How to Reduce Your Electricity Bill at Home (India)

Cooling and heating usually dominate the bill — that's where small changes save the most.

Know where the units go

In most Indian homes the air conditioner, geyser and fridge use far more electricity than lights and fans. Electricity is also often billed in slabs, so the last units in a heavy month can cost more per unit than the first. That’s why trimming the big appliances in peak months makes the biggest difference.

Cooling and heating

--Set the AC to 24°C — the default the Bureau of Energy Efficiency recommends — instead of 18–20°C. Use a fan alongside it.
--Clean AC filters every few weeks in summer; clogged filters make it work harder.
--Use the timer or sleep mode so it doesn’t run all night at full cooling.
--Put the geyser on a timer or switch it off after use; don’t leave it on all day.
--Keep doors and curtains closed in cooled rooms during the hottest hours.

Everything else

--Switch to LED bulbs everywhere.
--Check star ratings (the BEE star label) when buying appliances; a higher rating usually costs less to run.
--Don’t overfill or overcool the fridge, and keep its back clear of the wall.
--Turn off at the plug — set-top boxes, chargers and microwaves draw standby power.
--Run washing machines full, and use cold-water cycles where you can.

Sharing the bill fairly

In a shared flat, the AC is usually the fairness problem: one person runs it all night, everyone splits the bill. Options include splitting a base amount equally and the rest by AC rooms, or using sub-meters where possible. Our guide on splitting utility bills with roommates walks through the methods.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I set my AC to save electricity?

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency recommends 24°C as the default setting. Each degree lower increases consumption, so using 24°C with a fan saves a noticeable amount.

Which appliances use the most electricity at home?

In most homes, air conditioners, geysers and refrigerators use the most electricity, followed by washing machines and other heating appliances.

Does standby power really matter?

Individually it’s small, but many devices on standby around the clock add up. Switching off at the plug is an easy saving.

How should flatmates split the electricity bill when one uses the AC more?

Common approaches are splitting a base amount equally and the rest by AC use or rooms, or using sub-meters. Agree the method before the first bill.

How Snugtab helps

Track the bill month to month

Log each electricity bill in Snugtab and compare it month to month — and split it with flatmates in the same place, with the method you’ve agreed.

Try Snugtab free