7 tips to save on your electricity bills this summer

As the mercury rises, hefty electricity bills can often burn a hole in your pocket. So, here are a few tips and tricks to cool your energy consumption goals

You can cut down on your electricity bills by replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs and LEDs. The Centre's drive to provide LEDs at subsidised rates had resulted in pan-India distribution of 240 million bulbs. Besides, it had also supplied 2.7 million tube lights as of July 6, 2017.

Fans consume more electricity compared to lights or any other small electrical appliances. While a light consumes 55 watts per hour, an average fan take up 75 watts of power. Old fans and, to some extent, cheap fans guzzle up more power of up to 90 watts.
A power-saver model or a Bureau of Energy Efficiency-rated fan consumes around 50 watts. A government study says an eight-year-old fan can burn 92 watts at full speed, whereas a BEE-rated fan uses 35 watts. The average cost of operating a fan is Rs 5 per unit.
Annual bill for a normal fan used for 8 hours a day: Rs 1,095
A BEE-rated fan: Rs 730
A super-efficient fan: Rs 530

The best way to save energy with an air-conditioner is to switch to the "Energy Saver" mode. It consumes less energy, but maintains a standard temperature. While buying an AC, opt for a BEE-rated model and always go for a split AC, instead of a window AC. ACs with BEE ratings consume much less power. An 1.5 tonne AC uses 1.5 units per hour, while an inverter AC uses only 0.91 units per hour.
Old AC (for 5 hours): Rs 27,372
Inverter AC: Rs 16,670

To save energy, you will have to allow air circulation around your refrigerator. So do not stuff your fridge to its optimum level, keep some empty space so that the air can circulate inside. It should also be at least 2 inches away from the wall. Ice accumulation also impacts energy consumption. A BEE-rated fridge will consume less energy than those not having the star ratings.
Old refrigerator (annual): Rs 4,468
BEE-rated refrigerator: Rs 2,916

Sometimes charging the smartphones overnight can lead to unnecessary consumption of electricity. It also impacts the battery life. Experts say you can charge your battery up to 80%, and not wait till it reaches optimum charging levels.

A US government study says standby power use can account for nearly 2% of the power consumed. For example, a DVD player's standby power consumption is around 7.54 W and a set-top box's 17.8 W. So, it is better to turn off the device from the power source.

Regularly servicing and cleaning your electrical devices and appliances can help save on your electricity bills. Sometimes, maintenance and cleaning the gadgets at home without involving experts or technicians can help a great deal. This will help minimise the load on electricity.