The world is moving towards technological advancements and the introduction of various devices and gadgets is proof of the changing world. Living expenses have also grown with the changing dynamics. The cost of living has become higher, particularly in cities with high-class infrastructures. While rent remains the biggest monthly expense for people living in rental places, utility bills can also eat up a fine sum of your money.
Speaking of utility bills, electricity payments, in particular, can turn out to be an unexpectedly higher expense if used carelessly. Electricity in general is a touch more expensive than other utilities such as water and gas. Usually, when you become aware of the high amount you are bound to pay in electricity bills, it is already too late. Being aware of what causes electricity bills to be high can help you lower usage and save some money.
Electricity Bills in the UAE
The UAE is a modern country equipped with world-class facilities for its citizens and visitors. There are designated authorities for providing utilities to households and businesses. For instance, you have to open a DEWA account in Dubai and apply for utility connections at Sharjah Electric and Water Authority (SEWA) in Sharjah. The authorities and services are fully equipped to provide you with an uninterrupted supply of electricity, gas and water. However, additional or careless usage is what causes electricity bills to be high.
The UAE experiences hot weather for the better part of the year. In humid conditions as such, air conditioners become a necessity. Frequent usage of air conditioners is among the common reasons for a higher electric bill. Higher electricity bills can be particularly irritating because they are not fixed like a car payment or house mortgage. You can come across a hefty bill amount which may come closer to house rent if the usage has been aggressive.
Causes For Higher Electricity Bills
If you reside in a rental apartment in the UAE, house or villa, higher utility bills can be hard to bear with the rent. We have compiled a list of some high electric bill causes which you can overcome and trim down the additional expenses. The reasons for high electric bills are as follows:
VAMPIRE ENERGY DRAINAGE
Vampire power refers to the electricity usage by devices even after they are turned off. Also known as phantom power or standby mode, vampire energy uses electricity if you leave the devices plugged in. It is not uncommon in households to put the TV screen on standby or leave the laptop charger plugged in.
Vampire devices also include kitchen appliances that are plugged in at all times. Even though the amount of electricity consumed on standby modes is minimal, regular drainage can add up to a fair amount of power units used. This can also depend on the size of the units and the number of appliances available at your place. For instance, a home theatre room design will likely have a large television which consumes more energy.
It is advised to unplug all devices when they are not in use. By doing so, you can witness a noticeable drop in your electric bill.
INEFFICIENT APPLIANCES
The use of inefficient appliances is also what causes electricity bills to be high. Obsolete or old models of appliances tend to use more electricity than newer ones. For instance, a normal light bulb will consume more power as compared to an energy-saving bulb. Additionally, the age of appliances can also be a reason for your higher electric bill. With time, electric items can become less effective. Besides carrying out their functions properly, they can consume more electricity than before.
Avoid the use of such appliances and go for smart devices. You can find a variety of energy-efficient lights and appliances at feasible rates. Browse through these used lighting/fans for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety listed. Additionally, pay attention to these signs of electric problems and avoid any further inconvenience and expenses.
INSUFFICIENT INSULATION
Whether you reside in a rental house in the UAE or own one, insufficient insulation is among the main high electric bill causes. If the doors or windows of your house cannot be closed properly, they can contribute to the loss of cool or warm air. This particularly becomes an issue for places with tough climatic conditions like the weather in the UAE is humid for the most part of the year. You will need to put the air conditioner at a lower temperature which will eventually lead to an increased electricity bill.
It is advised to go for reliable MEP companies to ensure proper insulation and HVAC services. Luckily, the UAE is home to some of the most popular MEP companies available. Check out the following:
PEAK TIME ENERGY USAGE
Avoid the usage of heavy appliances during peak hours. As per DEWA, 12 pm to 6 pm is the peak hours period i.e most electricity is used during those hours. You can carry out tasks before or after peak hours. It is advised to only use essential appliances during peak hours. Additionally, check out these tips to reduce DEWA bills if you reside in Dubai.
SOCIAL LIFE
Your social life can also be a factor in increasing the electricity bills. During festivals or parties, electricity usage increases as more appliances are used for cooking, entertainment and decorations. While this may not be a frequent occurrence, it is advised to keep a check on electricity usage during social gatherings at your place. Remember to turn off all appliances when not in use. You should also avoid these common home maintenance mistakes which can turn out to be additional expenses if not fixed on time.
This brings us to the end of the causes of high energy bills. You should be well informed about what causes electricity bills to be high. Living costs can be hard to bear for people with low incomes and the electricity bills can contribute greatly as added expenses. Follow these tips to avoid extra usage of electricity. This is also a way of contributing to the environment as lesser fuels will be burned. Additionally, you should also check the electricity bill consumption per month as this can help you keep track of the power usage and plan your budget accordingly.
That said, if your house has frequent HVAC problems or any other issues and you are unable to bring the bills down, it is a viable option to go for a property change. Check out the following:
- Apartment for sale in the UAE
- House for sale in the UAE
- Villa compound for rent in the UAE
- Villa compound for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for energy-saving tips and more.
