People know Dubai for its beautiful skyline, high standard of living, and modern apartment living. But with that comfort comes one thing you can’t avoid: utility bills.
If you live in a studio apartment in Dubai, a large flat in Business Bay, or one of the many apartments in Dubai, you may have noticed that the monthly DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bills can add up quickly.
In Dubai, you have to pay for housing, electricity, water, and cooling. You can save a lot of money each month without giving up comfort by making a few smart changes to your lifestyle and the type of apartment you choose.
This guide explains how to lower your utility bills in Dubai apartments, why they can be high, and what you can do to lower them.
Major Reasons for High Utility Bills in Dubai Apartments
The first step to controlling your bills is to know why they are high.
The Climate Factor
The weather in Dubai is the most important thing. Temperatures stay above 35°C for more than half the year, making air conditioning a need instead of a want. Cooling alone can use up 60% to 70% of the energy in an average apartment.
Building Design and Insulation
Not every apartment is the same. Older buildings often don’t have enough insulation, which lets cool air out and hot air in.
Newer flats for rent in Dubai usually have better insulation, double-glazed windows, and air conditioning systems that work well, which means they use less energy to stay cool.
Lifestyle Habits
Taking long showers, using appliances too much, and leaving electronics on standby are all things that people do every day that slowly raise their water and electricity bills. A lot of people don’t know how much “phantom energy” their plugged-in devices waste.
District Cooling Cost
If your building uses district cooling, which is common in places like Downtown, JLT, and Business Bay, you might get your cooling bills from companies like Empower instead of DEWA.
These can add up quickly if you don’t pay attention to how you set your thermostat or how often you clean your AC.
Smart Ways to Save Electricity
Your DEWA bill is usually mostly made up of electricity costs. Here’s how to take care of it well.
Set the AC Right
The most expensive thing in Dubai apartments is the air conditioning.
- Set your thermostat between 24°C and 26°C. This is the best temperature for both comfort and efficiency.
- Change the AC filters every 2 to 4 weeks. When the filters are dirty, the system has to work harder and use more power.
- If you’re going to leave your home for a long time or travel, turn off the AC instead of leaving it on all day.
- If you live in an apartment that faces the south, use curtains or blinds to keep the sun out.
Even small changes, like using ceiling fans to move cool air around, can cut down on how much energy your AC uses by 10–15%.
Switch to LED Lights
LED bulbs last a lot longer and use about 75% less energy than regular bulbs. Many of the newer apartments for rent in Dubai already have LED lights, but if yours doesn’t, changing the old bulbs is a quick and easy way to save money and energy right away.
Unplug Your Electronics When Not in Use
Even when they’re turned off, chargers, microwaves, TVs, and coffee makers still use power. This is what is known as phantom energy loss.
You could save AED 50–100 a month just by using power strips or smart plugs to turn everything off at once when you’re not using it.
Use Appliances Wisely
- Use cold water to wash clothes.
- Only run the washing machine & dishwasher when they are full.
- Don’t use irons, ovens, and washing machines that use a lot of energy during peak hours, which are between noon and early evening.
Choose an apartment in Dubai that has energy-efficient appliances if you’re moving there. They make a big difference over time.
Reducing Water Usage
Water bill may seem cheap or less expensive, but when you add in the cost of heating it and sewerage fees, it adds up. This is how to lower it.
Quickly Fix Leaks
A running toilet or a dripping tap can waste hundreds of liters of water every month. If you rent, tell your landlord or maintenance right away if you find a leak.
Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Installing low-flow showerheads and tap aerators is cheap and easy. They slow down the flow of water without changing the pressure.
Be Smart About How You Use It Every Day
- Brush your teeth with the water off and take shorter showers.
- Use the water you used to rinse fruits or vegetables again to water your plants.
- Only run the washing machine when you have a full load.
If you rent a flat in Dubai that has a bathtub, don’t use it every day. Showers use less water.
Cooling and Insulating Tips
In the UAE, cooling is a year-round cost, but you can cut it down with some simple habits.
Keep the Heat Out
Use blackout curtains or reflective window film to keep the sun out.
