When household electricity bills go up in summer, people blame the AC and fridge for it. Many families buy 5-star ACs and energy-efficient fridges thinking that they will now consume less electricity. But just buying expensive or star rated devices is not enough. The setting at which they are run also affects the bill. Small habits like keeping the temperature right and turning off the power to appliances when not in use can help reduce costs.

Run the AC at 24 degrees, not 18 degrees.

To get relief from the heat, many people set the temperature to 18 or 20 degrees as soon as they turn on the AC. They think this will cool the room faster, but the AC works as per the room cooling capacity. Keeping the temperature too low can make the compressor run longer and increase power consumption.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) also recommends running the AC at 24 degrees Celsius. It is estimated that for every one degree rise in temperature, about 6 percent of electricity can be saved. However, the actual savings depends on the AC model, room size, outside temperature and usage time.

Using sleep mode or eco mode at night can also help. These modes adjust cooling as needed, which can reduce power consumption.

Keep the refrigerator temperature as needed

A fridge is on day and night, so its settings also affect the electricity bill. It is not necessary to keep the thermostat at the lowest temperature to achieve extreme cooling. In general, it is considered appropriate to keep the temperature of the main part of the refrigerator at 3 to 5 degrees Celsius and the temperature of the freezer at around minus 18 degrees Celsius. Also check the advice given in the manual according to your refrigerator model.

Opening the refrigerator door frequently causes cold air to escape and the compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature inside. Similarly, keeping hot food directly in the refrigerator can also increase the internal temperature. Keep the food in the refrigerator only after it cools down a bit.

Avoid placing the refrigerator too close to the wall. There should be room for air to flow around it, so that heat can escape and the cooling system works properly.

Standby mode also consumes electricity

TVs, chargers, set-top boxes and other electronic devices can use some electricity if they remain plugged in after being turned off. This is called standby or phantom power. Its consumption varies with different elements, but reducing it can be beneficial in the long run.

Turn off non-essential devices or unplug them when safe. After using the AC, switch it off according to the company’s instructions. Appliances like refrigerators require constant electricity, so they don’t need to be unplugged every day. A smart plug can also help prevent standby usage of some devices.

Small habits, long term savings

It is not necessary to buy a new appliance every time to reduce the electricity bill. Steps like running the AC at the right temperature, maintaining proper fridge settings and switching off unnecessary appliances can help. How much this will save depends on the electricity usage and appliances in your home. However, by incorporating these habits into daily life, electricity consumption can be better controlled.

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