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How to Reduce AC Bill: 5 Smart Summer Tips

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As heat levels rise during summer, the associated costs of cool homes can rise steeply when air conditioning becomes the only option. Luckily, the trusted measures are ways to spend less while being more comfortable. Here are five of the easiest ways how to reduce AC bills this summer without leaving your cool room for the blazing outdoors. Optimising your home insulation, thereby driving down energy consumption with all energy efficiency practices, will give more significant loss figures than simply understanding home insurance-domestic property policies over investments for energy-effective upgrades. Save all that by knowing how home insurance and property insurance can save your investments in energy-efficient upgrades. Let's talk about practical solutions to make the summer cooler and less expensive!

Tips to reduce AC bills

1. Switch off when not in use.

This is common sense, if practised properly will cut down AC bills. When we say switch off when not in use, we do not mean to turn it off from the remote. The AC should be switched off from the main source. If left on, it is an ideal load and results in a waste of electricity. This is because the compressor is kept on so that it can immediately start when required.

Thus, when the cooling is not needed, the machine should be switched off from the main source. This works as AC insurance too, which means, this is good for the AC too and takes care of the machinery and its parts for a longer time.

Another way is to reduce timers at night ensuring that the AC switches off on its own when the room is cool. In this way, the cooling is not on for the whole night. This reduces usage and electricity consumption and helps you understand how to reduce AC bills.

2. Set the temperature to the ideal level

Many people think that the cooling will be better when the AC temperature is set to a lower temperature. This is a myth and a sure-shot way to increase AC bills. Twenty-four degrees is said to be the optimum temperature for the human body as per the BEE, i.e. the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. When the air conditioner is set at this temperature, the consumption of electricity will be less, thus decreasing the load when compared to the setting at a low temperature. Thus, setting the AC at the ideal level is a way to reduce electricity bills. This also keeps the machinery in good condition, and the chances of a claim under the property insurance policy reduce.

3. Sealing the windows

When the air conditioners are working, the doors should always be closed. But what many people tend to miss are the windows. The windows should be sealed so that the cool air of the room does not escape. Another simple thing is to have thick blinds or curtains so that there is no heat entering the room, reducing the efficiency of the AC and increasing the load. Heat and sun rays that enter the room make it difficult to cool and put more load on the AC. This, in turn, increases electricity consumption leading to high electric bills.

4. Operate the AC and fan together

When the air conditioner is working, and the fan is also on, the air circulation is much better. This helps in cooling all corners of the room equally and reduces energy consumption. As the ventilation of the room improves with the fan, the load on the AC reduces, and this helps in saving energy. The ideal way to cool a room is to first switch on the fan for some time, as this will drive away the hot air from the room. When the air conditioning is switched on after some time, the cooling is faster and, of course, more effective.

5. Regular service

When you go to purchase a new AC, you for sure will be told that regular service is not needed and the maintenance is low. This is not entirely wrong, but the weather in India is such that air conditioning is not needed all around the year. The dust and pollution levels are high and all this settles in the machinery when they are not in use. This reduces efficiency. When you regularly service the AC, the efficiency is better as the machine is cleaned and works well. This reduces energy consumption, thus reducing bills.

In your home insurance policy , you have your air conditioners covered along with other electronic equipment. With regular service, the machines work in good condition, and the regular wear and tear are also less. If there is a claim, all these things go in favour making it easy.

6. Plant trees

Trees planted around your home can cut air conditioning bills due to their ability to cast shade. They can lower the temperature around your house and not let heat enter your home. This lessens the load on the AC unit to work and improves its efficiency. In addition, properly placed trees can also add a lot of charm to the property, increasing its value and eventually helping with your home insurance.

7. Clean the AC filter

It is important to check or replace the AC filter regularly to keep it working efficiently and reduce electricity bills. A dirty filter usually restricts airflow, thus requiring more work to be done by the AC and more electrical energy consumption. Cleaning the filter means better airflow, thus better air quality, cooling efficiency, and more extended unit life. Given that the maintenance is relatively simple, it can save lots of dollars on your electricity bill and also keep your house cool and comfortable.

How to calculate the 1.5-ton AC consumption using the EER formula?

In the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) model, the power consumption of an AC of 1.5 tons is calculated as Power (kW) = Cooling Capacity (kW) / EER. The cooling capacity for an AC of 1.5 tons is approximately 5.26 kW (1.5 tons x 3.517 kW/ton). If you have an EER for it, simply divide 5.26 kW by EER, and the answer will be the power consumption in kW.

