The Struggle with Rising Electricity Bills in India
In almost every Indian middle-class household, the monthly electricity bill is a topic of intense discussion. As summer temperatures soar across the country, from the humid coasts of Chennai to the dry heat of Delhi, our reliance on heavy appliances like air conditioners and coolers increases significantly. If you have been searching for how to make eu less, you are likely looking for practical ways to bring down your Energy Units (EU) without sacrificing your basic comfort. In the Indian context, a 'Unit' refers to 1 kWh (kilowatt-hour) of electricity consumed. Reducing these units is not just about turning off a light bulb; it requires a strategic approach to how we use modern technology and manage our daily habits.
Understand Your Electricity Meter and Slabs
Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand how you are charged. Most Indian power distribution companies, whether it is BESCOM in Bangalore, TNEB in Tamil Nadu, or MSEDCL in Maharashtra, follow a telescopic billing system. This means the rate per unit increases as you cross certain consumption thresholds. For example, the first 100 units might be cheaper than the next 100. By learning how to make eu less and staying within a lower slab, you don't just save on the units themselves, but you also pay a lower rate for every unit consumed.
The Air Conditioner Strategy
Air conditioners are the biggest contributors to high electricity bills in India. However, you do not have to stop using them to save money. The most effective way to reduce consumption is by setting the temperature to 24 degrees Celsius. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) suggests this as the ideal temperature for the human body and for the efficiency of the machine. Every degree you increase above 18 can save about 6 percent of electricity. Additionally, ensure that your AC filters are cleaned every fifteen days. Dust buildup forces the compressor to work harder, consuming more units.
Optimize Your Refrigerator Usage
Unlike other appliances, the refrigerator runs 24/7. To make your EU consumption less, ensure there is enough space for air circulation around the fridge. Pushing it too close to the wall prevents the heat coils from cooling efficiently. Another common mistake in Indian kitchens is placing the fridge near the gas stove or in direct sunlight. Keep the temperature settings at 'medium' rather than 'coldest,' and avoid opening the door frequently. Every time the door opens, cold air escapes, and the compressor has to kick in to restore the temperature.
The Shift to LED Lighting
If you are still using old incandescent bulbs or even CFLs, you are wasting money. Switching to LED lighting is the easiest answer to how to make eu less. A 9-watt LED bulb provides the same brightness as a 60-watt traditional bulb. In a typical three-bedroom house, replacing all major light points with LEDs can reduce your lighting-related power consumption by up to 80 percent. While the initial cost of LEDs might be higher, they last much longer and pay for themselves within a few months through lower bills.
Managing High-Wattage Kitchen Appliances
Indian cooking often involves heavy use of mixers, grinders, and microwave ovens. To save units, avoid using the microwave for defrosting; instead, take food out of the freezer an hour earlier. Use an induction cooktop wisely by choosing the right vessel size that matches the heating zone. If you use an electric kettle, only boil the amount of water you actually need. Boiling a full kettle for just one cup of tea is a significant waste of energy over time.
Ceiling Fans and Maintenance
In many parts of India, ceiling fans run almost throughout the year. Old fans with traditional regulators use a lot of power even at lower speeds. Replacing old regulators with modern electronic regulators can help. Furthermore, ensure your fans are cleaned and lubricated. A dragging motor consumes more units to maintain speed. If you are buying a new fan, look for BLDC (Brushless DC) fans. These are highly efficient and can consume less than half the power of a standard induction fan.
The Danger of Standby Power (Ghost Loads)
One of the most overlooked aspects of how to make eu less is the power consumed by appliances on standby. We often turn off the TV with the remote but leave the main switch on. Chargers, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, and microwave displays continue to draw a small amount of power 24 hours a day. In a year, these 'ghost loads' can add up to a significant number of units. Make it a habit to turn off the physical wall switch for all electronics when they are not in use.
Water Heaters and Geysers
During the winter months in North India or the monsoon season in the South, geysers become a major source of unit consumption. To keep your EU low, never leave the geyser on for more than 15 to 20 minutes. Most modern geysers have a thermostat that cuts off the power, but heat is still lost through the tank walls over time. Also, consider lowering the thermostat temperature from the factory setting of 70 degrees to about 50 degrees. It is safer and much more energy-efficient.
Smart Investment in Star-Rated Appliances
When it is time to replace an old appliance, always look for the BEE Star Rating label. A 5-star rated appliance is significantly more efficient than a 3-star or non-rated one. For example, a 5-star inverter AC might cost more upfront compared to a 3-star non-inverter model, but it will dramatically reduce your monthly units, especially if you use the AC for more than 4 hours a day. In the long run, the cheaper appliance is often the one that saves you more on your monthly bill.
Harnessing Natural Light and Ventilation
India is blessed with abundant sunlight. Use it to your advantage to make your EU less. During the day, keep curtains open to avoid turning on lights. However, during peak summer afternoons, use thick curtains or heat-reflective films on windows to keep the heat out, which reduces the load on your AC. Designing your home for cross-ventilation can also help you stay comfortable with just a fan, reducing the need for air conditioning during the evenings.
Conclusion: Consistency is Key
Learning how to make eu less is not a one-time task but a lifestyle change. By combining technological upgrades like LED bulbs and BLDC fans with simple habits like turning off switches and setting the AC to 24 degrees, you can see a visible drop in your electricity units within a single billing cycle. Start by identifying the biggest energy consumers in your home and tackle them one by one. Not only will this save you money, but it also reduces the overall load on the national power grid, making it a win-win for your pocket and the environment.
Does keeping the AC at 24 degrees really save units?
Yes, setting your AC to 24 degrees Celsius is one of the most effective ways to reduce units. For every degree you increase from the lowest setting, you can save approximately 6% of the electricity consumed by the compressor.
Does leaving a phone charger plugged in consume electricity?
Yes, even if the phone is not connected, a charger plugged into an active wall socket consumes a small amount of power known as a phantom load. Over time, multiple chargers left on can contribute to higher unit consumption.
Can old wiring increase my electricity units?
Yes, old or faulty wiring can lead to current leakage and increased resistance, which causes the meter to run faster than it should. If your bill is unexpectedly high despite low usage, it is wise to have your home wiring checked by a professional.
Which appliance uses the most electricity in an Indian home?
Typically, the air conditioner is the highest consumer, followed by the geyser and the refrigerator. In households without an AC, the refrigerator and old ceiling fans usually contribute the most to the monthly units.
Is an inverter AC better for saving units?
An inverter AC is significantly better for saving units because it adjusts the compressor speed based on the room temperature rather than turning it on and off repeatedly. This avoids the high power spikes associated with traditional AC units.
