The summer season is great. It has much more to offer us such as – Summer blockbusters, going to the beach, chilling out with friends, ice-creams, a break from school and so on. I think we all like the summer season for these reasons, but there is one thing that upsets us during the hot months. Yes, You are right! I am referring to the “UNBEARABLE HEAT” that makes our days much more uncomfortable and forces us to stay indoors, keeping the AC on all the time.

Uninterrupted AC usage contributes to skyrocketing electricity bills. According to a US EIA (Energy Information Administration) publication, air conditioning accounts for nearly 17% of home electricity expenses, with the number rising to 27% for humid areas. 

Though a modern energy-efficient air conditioner consumes less energy than older-generation, it can still put a hole in your pocket when it comes to paying your monthly electricity bill.  

The good news is there are ways to save a bit extra in your wallet without sacrificing your comfort and convenience.

Here are nine super easy and fun ways to reduce your air conditioner electricity costs to a minimum while using AC. Have a quick look.

1. Ensure the AC is off when it is not in use.

Many homeowners carelessly act when it comes to turning off the AC. They want the AC to start cooling the moment they touch the remote button. 

Turning off the AC from the remote control and not the source is a common habit in most of us. It means that the compressor is left idle to start again quickly when the AC is turned on.

To avoid this energy waste, you can opt for a smart, energy-saver air conditioner that has geofencing. When you leave your home and cross over a certain mile, the AC will turn off automatically. And when you return home or once nearby, it’ll turn on, ensuring the home is cool and fresh upon your arrival.

2. ​Set timers to avoid extra usage.

When you buy today’s most efficient air conditioner with smart technology, it’ll allow you to set timers. For instance, smart AC or smart thermostats allow you to set a timer for a particular temperature. As soon as the room attains the desired temperature, your AC turns off, which greatly helps save a lot on unwanted energy usage. 

You can choose the best ac temperature for summers and set the timer for this whenever you use AC. Furthermore, this feature also allows you to set a certain hour (1-24 hours) or specific time to turn off the AC. This not only helps to avoid extra usage of the appliance but also reduces the electricity wastage that usually happens when you forget to switch off the AC or, most of the time when you are sleeping.

3. Release the trapped heat.

Cross Ventilation- An easy and free-of-cost cooling technique! 

Keeping the door or windows of a particular room helps circulate fresh air. This will release the heat from inside the room and bring in cooler air from the outdoors during the night.

Thus, ventilating your room before turning on the AC is a better idea to bring down your room temperature, which will further help AC to cool faster whilst saving energy as it will require less runtime. I, myself, use this tip to fasten the cooling process, so I highly recommend it.

4. Get your AC serviced regularly.

I personally feel this is one of the best ways to keep your AC working smoothly. Over time, all the dirt gets accumulated in the ducts and vents of the AC which affects cooling. The dusty and jerky vents don’t let the cool and fresh air reach the room properly.

You can hire professional air conditioner repair services to examine the AC properly. They will change air filters every three months, which will prevent the AC unit from sudden breakdown and also save energy which reduces the electricity cost.

5. Keep your windows closed while AC is on.

Are you aware that 25%–30% of heat is transferred through windows? If you want to improve the cooling efficiency of your energy-efficient air conditioner, switching to energy-efficient windows is highly important. 

It is one of the very viable alternatives to block heat, but if remodeling is not possible at the moment, keep your existing windows in top condition. If there is any gap or any other issue with them, the chances are that you won’t be able to enjoy the best AC temperature for summers. Also, you will be spending your money on paying hefty electricity bills. 

6. Install ceiling or portable fans.

In today’s world, ceiling fans may be considered low-tech; however, they work miracles to keep rooms cool and fresh. Ceiling fans help circulate fresh air, reducing some burden from your AC units. 

Using existing ceiling fans or installing new ones in your home is an excellent way to boost your home’s energy efficiency. A ceiling fan not only reduces your air conditioning needs but also saves up to 40% in electricity bills.

7. Seal the leaks in your home.

Do you feel that your house is not cool even after switching on the most efficient air conditioner? Well, it can be due to an air leak! 

A windy house is not energy-efficient. Windows are not responsible for air leaks, but roof space, walls, and garage spaces can leak air as well. 

As your conditioned air leaks, your AC will have to work hard to cool your home, and this directly increases your air conditioner cost. To avoid this, you can hire professionals for a thorough assessment of your property. A professional can easily find energy-inefficient leaks and add insulation where it is needed. This is one of the benefits of regular AC repair service. 

8. Place your household appliances strategically.

Are you aware that household appliances can reduce the efficiency of your AC? Shocking, but it’s true. 

Many household appliances, such as refrigerators, cooking ranges, ovens, and stoves, emit a substantial amount of heat when in use. Therefore, it is recommended to place them in well-ventilated areas of the home.

Keeping a refrigerator in your living area will affect the cooling efficiency of your energy saver air conditioner, which will further increase your energy costs.

9. Use Curtains, Blinds, and Shades.

Curtains and blinds not only add to the aesthetic beauty of the room but also help to block the sun heat and keep your home cool.

The rooms that get direct sunlight and have no curtains can heat like a greenhouse. In such situations, even the most efficient air conditioner won’t work. Thus, to block out the sun’s heat, it is critical to install blinds or curtains, particularly in a light color. 

When you use your curtains, blinds, and other window shade items smartly and creatively, it makes your house look appealing, keeps it cool, and at the same time reduces your AC bills. 

Final Words

I would highly recommend these nine very simple yet super effective tips to reduce your air conditioner costs. If you use these hacks for a couple of months, it’ll surely save you valuable money on your utility bills.  So, enjoy the summers without worrying about your electricity bills!