Tips on how to reduce your DEWA bill in Dubai
While the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) ensures an adequate supply of two fundamental resources, it’s up to you how you manage your consumption. Want to find out how to reduce your monthly expenses? We’ve compiled a handy list of tips to help you reduce DEWA bill and get that monthly cash outlay dropping drastically.
HOW TO REDUCE DEWA BILL IN DUBAI
Getting smart with how you use electricity is important in protecting the environment and saving your hard-earned money. The UAE is a global leader in terms of promoting sustainable developments. The government has launched various energy-saving programs and developed residential and commercial projects. The Sustainable City in Dubai is a prime example of the government’s efforts in improving energy efficiency.
So as a resident, it is our duty to play our part in this effort. You can do so by following these tips on how to reduce your electricity and water bills.
BE MINDFUL OF DEWA PEAK HOURS CHARGES
According to DEWA, Dubai consumes the most electricity between 12:00 pm and 06:00 pm during the summer. This particular time is known as peak-load hours:
- One important tip to save on electricity bills is to limit the use of non-essential appliances during electricity peak hours in Dubai.
- Avoid using irons, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and electric ovens in these hours in Dubai.
USE A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
It is a wise choice to invest in a programmable thermostat to save on DEWA utility bills:
- A programmable thermostat can help you keep the temperature moderate and turn off the cooling when not needed.
- You can also use a ceiling fan to circulate the air around the house or the room to slash your bill.
AVOID LEAVING YOUR APPLIANCES ON STANDBY
According to experts, any appliances on ‘standby’ power can consume up to 5% of your household’s electricity:
- Switch off the devices when you are not using them.
- You can also invest in a smart power strip that automatically shuts down your devices when they go into ‘sleep’ mode.
STREAMLINE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING
Another money-saving tip regarding utility bills in Dubai is to use air conditioners wisely, especially if your rent does not cover the cost of central cooling. Of course, air conditioning is a must to survive the scorching summers in Dubai, but it doesn’t mean you can’t save on your energy bills:
- The first thing to remember is that the higher you set the temperature, the lower your AC cost will be.
- DEWA suggests setting your device to 24° C (or higher), which is a comfortable temperature. It not only works well but also saves power.
- Choose the right AC for your Dubai apartment. Make sure it features a programmable thermostat. If it doesn’t, you can get one installed.
- Whether you’re at work or on a holiday, your AC will switch on for just enough time to help prevent temperature build-up (and mould formation) while saving about half the cost.
TRY AIR-DRYING CLOTHING
Another way to save some serious money on your utility bills is to air-dry clothes. Line drying consumes less energy which results in less expenditure. Line drying laundry also contributes to energy conservation. The research indicates line drying also reduces carbon footprint significantly. To line dry clothes:
- Choose the right equipment. The vinyl-coated cording can be the best choice. Avoid old ropes as they dry rot under sunlight and may shed fibres into the fabric.
- Wipe your laundry with a towel before hanging it on a line – better to shake each item to get rid bunched hems, plackets or wrinkles.
- Use large wooden pins to hold heavy items.
KEEP THE AIR CONDITIONER CLEAN AND TIDY
Older air conditioning units are prone to collecting dust and other tiny debris:
- One of the best ways to save money on your electricity bill in Dubai is to clean the filters of the AC unit regularly.
- You can clean them yourself or hire one of the many AC service companies in Dubai to do it for you.
SWITCH TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES
Another good option for saving money on utility bills in Dubai is to opt for more energy-efficient lights:
- There are countless energy-efficient bulbs you can choose from. Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) is a popular option.
- Halogen incandescent, CFL and LED light bulbs come in different shapes, styles and sizes to suit every home or commercial space. These lights consume way less energy compared to traditional bulbs.
- Similarly, if you happen to own old and outdated appliances, it might be time to upgrade them with more modern, energy-efficient options.
- There are some amazing electronics stores in Dubai that offer energy-efficient and smart electronics.
All in all, the mentioned options are good at making your home more eco-friendly. They will also come in handy if you are wondering how to reduce electricity bill.
USE WATER SENSIBLY
You can save a considerable amount each year on your energy bills in Dubai just by using water in a smart way:
- Water the plants early in the morning before 08:00 am and later in the evening after 06:00 pm. This ensures that water doesn’t evaporate quickly.
- Avoid watering your plants during chilly days.
