As the scorching summer heat takes over northern India, air conditioners become a necessity in many homes. However, running an AC for long hours can result in skyrocketing electricity bills. But did you know that increasing your AC temperature by just 1°C can help you save hundreds or even thousands of rupees every season?
Yes, even a slight adjustment in your AC settings can have a significant impact on your power consumption—and eventually your wallet. Let’s break down the full calculation.
According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), increasing your AC temperature by just 1°C can reduce energy consumption by 3% to 6%. On the other hand, decreasing the temperature by 1°C increases energy usage by a similar percentage.
Let’s assume you own a 1.5-ton, 3-star rated AC—a common appliance in Indian households.
At 24°C, it consumes about 1.5 units of electricity per hour.
If you run it for 10 hours a day, that's:
1.5 units × 10 hours = 15 units/day
At ₹7/unit, daily cost = ₹105
Monthly cost (30 days) = ₹105 × 30 = ₹3,150
Seasonal cost (6 months) = ₹3,150 × 6 = ₹18,900
Now, if you increase the temperature from 24°C to 25°C, and save 6%, the seasonal bill would drop by:
6% of ₹18,900 = ₹1,134
New seasonal bill = ₹18,900 - ₹1,134 = ₹17,766
So, with just a 1°C change, you save ₹1,134 per AC every summer season. If you have two ACs, that’s ₹2,268 saved.
In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, where multiple ACs are often used for longer durations, this savings multiplies significantly. Households using 3–4 air conditioners could potentially save ₹4,000–₹5,000 or more every summer by simply increasing the thermostat by one degree.
Many people believe setting the AC at 18°C cools the room faster than 24°C. But that’s a myth. The AC takes a similar amount of time to reach the target temperature—regardless of whether it's 18°C or 24°C.
However, lower settings force the compressor to run longer, increasing electricity consumption. At around 24°C, the compressor switches off once the desired temperature is reached, allowing only the fan to run—significantly reducing power use.
Energy usage is not only influenced by the temperature setting, but also:
AC model and star rating
Outdoor temperature
Hours of usage
Room size and insulation
Number of people in the room
Also, using heavy blankets with the AC running is not just wasteful—it can harm your health. The human body functions best between 36–37°C. Constant exposure to extreme indoor cold and outdoor heat can lead to health issues.
If you want to cut down on electricity bills without sacrificing comfort, try this:
Set your AC at 25°C instead of 24°C
Save 6% or more on power consumption
Stay comfortable while being energy-efficient
It’s a small change—but with big results, both for your budget and for the planet.
