Karachi usually braces a 37 to 40-degree heat wave during summers, and this year’s no different. While the scorching sun is causing skin burns, there is no way one can avoid high AC bills this summer.
Electricity bills are burning holes in everybody’s pocket. So, is there any way out of this conundrum? What if we told you that you don’t have to spend much on your bills!
Don’t be surprised. Just follow these tips to keep your home cool and avoid high AC bills:
Use Fans
Well-placed fans can circulate the cold air in the house and prevent your home from turning into a sauna. The wind-chill effect created by fans can make you feel six or seven degrees less. A fan obviously doesn’t cool a room, but it does make it comfortable to be in. If you believe in DIY, here is a simple DIY AC. Fill a large mixing bowl with ice and place it in front of a large box fan and voila! An AC-like feeling sans the bill.
Keep Your Windows and Blinds Closed
Direct sunlight can increase the temperature of a room by 10 to 20 degrees. The effect is known as “Solar heat gain.” Closed windows and highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%. You can also use heavy drapes on windows to keep your home cool by not letting the glaring sunlight come in. This method will help you to keep your home cool. However, don’t miss out on ventilating your room at night or early in the morning to let in some fresh air.
Run Your AC More Efficiently
Set your AC’s temperature to 26 degrees when you are at home. With this, you can save up to 5 to 15% on your electric bills. The lower you will keep the temperature, the more energy is consumed by the compressor, resulting in skyrocketing electric bills. Maintaining your AC on 26 degrees is an excellent option. It keeps the room cool and keeps electricity consumption at a minimum.
Avoid Using Stove or Oven
Don’t cook or use your oven during hot spells. Doing so will only heat your home. If you have to use the stove, try to cook your meal before noon or after peak time, such as around 4 pm. Reduce indoor heat by using a microwave or eating foods such as salads and fruits. Make it a habit to turn on the exhaust fan after cooking. Although this trick doesn’t directly avoid high AC bills, it makes your home feels less hot.
Use a Dehumidifier
People who live in areas with high humidity levels feel warmer, stickier and are more uncomfortable as compared to others. Dehumidifiers can reduce the moisture in the air and help ease some of the discomforts. This is of utmost importance for people living in areas with high levels of humidity.
Clean the Filter
Modern air conditioners filter dirt and bacteria from the air and are therefore susceptible to clogging. Both the indoor and outdoor units need to be cleared, and this is typically outlined in the manual provided. Always ensure that your unit is turned off before cleaning. Remember, a well-maintained AC will run more effectively and efficiently, reducing the overall electricity bills.
Turn Off Excess Lights
Turn off unnecessary lights in your house. This will lessen the amount of heat in your home. It surely won’t make a huge difference, but it does add up. Remember that ovens, computers, printers, and other equipment generate bucket loads of heat and will force your air conditioner to work harder to keep the temperature under control. So, turn off unnecessary lights, keep your home cool, and save yourself a bit of money on the energy bills.
Sleep Downstairs
One of the best tips to sleep comfortably cool without using an air conditioner is to find a lower ground or ditch your foam mattress. This type of mattress traps heat and will make you feel hotter during the night.
Maintenance
If you’re serious about saving money on your air conditioning bill, some simple maintenance checks need to be carried out to ensure that your AC is working efficiently. Hire a local contractor to service your air conditioner. Your contractor should clean the outdoor coils, check voltage connections and make sure the refrigerant is at proper levels.
Long-term Improvements
Heat mostly accumulates in a house due to the sun shining directly on the roof or the sunlight coming through the windows. Planting leafy trees around the outside of your home will help block the sun and cool your home. Planting a tree won’t immediately pay off, but it’s a great way to shade your home and add a touch of beauty to your home.
Bottom Line
High electric bills can be a source of great stress for many people. Everyone tries to save money by finding ways to cut down their electricity bills. By now, you must have known that it is easy to save money on your electricity bill when you know where to make the cuts. By following the tips listed above, you can take a big bite out of your summer electric bill without having an overheated house. Most of these might require an upfront investment, but such an investment will allow you to save on costs in the long run.
If this happened to be a good read for you and helped you in any way, take some time out and share it with your family and friends so they can also benefit from it.