- Wash all the dishes in one go.
- Repair a leaky toilet or cistern to avoid wastage of water.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. While low-flow showerheads reduce the consumption of water by 70%, aerators decrease the volume of water falling from the faucet.
- Close water heaters during summers as the temperature of the water is already hot.
- Install newer improved models of toilets in your washroom. They have a dual flush system that saves water and money in the long term.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES TO REDUCE YOUR DEWA BILL
If you want to save your DEWA bill, it’s essential to use electronic appliances effectively:
- Make sure to pre-heat the oven five to eight minutes before adding the bread and turn it off five to ten minutes before the time is up. The heat trapped inside the oven will finish the rest of the cooking.
- To heat small meals, use microwaves or electric pans as they save a large amount of energy.
- Try using high-pressure cookers. They consume less energy compared to normal cookers.
- Avoid keeping your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Keep the food compartment of your fridge to 4ºC and freezer at -10ºC.
- Place an instant water heater on your sink as it doesn’t waste water when you open the tap and wait for the water to heat up.
- Always go for an energy-efficient washing machine. They consume less than 27 gallons per load. You can end up saving 6,000 gallons of water per year.
- Doing laundry? Always wash your clothes in warm water – not hot water. This will reduce your consumption significantly.
SAVE WATER WHEN GARDENING
Do you have a garden at your home? If yes, it’s crucial for you to understand how to avoid the wastage of water while gardening:
- Mulch plants so they can retain moisture, helping you save time, water and money.
- Water your plants only if the top 2 or 3 inches of soil is dry.
- Try a drip irrigation system to water trees and shrubs as it flows the water straight to their roots, preventing any waste.
- Install an automatic shut-off valve on your sprinkler system so that it can be turned off when it rains.
- Mowing your lawn? Avoid cutting the grass more than 2.5 cm as this helps reduce evaporation and protect it from the blazing sun.
- Place sprinklers in such a way that only your garden gets all the water, not the areas surrounding it.
- Compost the trimmings in your yard as they keep moisture in the soil, which removes the need for water.
For more information, follow these gardening tips that work well in UAE’s scorching heat.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER AND ELECTRICITY
- Don’t, we repeat, don’t leave the AC on in rooms that are currently not in use and notice any odd smells, unusual performance by your air conditioning units.
- Shut your house windows properly when the AC is on.
- Unplug personal computers, cellphone chargers and electronic devices when they are not in use.
- Get an LCD screen as it is 66% more energy efficient than a normal TV.
- Try using a large multi-socket power strip to plug all electronic devices.
- If you see something out of the ordinary, switch off the device immediately and call 991 to seek assistance from DEWA.
- When you’ve turned on the tap and are waiting for water to heat up, store the surplus water in a bucket to be used later.
- Buy good quality exhaust fans.
- If you’re building a new home, discuss with Dubai Municipality and your contractor to make your place energy-efficient.
- Use solar-powered garden or walkway lights to conserve energy.
- Make sure to buy energy-efficient appliances. This is one of the most important DEWA energy saving tips that you must remember when making a purchase for home electronics.
Understanding your DEWA bill is a good way to track the utilities usage and controlling expenses.
UPDATE DEWA HOUSING FEES
Dubai Municipality housing charges is a 5% charge based on the rental value of your the property. If your property’s rental value has gone down, you must update it as it would reduce your DEWA bill.
FAQS ON HOW TO REDUCE DEWA BILL
HOW DO I CHECK MY DEWA BILL?
To initiate a DEWA bill inquiry:
- Visit the DEWA website
- Select ‘Consumer’
- Go to the ‘Billing’ section
- Click ‘View Bill’
HOW DO I PAY MY DEWA BILL?
Check out our guide on how to make DEWA bill payments in Dubai. Consumers can use their smart app, mpay and other options. You can also pay DEWA bill via Whatsapp in Dubai.
Where can I learn more about DEWA?
If you have any other queries related to Dubai’s regulatory authority, the frequently questions asked about DEWA may come in handy.
That’s all for our top tips on how to reduce your DEWA bill in Dubai.
Being smart with your expenses can help you build a good nest of savings and have enough funds for any emergency expenses. Or go on a lovely holiday!
New to the emirate? We have a thorough guide to the cost of living in Dubai that is well worth your time.
If you have your own tips on saving energy, please let us know in the comments section below!
