Dubai: Residents of the UAE are wasting money and energy on cooling empty properties throughout the summer, showed a new research released on Wednesday.
The YouGov poll, commissioned by cooling and energy solutions giant Taqeef, interviewed 1,000 UAE residents on their AC usage habits.
The study showed that 25 per cent of people leave their ACs on at home all day while they are out at work, while 24 per cent admit to keeping their ACs on while they leave the country and travel during the summer.
Arab expatriates are the most energy-conscious group with 72 per cent switching off their ACs when they travel, followed by Asian residents at 67 per cent and Westerners at 62 per cent.
The study also showed a link between income, marital status and AC usage.
Forty-two per cent of those with an income of Dh75,000 or more per month are likely to leave their ACs on, followed by 29 per cent of married couples, 24 per cent of those with children and then 23 per cent of people living alone.
However, despite the findings, consumer understanding of the environmental impact of excessive AC use is high. Around 74 per cent of respondents admitted they are aware that using their ACs excessively can have a negative impact on the environment.
In light of this figure, and with Dubai previously noted as having one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world, Taqeef recently began selling the Nest learning thermostat.
“Technology advancements mean there are cheaper and more efficient ways to keep our buildings comfortable and humidity-free throughout the summer. We need to change our habits and look at smarter, more thoughtful ways to control our energy usage,” said Tariq Al Ghussein, Taqeef chairman and CEO.
He explained that the Nest learning thermostat is a product that’s so intuitive it will turn itself down when you leave and will figure out exactly how much cooling your space needs while you’re away.
“Taqeef has worked with clients to reduce energy consumption by up to 60 per cent, having a huge difference to their personal environmental footprint and supporting a greener, cleaner UAE, by adopting a range of technologies and solutions within their homes,” he said.
Poll findings
■ 25% leave their ACs on at home all day while they are out at work. 24% admit to keeping their ACs on while they leave the country and travel during the summer.
■ Men are more likely to leave their ACs on when they travel (26%) compared to women (19%).
■ Arab expatriates are the most energy-conscious group with 72% switching off their ACs when they travel, followed by Asian residents (67%) and then Westerners (62%).
■ 42% of those with an income of Dh75,000 or above per month are most likely to leave their ACs on, as well as 29% of married couples, followed by 24% of those with children and then 23% of people living alone.
■ 58% said they would use their ACs less if they had to pay the full bill themselves.