- When the AC is on, make sure the windows and balcony doors are tightly closed.
- Look for gaps around doors; a simple rubber seal strip can keep cool air from escaping.
Maintain the AC System
If you own the apartment, have a professional check the AC twice a year.
If you rent, ask your landlord to fix up the units before summer starts. You can save 10–20% on power by keeping your units clean and well-maintained.
Install Smart Thermostats
If your building lets you, put in a smart thermostat that changes the temperature on its own when you’re not home. It helps you save money and stay comfortable without any work.
Saving on District Cooling (Chiller Bills)
District cooling systems are used instead of individual ACs in some newer buildings, especially in high-end areas. You can pay for these separately through companies like Empower or Emicool.
To save money on district cooling:
- Set the thermostat to 24–26°C.
- When you’re not home or when the windows are open, turn off the AC. This will help extend the lifespan of the AC unit and also reduce expenditure on monthly electricity bills.
- Clean the air filters regularly. Dirty filters make the chiller work harder.
- Talk to the people in charge of your building about fixed and variable cooling costs. Some charge a base fee even if you don’t use much.
Picking the Right Apartment to Cut Down on Utilities
Sometimes, you can start saving money even before you move in.
When you’re looking for apartments for rent in Dubai, don’t just look at the rent; also ask the right questions about utilities.
Ask the Agent or Landlord:
- Is cooling included in the rent or billed separately?
- Do the appliances use less energy?
- How much do current renters usually pay for DEWA each month?
- Is the building new and well-insulated?
You can often save money on utilities by living in a well-insulated building with modern systems, even if the rent is a little higher.
Consider the Size of the Apartment
A studio apartment for rent in Dubai will naturally have lower DEWA bills than a 2-bedroom flat.
A studio or one-bedroom apartment in Dubai is easier to keep clean and costs less to heat and cool if you live alone or as a couple.
Monitoring and Managing Your Bills
Knowledge is power, and that’s true.
With the DEWA Smart App, you can keep track of how much water and electricity you use each day or month.
It shows how much you use it and can even let you know when there are strange spikes, which could mean leaks or too much use.
You can also ask DEWA to check your consumption if you think your bill is too high. Sometimes, the real problems are broken meters or leaks.
Practical Daily Habits That Add Up
Over time, the small things you do every day add up to a lot.
- When you leave a room, turn off the lights.
- Instead of using dryers, hang your clothes outside to dry.
- Make a lot of food at once so you don’t have to use your appliances as often.
- Close the doors of the fridge and defrost the freezer regularly.
- Instead of turning on lamps, use natural light during the day.
These might only save you a few dirhams a day, but together they can cut your monthly bill by 20–30%.
When It’s Worth Investing in Energy Efficiency
Investing energy efficiently is worth it if you own your apartment or plan to stay there for a long time.
Think about putting in smart thermostats.
- Getting rid of old appliances and getting ones that are rated 5 stars for energy efficiency.
- If you can, use solar water heaters.
- Putting in double-glazed windows or thermal curtains.
These improvements not only lower your bills, but they also raise the value of your home and make it more comfortable all year long.
So, whether you’re renting a studio in Dubai, moving into a flat in Dubai, or looking for new apartments to rent in Dubai, keep in mind that being aware is the first step toward being energy efficient.
Not only does every drop of water and every watt of power you save help you save money, but it also helps make the city more sustainable for everyone.
Why is my DEWA bill so high in the summer?
Your AC has to work a lot harder in really hot weather, using up more power. A little rise in outdoor temperature can really bump up cooling costs.
Is renting a chiller-free apartment cheaper?
Not all the time. Chiller-free means that the cooling costs are part of the rent, which could make the rent a bit higher. But it does help you know what your monthly expenses will be.
How can I tell if my apartment is energy-efficient?
Check out things like double-glazed windows, LED lights, modern air conditioning units, and decent insulation. Make sure to check on the building’s maintenance history as well.
Is it possible to compare apartments based on their utility costs?
Absolutely. Make sure to ask agents about the average DEWA bill for current or past tenants. It’s a really good sign of what you’re going to end up spending.
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