AC in an economical way that’ll help you save electricity.
Avoid direct sunlight on the AC unit
Try to install your AC unit in a way that it does not get exposed to direct sunlight. If it’s already installed in a position where it receives a lot of sunlight, use awning or some other kind of cover to keep it from overheating.
Set your thermostat
Try not to fidget with the thermostat by changing the temperature every now and then. Sticking with one comfortable temperature is a good way to use your AC economically.
As a general rule of thumb, you should set the thermostat of your AC between 23-25 degree Celsius. Setting it to lower temperatures consumes higher amounts of energy. It has been found that by setting your AC temperature even one degree warmer, you can save up to 10% on your utility bills.
Clean your AC filter and ducts
A dirty filter obstructs the flow of air to your AC, and thus makes it work harder to cool the room. This consumes more energy which translates to higher electricity bills. Thus, it’s necessary to regularly clean your AC filter to maintain optimal efficiency.
Limit the use of heat-producing appliances
While this is a tough one to follow, it’s quite useful to keep your energy bills in check. Devices such as lights, ovens, clothing irons and televisions emit large amounts of heat that makes your AC work harder in order to keep the temperature in check. The most obvious way to limit the heat emitted is to turn them off when not in use. Additionally, you can try to limit the usage of these devices when your AC is on.
Get rid of the heat
Try to keep your home as cool as possible by limiting the sun exposure to your place. Cover your home with as much shade as possible. Draw the curtains and blinds over the windows so your house doesn’t heat up too much. You can also get tints on your windows to keep the sunlight from coming in. Keeping plants on the windows, walls and roof is also a great way to avoid the heat. This will keep your AC from running for long durations, and thus, help save energy.
Get the unit serviced regularly
Your electricity bills will be contained if your AC unit is well-maintained. Schedule a service for your AC annually or bi-annually (if you use it all year long), and get the insulation checked. A small problem with the AC might not be detected until a professional checks it, but it can cost you a lot on your electricity bills. This will also save your AC from wear and tear.
If you follow these tips diligently, your AC can achieve maximum operational efficiency. However, if you’re planning to buy a new AC, then you should choose one with a higher star rating and ISEER rating for better energy efficiency. You can do that on the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store using the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card, which splits up your air conditioner price into no cost EMIs. Here, you can find products from all major brands, ranging from a Samsung AC to a Whirlpool washing machine. So, log on to the Bajaj Finserv EMI Store and prepare for the summer.
