Another appliance to watch out for as far as electricity is concerned. Sanjay Kulkarni, working for an Engineering firm speaks about how he cuts costs over here.

He says, "Do not leave the boiler on for a long time as although it has a thermostat for safety, it starts again when the water cools a bit and thus consumes more electricity.

I switch it on 10-15 minutes (every boiler has a min heating time) before I use it. Don't let it go on for an hour, leaving it on longer doesn't give you any more hot water, it just increases the electricity bill."

Purushottam informs that you have an option of using a gas operator geyser. Using this appliance can cut down costs around 50 percent. You can call up electrical appliances companies such as Bajaj and Racold and ask them to install it at your home.

Photograph: Oleg Nikishin-Getty Images