CONNECTOR.AE 50 CONNECTOR.AE 51 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE As the nation braces for the hot summer months, residents often face soaring energy bills due to increased air conditioning (AC) usage and other lifestyle changes. However, adopting energy-efficient practices can significantly reduce these costs while promoting environmental sustainability. Connector is here with a useful guide to help you keep your homes energy efficient during summer. The Importance Of Energy Efficiency Energy conservation is not just about saving money. It’s about securing a sustainable future. With daily energy consumption increasing due to modern technology and changing lifestyles and its consequent environmental costs, reducing household energy use is more important than ever. “Energy conservation is a vital practice that helps in the realisation of a sustainable future. The energy consumption scale indicates a daily upward trajectory, translating to an increase in the rate of consumption in households for daily MAKING YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT DURING SUMMER activities. This may be due to changing patterns in energy consumption and the development of technology that consumes a lot of energy. There is a dire need to conserve energy for a better future”, says Joseph Okoth, environmental scientist and a freelance environmental officer working with National Food Loss and Waste Initiative (Ne’ma) in the UAE. By adopting simple yet effective practices, residents can contribute to environmental sustainability while keeping their homes cool and energy-efficient during the summer. Challenges Of Summer Energy Consumption Summer in Dubai often means temperature soaring above 40°C, making air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury. However, this heavy reliance on cooling systems can lead to electricity bills skyrocketing and increased strain on the power grid. According to the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, cooling accounts for nearly 70% of residential electricity consumption during peak summer months. Minimising the use of heaters or coolers at home to only serve essential needs is one of the key ways to reduce power consumption. While air conditioning is essential for comfort, excessive or inefficient use leads to unnecessary waste. Finding a balance between comfort and conservation is crucial to managing energy usage effectively. This requires a careful monitoring of energy consumption in your homes and preparing a well informed plan to reduce unnecessary consumption practices. Let us look at some of the actionable steps you can take in your homes to optimise energy consumption during the coming months. Actionable Steps For Energy Efficiency Optimise thermostat settings: One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve energy is to set your thermostat wisely. Maintaining an indoor temperature of 24°C strikes the right balance between comfort and efficiency. According to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), each degree increase in the set point temperature can save up to 5% on AC consumption. So, setting the thermostat at 24°C instead of a cooler 18°C could reduce your cooling energy use by up to 24%. In addition, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, which allows you to control the room temperature based on your daily schedule. This not only reduces unnecessary AC usage when you’re away but also gives you better control over long-term energy consumption. “Energy conservation is a vital practice that helps in the realisation of a sustainable future.’’
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