How to save electricity this summer in Pakistan in 2026

# Beat the Heat, Not Your Bill: How to Save Electricity This Summer in Pakistan (2026) Summer in Pakistan can be absolutely miserable for any household that wants to keep cool while paying exorbitant prices for electricity. With power being expensive and the temperatures only rising, people need to think of innovative ways to reduce electricity consumption without sacrificing their quality of life. Here is a list of tried and tested techniques for saving electricity that are relevant to Pakistani households. ## 1. Set your AC to 26 Degrees Celsius The most effective way to reduce the electricity bill during hot summers is to reduce the thermostat on your AC to 26 degrees celsius. For every degree below 24-26, you will see your electricity consumption rise by 6-8%. Set your AC to this temperature and use a ceiling fan to get better insulation. If you can stand a slightly higher than average room, then 28 degrees celsius is perfect for saving electricity while using an AC. ## 2. Get your AC cleaned before it starts getting unbearably hot A dirty air conditioner filter increases the load on the compressor manifold, resulting in higher electricity consumption. To ensure you get the maximum benefits from your AC, you should get a professional to clean or oil your AC compressor before summer gets intense. You can also clean the filter yourself once a month or so. Another thing to consider is ensuring that the AC's outdoor unit is not exposed to direct sunlight as that also increases its workload. Keeping your AC in decent condition reduces its electricity consumption by up to 15% ## 3. Keep Inverter Appliances as much as possible While most appliances in Pakistan are non-inverter, it is best to buy inverter ACs and other home appliances if you have the budget. Inverter ACs have built-in technology that allows them to reduce the electricity consumption as compared to their non-inverter counterparts. This is particularly important in Pakistan, where the tariff per unit falls sharply due to the per unit electricity tax. ## 4. Insulate your home with curtains, shades, and heat-resistant materials It goes without saying that insulating your home is the best way to prevent your indoor temperature from soaring on hot summer days. Here are a few things you can do to insulate your home: Use thermal curtains in your home to reflect the sunlight back outside. You can buy sun-shades and bamboo chiks (in rural areas) to install on your west-facing windows and balconies. Paint your rooftop with heat-resistant paint or white paint to reduce the amount of heat that gets retained in your home Seal windows and doors to ensure cool air does not escape ## 5. Install solar panels if you can afford them Solar panels are the best things to have in Pakistan with the current load shedding situation and sky-high electricity prices. Even a small-scale solar panel setup can offset your electricity bill significantly, especially if you live in an area with frequent load shedding. Most solar panel providers offer net-metering options that allow you to capture the excess energy generated and put it to use later. This is particularly useful during the day when your AC and other appliances run on solar energy. ## 6. Use heavy-duty appliances in the early mornings and evenings It is a good idea to avoid using heavy-duty appliances during the peak hours of the day. Try to use them during the cooler hours of the day, preferably in the morning or after sunset. You can also consider using multiple heavy appliances at the same time so you can utilize the electricity load shedded on them more efficiently. ## 7. Always use a fan with your air conditioner Always try to use a fan in conjunction with your AC. Using a fan, you can raise the temperature of your AC by 2-3 degrees and still feel the same level of coolness. Since a fan consumes significantly less electricity than an AC, this is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of electricity you consume. ## 8. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with LED ones If you have any conventional bulbs, it is advisable to replace them with LED ones because they utilize up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent ones. LEDs also give off very little heat, making them suitable for use during the summer. Additionally, using energy-efficient home appliances reduces your overall electricity consumption. ## 9. Avoid using electronic devices when not in use Most people in Pakistan have a habit of leaving their phone chargers, computer, TV, and microwave switched on even when they are not using them. This habit results in them paying much more than necessary for electricity. Wherever possible, avoid keeping your phone, computer, TV, and other electronic devices connected to a power source when they are not in use. ## 10. Install a Smart or Prepaid Meter to keep track of electricity usage The best electricity meters to get these days are the smart or prepaid meters offered by some electric companies. Having a meter like this allows you to keep track of your electricity consumption and helps you understand which appliances are the biggest electricity consumers. ## 11. Cool only the rooms you need to Instead of cooling your entire house with an AC, it is best to only cool the rooms you need to. A single room AC can suffice if you are willing to spend a little extra to cool only yourself, as opposed to your entire house. ## 12. Use Off-Peak Tariff Hours if available If you have a net-metering or off-peak tariff option with your electricity provider, it is always a good idea to use your heavy-duty appliances during the off-peak hours to save electricity. Most electric companies change their tariff rates depending on the time of day, so always do a little research before purchasing a specific electricity package. ## Conclusion With Pakistan's summer season being the hottest it has been in years, people are going to have to get creative if they want to save money on electricity. The good news is that there are a number of ways to reduce your electricity consumption without spending a fortune on new air conditioners or other electrical appliances. From making slight modifications to the thermostat on your AC to installing solar panels, there are a number of things that Pakistanis can do to reduce their electricity consumption this summer. With the prospect of electricity being expensive in the coming years as well, these are all things that will save you money in the long run.