7 Smart Tips on How to Save Energy on AC at Home

Keeping your home cool during the warmer months can be costly, especially if your air conditioner is running non-stop. With rising energy prices, finding ways to cut down on electricity bills without sacrificing comfort is more important than ever.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between staying cool and saving money.

By making a few simple adjustments, like setting the right temperature, improving insulation, and using fans wisely, you can significantly reduce your air conditioning costs. Regular maintenance and upgrading to an energy-efficient system can also make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore seven smart tips to help you use your air conditioner efficiently, lower your energy bills, and keep your home comfortable all summer long. Let’s get started on saving energy on AC at home.

1. Set Thermostat at an Optimal Temperature

Setting your thermostat correctly is one of the easiest ways to save energy while keeping your home comfortable. Small adjustments can lead to big savings on your electricity bill. Here’s how:

• Keep it at 24-26°C in summer – This is the ideal range for balancing comfort and efficiency. Every degree lower can increase energy consumption by around 5-10%.
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat – These devices can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, ensuring you’re not cooling an empty home.
• Raise the temperature when you’re away – If you’re out for the day, setting the thermostat a few degrees higher can reduce unnecessary energy use.
• Avoid drastic temperature changes – Setting the AC too low won’t cool your home faster; it only makes the system work harder and use more energy.

A well-managed thermostat keeps your home cool while keeping your bills in check.

2. Keep Your Air Conditioner Well-Maintained

A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills while keeping your home comfortable. Over time, dust and debris can clog the filters and coils, forcing the system to work harder than necessary.

That’s why cleaning or replacing air filters every one to three months is essential. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your AC consume more energy.

Additionally, schedule regular professional servicing to check for issues like refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, or worn-out components. A technician can fine-tune your system to ensure it runs at peak performance.

Don’t forget about the outdoor unit. Keep it clear of dirt, leaves, and debris to allow proper airflow. Even small steps like cleaning vents and checking for leaks in air ducts can make a big difference. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your air conditioner energy-efficient and your power bills low.

3. Improve Home Insulation and Sealing

Did you know that poor insulation and air leaks can make your air conditioner work harder than it needs to? If cool air is escaping through gaps around windows, doors or poorly insulated walls, your AC will struggle to maintain the right temperature − wasting energy and increasing your power bill.

Start by sealing any gaps or cracks around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulking. This simple fix can prevent cool air from leaking out and hot air from creeping in.

Next, check your home’s insulation in the roof and walls. Proper insulation helps keep your home naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the need for excessive AC use.

If you have large windows, consider using thermal curtains or reflective window films to block out heat. These small upgrades make a big difference, keeping your home cooler while helping you save on energy costs.

4. Use Fans to Enhance Cooling

Ceiling and portable fans are great companions to your air conditioner. They help circulate cool air more efficiently, allowing you to stay comfortable while using less energy.

Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Use ceiling fans to spread cool air – Set them to rotate counterclockwise in summer to create a breeze effect, making the room feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
• Turn on fans instead of lowering the AC – A fan can make a room feel up to 4°C cooler, so you can keep the thermostat at a higher setting and still stay comfortable.
• Place portable fans strategically – Use them to direct cool air where you need it most, especially in larger rooms.
• Turn fans off when you leave – Fans cool people, not rooms. Switching them off when no one’s around saves unnecessary electricity.

By combining fans with your AC, you can enjoy better cooling while cutting down on energy costs.

5. Reduce Heat from Sunlight and Appliances

The more heat your home absorbs, the harder your air conditioner has to work. That’s why blocking out sunlight and minimising heat from appliances can help reduce energy use.

Start by closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Light-coloured or thermal curtains can reflect heat, keeping indoor temperatures cooler. You can also use reflective window films to block UV rays and prevent heat buildup.

Appliances like ovens, stoves, and even incandescent light bulbs generate heat, making your AC work overtime. Try cooking earlier in the day or using a microwave, air fryer or outdoor grill instead. Switching to LED bulbs also helps, as they produce less heat and use less electricity.

By keeping unnecessary heat out, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard − helping you stay cool while lowering your energy bills. Small changes can make a big difference.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC

If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it might be using far more energy than necessary. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient unit can lower your electricity bills while improving cooling performance.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Look for high energy ratings – Choose an air conditioner with a high Energy Star rating or a better energy efficiency ratio (EER) to ensure lower power consumption.
• Opt for inverter technology – Inverter ACs adjust their cooling power based on room temperature, using less energy compared to traditional units that constantly turn on and off.
• Check for smart features – Many modern air conditioners come with smart controls, timers and eco modes, allowing you to optimise cooling and reduce waste.
• Consider a system that suits your space – A properly sized AC cools efficiently without overworking. Too large or too small a unit leads to energy waste.

Upgrading may require an upfront cost, but the long-term savings on energy bills make it a smart investment.

7. Use Smart Cooling Strategies

Cooling your home efficiently isn’t just about lowering the thermostat – it’s about using smart strategies to maximise comfort while minimising energy use. Here’s how:

• Cool only the rooms you use – If you have a zoned system, close off unused areas so you’re not wasting energy cooling empty spaces.
• Take advantage of cooler outdoor air – In the evening, open windows and use natural ventilation to let in fresh, cool air instead of relying solely on your AC.
• Use timers and scheduling features – Set your air conditioner to turn off or adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away, so it’s not running unnecessarily.
• Avoid running appliances that generate heat – Ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers can warm up your home, making your AC work harder. Try using them during cooler hours.

With these smart habits, you can stay cool while keeping your air conditioning costs low.

Easy Tips for Saving Money

Saving energy on air conditioning doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort – it’s all about making smarter choices. Simple changes, like setting your thermostat at an optimal temperature, using fans to improve airflow, and blocking out heat from sunlight, can reduce your cooling costs without making your home feel warm.

Regular maintenance and proper insulation also help your AC run more efficiently, while upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient system can bring long-term savings.

By combining these seven smart strategies, you can stay cool, cut down on electricity bills, and reduce your environmental impact. The best part? Most of these tips are easy and inexpensive to implement.

Start making small adjustments today, and you’ll see the difference in both your home’s comfort and your energy bills. Ready to enjoy a cooler home while saving money? Put these tips into action and keep your air conditioning costs in check.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.