Lifestyle

How to lower your DEWA bill in the UAE this summer

Adopt these five habits to reduce your air conditioning costs and energy consumption during the peak summer months.

A digital thermostat display shows a low temperature setting against a backdrop of a modern home interior.

As temperatures rise across the UAE, household energy bills follow suit, driven largely by air conditioning. By optimising your thermostat, improving maintenance, and adopting smarter habits, you can significantly lower your monthly DEWA or utility costs.

Dubai and the rest of the UAE experience peak heat during the summer months, leading to a heavy reliance on air conditioning. This directly translates into higher utility bills from providers like the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). However, residents can take several practical steps to manage and reduce their energy consumption without compromising on comfort. Following official advice and implementing smart habits can lead to noticeable savings on your monthly statements. Here is a step-by-step guide to lowering your AC costs. ## Step 1: Set your thermostat to 24°C This is the single most effective step to reduce cooling costs. DEWA recommends setting your AC thermostat to 24°C, a temperature they identify as providing optimal comfort while ensuring energy efficiency. For every degree you raise the thermostat, you can save up to 6 per cent on your cooling costs. - **Cost:** Free - **Time:** 1 minute - **How to do it:** Adjust your wall-mounted thermostat to 24°C. For a more automated approach, consider a smart thermostat like Google Nest or Ecobee, available in the UAE from retailers like Sharaf DG and Amazon.ae for AED 500 – AED 1,200. These devices learn your…