Energy at home and air conditioning

In a Gulf summer, air conditioning is not a luxury, but it is also the biggest energy user in most homes. Small settings and habits can cut use noticeably without making you uncomfortable.

Why cooling matters

• DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) says air conditioning consumes a large portion of the electricity generated during summer.
• Much of the world's electricity still comes from burning fossil fuels, which UNEP identifies as the main source of CO2.
• Saving electricity at home lowers your family's bill and reduces demand on power plants, including those that also run desalination.

The 24C rule

• DEWA's campaign asks residents to keep the thermostat at 24C or higher.
• DEWA says each degree you raise the set point can save up to 5 per cent of AC consumption.
• Worked example: moving from 21C to 24C is 3 degrees, which could save up to about 15 per cent of the AC's electricity.
• Use a fan with the AC. DEWA says a fan uses about as much power as a light bulb and makes a higher setting feel comfortable. Switch it off when you leave the room, because fans cool people, not rooms.

Keep the cool in and the heat out

• Close curtains and blinds on sunny windows during the day. DEWA lists curtains, shades and reflective materials as ways to cut the heat coming through glass.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows; DEWA recommends weather stripping and caulking.
• Keep doors to cooled rooms closed and do not leave the AC running in empty rooms.
• Clean AC filters regularly. DEWA says dirty filters restrict airflow and recommends cleaning them at least monthly in summer.

Smarter equipment

• DEWA says the optimal lifetime of an AC is ten years, and suggests considering replacing older units with 4 or 5 star ESMA-rated models, which can save up to 25 per cent of cooling consumption.
• A programmable or smart thermostat helps control temperature and running time, for example raising the set point while everyone is out.
• UNEP recommends buying efficient products, switching off appliances you are not using and, where possible, choosing renewable electricity or rooftop solar.
• When you rent your own place later, check the age and rating of the AC: it affects your monthly bill.

Beyond the home

• UNEP says transport produces roughly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. Walking, cycling in cooler months, public transport and car sharing all help.
• The IPCC finds that changes on the demand side, in buildings, land transport and food, can reduce emissions in those sectors by 40 to 70 per cent by 2050.
• Talk to your family before changing shared settings. Agreeing a household rule (for example 24C, curtains closed by noon) works better than arguing over the remote.