Summer’s here and the sun is basically auditioning to be a blowtorch. Great for beach days (for some), not so great for your utility bill – especially when DEWA starts giving you panic attacks every month.

But before you accept your fate and start budgeting for air instead of air-conditioning, we’ve got a bunch of clever, dirham-saving tricks on your utility bill to help you keep cool without going broke. Ready to beat the heat without burning your wallet? Let’s roll. 

Also read: Summer Incoming – Hit These UAE Spots Before The Temperature Soars!

1. ACs: Don’t Let Them Rob You Blind 

Air-conditioning is non-negotiable in the UAE summer, but your energy bill doesn’t have to suffer because of it. Here are some tips to cut back on a few bucks:

• Set that thermostat to 24°C or higher. Every degree you raise it saves around 5% on cooling. That’s savings literally at the push of a button. Lazy hack? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
  
• Still using an AC from the dinosaur era? Upgrade to a 4 or 5-star model. Not only will it cool your place faster, but it’ll also cool your bill by up to 25%. Win-win.
  
• Clean those filters. Dusty filters make your AC work overtime. Basically like asking it to run a marathon wearing a sweater.
  
• Curtains and blinds are your budget’s secret weapon. Block that sun like your finances depend on it, because they kinda do.
  
• Feel a breeze where there shouldn’t be one? Seal those sneaky gaps around windows and doors. Your cold air isn’t meant for the outside world.
  

2. Water You Doing? Save That H2O 

We don’t often notice how much water we waste until the bill arrives and leaves us gasping for breath.

• Trim your shower time by 2 minutes, and you’re saving 38 litres. That’s enough water to hydrate an entire office of parched peeps.
  
• Turn off the tap while brushing, scrubbing, or staring into the mirror contemplating life. You’ll save 15 litres per minute. And of course, your conscience.
  
• Full loads only, please. Dishwashers and washing machines don’t like doing things halfway. They use the same water whether they’re half full or fully loaded, so pack ’em up.
  
• Got a dripping tap? Fix it, stat. That annoying little drip could be wasting 11,000 litres a year. Basically a swimming pool’s worth of dirhams down the drain.

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3. Water Appliances: Time to Get Smart 

If your washing machine sounds like it belongs in a museum, consider it the siren for an upgrade.

• Go ahead and choose machines with 4 or 5-star efficiency ratings – they’re not just cool to brag about, they actually save you money.
  
• Pick models where you can adjust the temperature, cycle, and timing. That way, you’re in control (not the other way around).
  
• And ditch the dryer – let the UAE sun do the drying for free. Plus, your clothes will thank you.

Also read: Adulting Just Got Real: UAE Lets You Invest Your Gratuity With This New Scheme

4. Electrical Appliances: The Silent Utility Bill Bloaters 

Time to start cooking smarter and unplugging energy vampires.

• Use the microwave or pressure cooker instead of the oven. Less energy, faster meals.
  
• Switch off your water heater during summer. Trust me, you’ll barely notice the difference in temperature, but your bill will notice the dip.
  
• If you must use it, consider a solar or efficient electric water heater.
  
• And finally, don’t forget to set your fridge to 4°C and your freezer to -18°C – these are the sweet spots for energy savings and food freshness.

5. Let There Be (Smart) Light 

Lighting might seem minor, but it adds up. Especially if you’re lighting up every room like it’s a movie set. 

• LEDs are your besties – energy-efficient and long-lasting.
  
• Add motion detectors, timers, or dimmers for that extra dose of savings (and mood lighting).
  
• Clean your bulbs! Dust dims the light and makes you switch on more than necessary.
  
• And this one’s obvious: turn off the lights when you leave the room. Yes, even if it’s just for a snack run.

6. Team Up and Save On Utility Bill Together 

Saving water and energy isn’t just your job – it’s something we can all do together.

• Join community initiatives like clean-ups, tree-planting drives, or water-saving workshops.
  
• Start conversations in your building, school, office, or even mosque about smart saving habits.
  
• Even better, challenge your neighbors to a “Who Can Cut Their Bill More” contest. Winner gets bragging rights (and a lower DEWA bill).

You don’t need to live in the dark or sweat it out to cut your utility bill. Just a few small tweaks – and a little awareness – can save you up to 50% this summer. So go ahead, beat the heat and your bill. Your wallet will love you for it.

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