When the temperature hits 45°C, most homes stop chasing comfort and start chasing relief. Fans stay on longer. ACs run through the afternoon. Fridges work harder. Then the electricity bill lands and feels worse than the heat itself. IMD’s latest bulletin says heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely across parts of northwest, central, and other regions of India over the next few days, with several pockets already reporting extreme temperatures.
This is also becoming a power-use story. A recent BEE residential consumption report found thermal comfort appliances take the biggest share of household electricity use at 40%, with fans at 24% and air conditioners at 11%. In Punjab, power consumption during the first 21 days of May rose 6% from a year earlier as the heat sharpened. That is why small cooling changes now can lower waste before the next bill arrives.
Set Your AC Higher, Not Lower
The most expensive mistake in a heatwave is setting the AC to 18°C and expecting instant cooling. BEE says raising the AC temperature by 1°C can save about 6% power. Its long-used guidance around 24°C remains one of the easiest ways to cut electricity use without giving up relief. Keep the room closed, switch on sleep mode at night, and clean the filter regularly so the unit does not fight blocked airflow.
IMD’s official X account has been posting current heat updates, including stations recording 45°C and above, plus alerts for Delhi and nearby regions.
Use Fans And Curtains As AC Support
A lot of homes run the AC alone in a sun-beaten room and then wonder why cooling feels weak. Closed curtains, especially on west-facing windows, cut indoor heat gain during the harshest afternoon hours. A ceiling fan helps move cold air faster, so the AC does not need to stay at an aggressive setting.
This works even better now because IMD has said no major drop in maximum temperatures is likely across many parts of the country immediately.
Shift Heat-Producing Chores Out Of Peak Hours
Many homes quietly add to their own bill by using ovens, irons, geysers, and washing machines during the hottest stretch of the day. That indoor heat makes cooling appliances work harder. Try cooking earlier, ironing after sunset, and running laundry in the morning.
In a week where severe heatwave conditions are forecast across multiple states, reducing indoor heat is almost as useful as cooling the room itself.
Switch Off Appliances You Are Not Using
A lot of homes leave chargers plugged in, TVs on standby, unused lights glowing, and extra fans running in empty rooms. During a heatwave, these small habits add up.
Switch off what is not needed. Turn off lights in daylight. Unplug idle devices. Stop cooling rooms that nobody is using. This is one of the simplest changes, and it costs nothing to start.
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Check Appliance Labels Before Blaming The Weather
Not every painful summer bill comes only from the weather. Older appliances and lower-efficiency models draw more power even when usage feels ordinary. BEE’s standards and labelling programme exists for this reason: star-rated appliances are designed to reduce electricity use without reducing performance.
If an ageing AC, fridge, or fan is already struggling through May, replacing one heavy consumer may help more than cutting ten tiny habits. People are also tracking reels about AC settings, but official sources are safer than viral hacks. A cheap weather strip, a cleaned filter, and one degree higher on the remote usually beat dramatic bill-cutting tricks floating online.
FAQs
1. What AC temperature helps reduce bills in summer?
Set it near 24°C, because lower settings usually increase power use without improving comfort much.
2. Do ceiling fans help when the AC is running?
Yes, fans spread cooled air faster and reduce pressure on the air conditioner indoors.
3. Why does afternoon cooking raise electricity costs?
It adds indoor heat, forcing fans and AC units to run harder for longer.
4. Are star-rated appliances worth buying during extreme heat?
Yes, they use less electricity and usually perform better during long summer operation periods.
