Worried about the high consumption of water and electricity? What is causing your utility bills to spike up? All this can be due to old appliances, leaking taps or high-energy-consuming devices.
Let’s find out the reasons for high electricity and water consumption to avoid these issues and lower utility bills.
Why Electricity and Water Are Used Excessively?
High consumption of electricity and water is common among all properties. However, excess usage can lead to a high monthly bill which can be nerve-wracking. If the main cause of high usage is unknown, it can be even more frustrating.
The UAE boasts one of the highest consumption rates of electricity and water. The main reason for that is the arid desert climate which drives up the usage. Managing water and electricity usage is crucial to avoid a higher bill. Here are some of the main reasons why utility usage might be high.
- Not Using Energy-Efficient Bulbs
- Using AC at 16
- Non-Insulated Windows
- Old Appliances
- High Energy Usage at Peak Hours
- Cooling The Room When Not Required
- Using Hot Water All The Time
- Summer Usage
- Dripping Faucet
- Seasonal Activities
- Pool Maintenance
- High-Pressure Cleaning
- FAQs
Here are some of the main things that cause high electricity consumption and water usage. If you want to reduce electricity bill or save on water bill, here are effective tips.
Not Using Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Electric appliances such as bulbs can power up the electricity bill quite a lot. On average, an incandescent light bulb uses around 60 watts, resulting in a high electricity bill.
To avoid that, consider switching to installing energy-efficient bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 10 watts of power on average.
Using AC at 16 Degrees
The UAE has one of the hottest climates, leading to increased AC usage during summer. Most people prefer to keep it at 16 degrees to keep the room cool. However, this can cause a drastically high electricity bill.
To combat this, try setting the temperature to 22 degrees or more as it helps reduce electricity bills.
Non-Insulated Windows
Windows and doors need to be insulated to maintain air circulation in the house. Houses without properly insulated windows fail to keep the air cool in the house. This can increase AC usage and lead to a higher bill. Here is one way this can be prevented. So, remember to get insulated windows fitted properly so it does not let the air escape.
Old Appliances
Older electric appliances are not energy-efficient and consume more electricity than newer models. This can lead to a higher utility bill. Try switching old appliances with new ones every few years as they are more efficient and consume less energy.
High Energy Usage During Peak Hours
Peak hours refer to specific hours during the day when electricity is used the most, contributing to a higher bill. For example, the peak load hours for Dubai are 12-6 p.m. in summer. That is why it is recommended not to use high-usage appliances during those hours. Try to incorporate using appliances before noon and during nighttime to help slash your bill.
Cooling the Room When Not Required
During summer, it’s understandable for ACs to be used more than in winter. Combatting the heat during peak summers comes at a cost. People tend to leave ACs on in rooms where they are not required. It is recommended to turn them off when they are not used.
Using Hot Water Excessively
Water usage is inevitable during all seasons, especially during winters when hot water is the norm. It takes more energy to heat water during peak winters. Long, heated showers also don’t help save on water bills. Here is one way that it can be tackled: Try to switch to using room-temperature showers, as they can be better for the environment and our bodies.
Summer Usage
High water usage is also common in peak summertime. The main reason lies in taking more frequent showers, as the hot weather often becomes unbearable. Try shifting from two showers to one shower a day. If you need to shower more, try reducing your shower duration to reduce water use.
Dripping Faucet
When living in an apartment, the faucets can often be not installed properly. They continue to drip throughout the day and are often part of the hidden costs while renting. Talk to the building manager to call a plumber to fix the faulty faucet to stop it from leaking. If you live in your own place, contact a plumber as soon as possible or DIY!
Seasonal Activities
Seasonal festivities call for a good time with loved ones. For example, Dubai is the epi-centre of leisure activities and festivals. People like to host water-based activities for kids and adults alike.
This directly drives up the cost of living in Dubai due to high water usage during these festivities. It’s best to balance your activities in these festivities.
Pool Maintenance
For homeowners that have a pool in their backyard, pool maintenance can lead to higher water usage. Pool pumps, bi-weekly cleaning and regular maintenance can cause spiking water bills. It is best to not use the pool too often and to ensure that it is maintained efficiently.
High-Pressure Cleaning
Home maintenance is pretty essential to keep the home looking spick and span. Most homeowners tend to use a power washer to clean stairs and driveways. It contributes to high consumption of electricity and water due to the high pressure exerted by the power washer. Try to minimise the use of power washers as much as possible to save on water bill.
FAQs
Here are a few appliances that utilise the highest amount of electricity:
– Air conditioners
– Heaters
– Electric water heaters
– Lightbulbs
– Fridge
– Washer
– Dryer
– Oven
– Dishwasher
– TVs
On average, fans tend to consume anywhere between 50 to 100 watts per hour. It can be pretty energy-efficient as compared to an air conditioner, which consumes around 700 watts every hour. Fans are recommended over air conditioners to reduce electric bills.
Renters tend to have reduced utility bills due to shared amenities. Often, utilities such as laundry rooms are shared between residents living in apartment complexes, resulting in an easier bill.
The UAE experiences dry and hot weather in general. During summers, the heat gets even more unbearable which directly leads to more water usage. More water is used for showers, washing and cleaning.
That’s all there is to know about the reasons for high consumption of electricity and water. Follow these tips to save on water bill and reduce electricity bill. Live sustainably for the planet!
