Lower your electricity bill
Want a smaller bill? These are the tips that actually move the needle — by appliance, with the one rule (AC at 26°C) that's officially backed by a saving figure.
In short
- Keep the AC at 26°C — each 1° higher saves ~10%
- Swap incandescent/CFL for LED; replace old units with inverter models
- Switch standby gadgets fully off when not in use
Start here
Go after the big three
Every tip helps, but the bill really moves on a few big loads — the AC, the fridge, and heating appliances like an iron or water heater. The list below is grouped by appliance; start with the AC, because that's where the one solid saving figure lives.
Air conditioner
- Set the thermostat to 26°C or higher — every 1°C you raise saves about 10% electricity.
- Keep doors, windows and ventilator gaps closed so the AC isn't fighting outside heat.
- Draw the east-side curtains until about 10 AM and the west-side ones from about 2 PM to block direct sun.
- Clean the filter at least once a month and service the unit at least once a year.
- When replacing an old AC, choose an inverter, energy-efficient model.
Lighting
- Replace incandescent and CFL bulbs with LED lights.
- Use task lighting (a table lamp or spot) instead of lighting the whole room.
- Make the most of daylight — rearrange desks toward windows if it helps.
- Wipe dust off bulbs and fittings; dust cuts brightness and wastes power.
- Turn lights off when you leave a room.
Refrigerator
- Let hot food cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge.
- Don't keep the door open longer than needed.
- When replacing an old fridge, choose an inverter, energy-efficient model.
Fans
- Switch fans off in empty rooms.
- When replacing an old fan, pick an energy-efficient one (e.g. a BLDC fan).
Kitchen
- Cook with the pot covered and use a pressure cooker where you can.
- Turn the burner off as soon as you're done.
- Use the electric iron sparingly — iron a batch of clothes in one go.
Standby power
- Switch TVs, computers, microwaves, ovens, printers and chargers fully off when not in use — standby still draws power.
- Unplug phone and laptop chargers once charging is done.
Put a number on it
Work out your own saving
See what each appliance costs per month by entering its wattage in the appliance cost calculator. To understand a high bill, read the why is my bill high guide.
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