Every now and then I make jokes about UAE’s summer heat, but do you know what’s the least funniest thing about it? Your AC bill that comes out at the end of the month! A total face palm moment, every time. But surely there must be a way to stay cool at home during summer, without paying a fortune in electricity bills, right? Well, with the hacks I have for you today, you may be able to shed a few dirhams off your next bill. Come with me, and I’ll let you in on some tips that UAE residents have started using to cut down on their electricity bills during summer.
Also read: Summer In UAE Officially Starts This Month – Here’s When
1. Set The Right Temperature
The ‘sweet spot’ you ask. Well, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) recommends setting your AC to 24°C. It’s that sweet spot between keeping cool and avoiding sky-high electricity costs. Here’s a DEWA fun fact for you – for every degree lower you go, your bill could go up by around 5%. When you’re heading out, even if it’s just for something as short as a walk, it’s best to switch it off completely. And when it’s bedtime, use the SLEEP/AUTO mode on your AC. It gently adjusts the temperature through the night to save energy without leaving you sweating under the covers. These are the best DEWA recommended tips to keep your house cool and your bills at bay.
2. Keep The Heat Outside
Want a zero-cost trick to help your AC out? Close the curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Blackout curtains or solar screens work wonders at stopping that blazing UAE sunshine from turning your living room into an oven. Less heat inside = your AC doesn’t have to work as hard = lower electricity bills. The math is mathing and it’s just that simple.
3. Don’t Let Cool Air Escape
Want to keep that cold air working for you? Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Tiny gaps let hot air sneak in and force your AC to work overtime. Using weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors can make a bigger difference than you think. And if you’re thinking of doing any renovations soon, upgrading to energy-efficient windows will help a lot with insulation.
4. Timing Is Everything
Appliances like ovens, washing machines, and dryers add extra heat to your home, making your AC work harder. Try using them early in the morning or late in the evening when the outside air is cooler. And always switch off appliances when they’re not in use. Don’t forget that ‘standby mode’ still uses energy and generates heat. Which means your bills will just keep going up and up, until you get a hang of switching things off completely.
5. Don’t Forget The Basics
And last but not least, it’s always important to go back to the basics. Your AC can’t work properly if it’s clogged up with dust. Clean or change your AC filter regularly so air can flow easily. And once a year, it’s a good idea to get a professional maintenance check to make sure your AC is working as efficiently as possible.
A few small tweaks here and there can lead to big savings by the time the next electricity bill arrives. These hacks will help you save more and sweat less.