Let's assume the EER of your 1.5-ton AC is 3.0; the working would be as follows:

- Cooling Capacity: 5.26 kW
- EER: 3.0

Calculation:
Power (kW) = 5.26 kW / 3.0 = 1.75 kW

Thus, the unit AC consumes about 1.75 kW of electrical energy in an hour. To convert this to units consumed, multiply it by the number of hours the AC runs. Let us say it runs eight hours a day:

- The Daily Consumption: 1.75 kW * 8 hours = 14 kWh

Such calculations will help in electricity estimations to manage house insurance costs and find ways to utilise their AC at an efficient capacity for a decreased electricity bill.

Conclusion

It is very essential to motivate individuals to save energy this summer, but reducing expenses on air conditioning bills does not seem to be that difficult. Implement Some five easy tips such as optimising the insulation, using programmable thermostats, servicing your AC unit, using fans, and closing the blinds during peak sunlight so that you will live comfortably in your house and at the same time save energy costs. In addition, energy-efficient improvements may also cut bills under home insurance or property insurance policies giving you that extra financial protection in your life. These tips could help your need for cooling and save that cost while having an enjoyable summer without spending much.

FAQs

1. How to reduce AC electricity bill?

Here are some effective methods to reduce your AC electricity bill:

• Thermostat Setting:

Set your thermostat a few degrees higher, ideally at 24-26 degrees Celsius (75-78 degrees Fahrenheit). Each degree lower adds a big portion to your bill.

• Maintenance:

Maintain an efficient AC system by frequently cleaning or replacing filters.

• Fans:

Use ceiling or portable fans to let cooler air circulate, so you can raise the thermostat settings a degree or two.

• Seal Leaks:

Look for leaks around windows and doors and seal them off to keep the cool air inside.

• Natural Ventilation:

Open windows at cooler hours of the day to allow fresh air to enter without using the AC unit.

2. How to use AC to get the minimum bill?

In order to use your air conditioner efficiently and save on your bill:

• Use a Programmable Thermostat:

Get that set up to adjust the temperature automatically, while you are not home.

• Limit AC Use at Peak Electric Hours:

That means no more running air conditioning during peak times when rates are most expensive.

• Close Blinds and Curtains:

So as not to let in too much sunshine during the hottest parts of the day.

• Zone Cooling:

Only cool the room or areas you use most as opposed to cool down the entire house.

• Think Energy-Efficient:

When buying a new air conditioner, ask for energy-saving models with high SEER.

3. How to make AC use less power?

Make AC run on Less Power:

• Daily Maintenance :

Proper and scheduled professional maintenance should be executed to ensure performance.

• Clean up Filters:

Replace or clean filters once a month for optimal airflow and efficiency.

• Insulate Ducts:

The ductwork should be properly insulated to avoid the loss of cool air.

Energy-Saving Modes:

• If your AC has a facility for an energy-saving mode, then use it.

Heat Sources:

• Turn off all heat-generating appliances (like ovens and dryers) during the hot time of the day. Restrict heat sources.

4. Which is best for AC to save electricity?

The best ways to save electricity with your AC are:

• Inverter ACs:

These have compressors that operate at different speeds depending on the cooling demand, which saves a lot of energy as opposed to normal AC standards.

• Smart Thermostats:

They learn your habits and schedule cooling accordingly, so energy isn't wasted.

• Units That Are Energy Star Rated:

Check for an Energy Star label on the AC unit, meaning it fulfils strict energy efficiency guidelines.

• Proper Maintenance:

A properly maintained AC ensures efficient operation, which is very necessary for electricity savings.

• Proper Insulation:

A well-insulated house lowers the workload on the AC and lowers energy consumption.

What temperature should I keep my AC at to lower my electricity bill?

Around 78°F (25-26°C) is the recommended temperature for setting your AC when you are at home and active. When leaving the house, increase the temperature a few degrees higher, for some terrific savings on your energy bill.

How to keep AC costs down?

Here are a few tips on how to use AC for a low electricity bill to keep the AC costs down:

● Regular Maintenance: Keep your AC unit well-maintained. Clean or replace filters frequently for efficiency.
● Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat adjusts temperature automatically according to your schedule.
● Seal Leaks: Look for and seal leaks around windows and doors so that cool air does not escape.
● Use Fans: Ceiling or window fans are effective in circulating cool air and can give you the freedom to raise the thermostat setting somewhat.
● Close Blinds and Curtains: Keep the blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to reduce heat gain.
● Limit Heat-Generating Activities: Try not to use the stove and other heat-generating appliances during the afternoon heat

Does the sleep mode in the AC save electricity?

Yes, sleep mode in ACs is intended to save electricity. Once switched on, sleep mode makes adjustments to the temperature gradually throughout the night, allowing for a slight increase in temperature while sleeping. This results in energy savings which in no way conflict with your comfort since, generally, the body requires less cooling during a sleep state.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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