“AC bill too high even at 24°C?”: Expert reveals how to run air conditioner with up to 30% lower power consumption

Air conditioner usage tends to spike significantly during peak summer months, especially in urban households where temperatures remain high even at night. This increased dependency on cooling appliances often leads to a sharp rise in monthly electricity bills, particularly when systems are not regularly maintained or when homes experience high heat exposure through terraces and walls.

But according to Er. Ashok Sethuraman, a Bureau of Energy Efficiency-accredited energy auditor based in Coimbatore, reducing an air conditioner’s electricity consumption does not always require buying a new appliance. In a recent video posted in his Youtube channel, he outlined a mix of no-cost, low-cost, and higher-cost measures that he says can reduce AC-related electricity expenses by up to 30%.

His recommendations focus on monitoring energy consumption, improving airflow, maintaining the air conditioner regularly, and reducing the heat load on buildings.

How can you check if your AC is consuming more electricity than it should?

The first step, according to Seethuraman, is understanding how much electricity the AC is actually using.

He suggests switching off other major appliances in the house and checking the power consumption attributable to the air conditioner. Homeowners can then compare this with the consumption figures listed on the AC's nameplate.

If there is a significant difference, he recommends consulting the manufacturer's service team to determine whether the unit is operating efficiently.

He also advocates installing a run-hour meter and a single-phase energy meter, which can help track daily electricity use and operating hours rather than waiting for the monthly bill to reveal higher consumption.

Why does a BLDC fan matter when using an air conditioner?

One of the most repeated suggestions in the video is the use of a BLDC ceiling fan alongside an air conditioner.

According to Seethuraman, a BLDC fan consumes substantially less electricity than a conventional ceiling fan while improving air circulation inside the room.

He argues that better air movement allows users to set the AC temperature higher without compromising comfort. Instead of running the AC at lower temperatures, he recommends combining mild fan circulation with a higher thermostat setting.

What is the best AC temperature setting for lower electricity bills?

Seethuraman points to guidance that recommends setting air conditioners between 24°C and 26°C.

He says increasing the temperature setting by 1°C can lead to noticeable electricity savings and suggests that many users can remain comfortable even at 27°C when a fan is used simultaneously.

Beyond energy savings, he also notes that avoiding excessively cold indoor temperatures may provide a more comfortable cooling experience for some users.

Can sleep mode, timer mode and eco mode reduce electricity consumption?

The energy auditor says many users overlook features that are already available on their AC remote controls.

These include:

• Sleep mode, which gradually adjusts temperatures during the night
• Timer mode, which limits unnecessary operation
• Eco mode, which reduces compressor workload during milder weather

According to him, making use of these built-in functions can help reduce electricity usage without requiring additional investment.

Why is the outdoor unit important for AC efficiency?

A major focus of Seethuraman's advice is the condition of the outdoor unit.

He describes the outdoor condenser as the component that works hardest during summer and says protecting it from direct sunlight can improve performance.

Among the measures he suggests are:

• Providing a weather-protected shade above the outdoor unit
• Ensuring sufficient open space around the condenser for airflow
• Cleaning condenser fins periodically
• Covering exposed refrigerant pipes with insulation
• Installing anti-vibration rubber pads beneath the outdoor unit

According to him, these measures can help improve heat transfer and reduce compressor running time.

How often should AC filters be cleaned?

Seethuraman recommends cleaning indoor air filters once every two weeks during periods of heavy usage.

Dirty filters can restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and potentially increasing electricity consumption.

He also suggests keeping a spare filter available so a clean, dry filter can be swapped in when required.

Can your home's roof and walls affect AC electricity bills?

The video also highlights the role of building heat gain.

For homes exposed to intense sunlight, particularly through terraces and west-facing walls, Seethuraman recommends measures such as:

• Heat-reflective roof coatings
• Shade solutions for windows and walls
• Bamboo curtains and similar barriers
• Increasing greenery around homes

According to him, reducing heat entering the building can lower the cooling load placed on air conditioners.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral social media post. The Economic Times cannot independently verify the authenticity of the content and does not claim or endorse it.)