What happened?
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has reminded residents to use their air conditioners efficiently during summer, recommending a thermostat setting of 24°C along with other energy-saving measures.
Who is affected?
Homeowners, tenants, businesses, and anyone using air conditioning across Dubai and the UAE.
Why does it matter?
Following DEWA’s official guidance can help reduce electricity consumption, lower utility bills, and support the UAE’s sustainability goals without compromising indoor comfort.
At a Glance
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Organisation: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- Status: Official summer energy-saving guidance
- Who is affected: Residents, businesses, landlords and tenants
- Business impact: Encourages lower operating costs through efficient cooling
- What’s next: DEWA continues promoting sustainable energy use during the summer season
Residents looking for ways to stay cool while keeping electricity bills under control should consider setting their air conditioners to 24°C, according to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The authority says this temperature provides a comfortable indoor environment while improving energy efficiency. Along with the recommended thermostat setting, DEWA has shared several practical tips to reduce electricity consumption during Dubai’s hottest months, helping households and businesses save money and support the emirate’s sustainability goals.
Why does DEWA recommend setting your AC to 24°C?
Air conditioning is one of the biggest contributors to electricity use during the UAE summer, making thermostat settings more important than many people realise.
According to DEWA, setting an air conditioner to 24°C or higher offers an effective balance between comfort and energy efficiency. Running an AC at much lower temperatures forces the unit to work harder for longer periods, increasing electricity consumption without delivering significant additional comfort.
The authority also notes that raising the thermostat by just 1°C can reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 5%, making small adjustments worthwhile over the course of a long summer.
With temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C across the UAE, these small changes can lead to noticeable savings on monthly electricity bills.
What simple habits can help lower electricity bills?
Alongside the recommended thermostat setting, DEWA encourages residents to adopt several everyday habits that improve cooling efficiency.
Some of its key recommendations include:
- Set the thermostat to 24°C or higher
- Keep doors and windows closed while the AC is operating
- Seal any gaps around doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping
- Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to reduce heat entering the home
- Clean or replace air conditioner filters regularly to improve airflow
- Schedule regular maintenance to ensure cooling systems operate efficiently
These simple measures reduce the workload on air conditioning units while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
DEWA also advises residents to switch off unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use, as they generate additional heat that makes cooling systems work harder.
How does Away Mode help residents when travelling?
For residents leaving Dubai during the summer holidays, DEWA recommends activating its Away Mode feature.
Available through the DEWA website and smart app, Away Mode allows customers with smart meters to monitor electricity and water consumption remotely while they are away.
Users can receive daily or weekly reports and alerts if unusual consumption patterns are detected. This helps identify issues such as water leaks or appliances left running before they lead to unexpectedly high utility bills.
The feature has become particularly useful during the busy summer travel season when many UAE residents spend several weeks abroad.
Can upgrading your AC reduce energy consumption?
DEWA also highlights the benefits of replacing older cooling systems with modern energy-efficient models.
According to the authority, air conditioners that are more than 10 years old typically consume considerably more electricity than newer units. Upgrading to energy-efficient systems can reduce cooling energy use by up to 25%, depending on the model and property.
Routine servicing also plays an important role. Dirty filters, blocked vents and poorly maintained systems require more energy to deliver the same level of cooling.
Regular maintenance not only improves efficiency but can also extend the lifespan of the air conditioning unit.
How do these tips support Dubai’s sustainability goals?
DEWA’s summer awareness campaigns are part of its wider efforts to promote responsible electricity and water consumption across Dubai.
Reducing unnecessary energy use helps ease pressure on the electricity network during periods of peak demand while supporting the UAE’s long-term sustainability ambitions.
As Dubai continues investing in clean energy projects and smart infrastructure, efficient electricity use by households and businesses remains an important part of achieving these environmental objectives.
Simple behavioural changes, when adopted by thousands of residents, can collectively contribute to lower energy demand across the emirate.
Why It Matters?
Following DEWA’s advice offers practical benefits for residents and businesses alike.
Key takeaways include:
- Lower monthly electricity bills
- More efficient use of air conditioning during summer
- Improved indoor comfort without excessive cooling
- Better protection against unexpected utility costs while travelling through Away Mode
- Support for Dubai’s sustainability and energy conservation initiatives
With air conditioning remaining essential during the UAE’s summer months, small adjustments can make a significant difference over time.
FAQs
What is the best AC temperature recommended by DEWA?
DEWA recommends setting air conditioners at 24°C or higher to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
How much electricity can be saved by increasing the thermostat?
According to DEWA, increasing the thermostat by 1°C can reduce cooling electricity consumption by up to 5%.
What is DEWA’s Away Mode?
Away Mode allows customers to remotely monitor electricity and water usage while travelling and receive alerts if unusual consumption is detected.
Should AC filters be cleaned regularly?
Yes. DEWA recommends cleaning or replacing filters regularly to improve cooling performance and reduce electricity consumption.
Can replacing an old air conditioner save energy?
Yes. DEWA says replacing older air conditioners with newer energy-efficient models can reduce cooling energy use by up to 25%.
As summer temperatures remain high across the UAE, DEWA’s recommendations offer simple ways to stay comfortable without driving up electricity bills. Setting an air conditioner to 24°C, maintaining cooling systems, keeping homes sealed and using smart features like Away Mode can all contribute to lower energy consumption while supporting Dubai’s sustainability goals.
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