10 Ways to Cut Your Electricity Bill This Summer

Summer in India can push your electricity bill 40–60% higher than winter months. The biggest culprit is air conditioning, but ceiling fans, refrigerators working overtime, and water coolers all add up. The good news: a few small changes can shave hundreds off your bill without making your home uncomfortable.

1. Set your AC to 24°C, not 18°C. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency recommends 24°C as the optimal temperature. Every degree lower increases consumption by ~6%. 2. Use ceiling fans alongside the AC — circulating air feels cooler so you can run the AC at a higher setpoint. 3. Service your AC before peak summer. A clogged filter or low refrigerant makes the compressor work twice as hard.

4. Close curtains during the hottest part of the day (12–4 PM). Blocking direct sunlight reduces room heat by up to 30%. 5. Switch to LED bulbs everywhere. A single 60W incandescent bulb costs ~₹300/year more than a 9W LED. 6. Unplug chargers, set-top boxes, and microwaves when not in use — phantom loads can add ₹100–200/month.

7. Use the washing machine on full load only and skip the dryer — line-dry clothes outside. 8. Keep the refrigerator at 4°C and freezer at -18°C. Anything colder is wasted energy. 9. Defrost the freezer when ice builds up; ice makes the compressor run longer. 10. Switch off the geyser at the mains when not in use — even on standby it loses heat continuously.

Doing all 10 consistently can save an average household ₹500–1500/month during peak summer. Pair these habits with SaveMyBill and you save even more on every payment.