Your electricity bills can shoot up because of excessive or imprudent use of an air conditioner. Do you want to be cool during the hot summer days without running your air conditioner 24 hours a day? Is it possible? The following will help you save money even while enjoying the cool effect of an air conditioner.

1. Install sun blocking blinds and shades in your room, which will help you insulate your rooms from sunlight in the hot afternoons. Standard venetian blinds can block about 45-50 per cent of the heat.

2. Using a ceiling fan will help the cool air to rise. You can switch between a ceiling fan and an air conditioner if you want to save money. If you can, use ceiling fans at night to cut down on air conditioner usage.

3. When you are away from office or home, set the thermostat to 85°. When back, set it to 76°-78°. Switch off central air conditioning half an hour before you leave your office or home. The place will retain its coolness for that time period.