Unlock Savings This Summer: This AC Temperature Setting Can Lower Your Electricity Bills, Empower Advocates

With UAE NCM predicting the temperatures to reach 50°C this week, we are all expecting higher AC bills due to additional workload on the systems. This may lead may to choose between comfort and colossal bills in summer months.

Adjusting your thermostat can save you money but finding the ideal temperature is key. Each time you lower it too much, you might be increasing your energy costs. There is an optimal setting that can help reduce your electricity bills.

Image Courtesy: Behnam Norouzi/Unsplash+

Many people are unaware that constantly adjusting the thermostat can lead to higher energy consumption. Instead of frequently changing the temperature, maintaining a consistent setting can be more economical. This practice helps in reducing the workload on heating and cooling systems, thereby saving energy.

Empower, in June, launched its annual summer campaign, 'Set at 24°C and Save' and now in its eleventh year. The campaign encourages over 136,000 customers to set their air conditioner thermostats to 24°C. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and reduce energy consumption.

This advice from Empower comes during a time when people often lower their AC thermostats due to intense summer heat. However, maintaining a default temperature of 24°C can be more beneficial in terms of energy savings and cost reduction.

Promoting Sustainability

The campaign targets both residential and commercial buildings, urging them to optimize district cooling by maintaining ACs at 24°C in auto mode. This practice can help lower electricity bills, save energy, and protect the environment. Empower's CEO, Ahmad bin Shafar, emphasized the growing responsibility among customers towards energy conservation.

"Setting air conditioners to 24°C in auto mode is ideal for effective and comfortable cooling," said bin Shafar. He noted that this setting reduces pressure on the district cooling network, minimizes power consumption, and lowers carbon emissions.

Empower encourages customers in Dubai to reduce both cooling energy consumption and bills during the hot summer months

Simple tips to crack the higher bills include:

1. Setting the AC thermostat to 24°C and Auto mode
2. ⁠Regularly monitoring the AC thermostat
3. ⁠Keeping the air conditioner filter clean
4. ⁠Closing window curtains
5. ⁠Sealing cracks in windows and doors
6. ⁠Tinting glass doors and windows
7. ⁠Reducing heat from various sources
8. Carrying out house maintenance regularly

The 'Set at 24°C and Save' campaign highlights the importance of mindful energy consumption. It serves as a reminder that individual actions can collectively lead to significant positive outcomes for the planet.

Additional Tips for Energy Efficiency

Besides setting an optimal temperature, there are other ways to improve energy efficiency. Ensuring proper insulation in your home can prevent heat loss during winter and keep cool air inside during summer. Sealing gaps around windows and doors also helps in maintaining desired indoor temperatures.

Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems is essential as well. Clean filters and well-maintained equipment operate more efficiently, consuming less energy. It’s advisable to schedule professional inspections annually to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Incorporating these practices not only reduces electricity bills but also contributes to environmental conservation by lowering overall energy consumption. Small changes in daily habits can lead to significant savings over time.

Ultimately, finding the right balance with your thermostat settings and adopting additional energy-saving measures can make a noticeable difference in your utility expenses. By being mindful of how you manage indoor temperatures, you can enjoy both comfort and cost savings throughout the year.