The weather patterns are shifting rapidly. Since May 18, a severe heatwave has begun to wreak havoc across several parts of North India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a serious alert regarding this situation.

This warning applies to parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. According to the weather agency, temperatures in the Delhi-NCR region are expected to range between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. In some areas, the mercury could even cross the dangerous threshold of 45 degrees.

**Why is the heat so intense?**

Why, exactly, do heatwaves occur? According to the Meteorological Department, a 'heatwave' is declared when the temperature in the plains rises above 40 degrees Celsius and remains significantly higher than normal. This time around, the extreme heat is primarily attributed to hot, dry winds, anti-cyclonic circulation, and clear skies. Furthermore, the presence of concrete buildings and paved roads in urban areas is amplifying the 'Urban Heat Island' effect, making the heat feel even more oppressive.

Amidst such life-threatening heat, air conditioners (ACs) in homes and offices often run continuously for hours on end. In this context, it is crucial to know how to keep a room cool without letting the electricity bill become a heavy burden on your wallet.

**At what temperature is it best to run an AC?**

During periods of intense heat, people often set their ACs to 18 degrees. However, this does not result in the room cooling down instantly. On the contrary, the AC compressor runs for longer durations, leading to increased electricity consumption.

According to experts, running an AC at a temperature between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius is considered the most optimal approach. This ensures effective cooling while keeping electricity bills under control.

Raising the temperature by 1–2 degrees before going to sleep at night can further reduce electricity consumption, as the body requires less cooling during sleep.

**Run a Fan Along with the AC**

If a ceiling fan is operated in conjunction with the AC, the cool air circulates throughout the entire room much faster.

This makes the room feel cooler, eliminating the need to set the AC temperature to a very low level. Consequently, this also leads to electricity savings.

**Cleaning AC Filters is Crucial**

During the summer season, ACs operate for extended periods. As a result, their filters tend to accumulate dirt quickly.

The buildup of dust restricts airflow, forcing the AC to work harder. This increases electricity consumption and also compromises cooling performance.

Therefore, it is essential to clean the AC filters periodically.

**Clean the Outdoor Unit as Well**

It is vital to keep the AC's outdoor condenser unit free from dust and debris.

If the airflow around the unit becomes obstructed, the cooling performance can be adversely affected.

Experts suggest that shielding the outdoor unit from direct sunlight can further enhance cooling efficiency.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.