Renter-friendly ways to reduce DEWA bill from sun?« Back to Previous Page

My landlord just sent a notice about a potential increase in the DEWA bill, and it got me thinking about the huge windows in my Marina apartment that get direct sun all afternoon. Even with the AC blasting, the living room never feels cool enough, and I know it's just wasting so much energy. Since I'm just renting, what are some temporary, renter-friendly solutions I can install myself to make this place more energy efficient?
Posted by Minji Yamamoto
Asked on March 9, 2026 9:35 am
The massive windows in Dubai Marina are a double-edged sword, offering incredible views but creating a massive solar heat gain issue. This directly forces your AC to work overtime, spiking your DEWA consumption. As a renter, your options are limited, but several effective, non-permanent solutions exist.

Your first and most impactful action should be applying a professional-grade window film. Look for a "spectrally selective" or "ceramic" film, readily available in the UAE. These films reject up to 80% of the sun's infrared heat while still allowing in natural light, unlike the dark, mirrored films which are often prohibited by community management (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, for instance, has specific reflectivity guidelines). This is a DIY-friendly peel-and-stick solution you can remove upon moving out.

Secondly, invest in high-quality thermal or blackout curtains. Ensure they have a white reflective backing facing the window to deflect heat. Keep them closed during the peak sun hours (typically 12 PM to 5 PM).

If the room still feels warm and stuffy, the issue might extend beyond the windows. Inefficient AC systems, poor insulation in the walls, or even negative air pressure drawing in hot air from the corridor are common problems in older Marina towers. For a proper diagnosis of your apartment's thermal performance, a professional energy audit is recommended. We can identify the exact sources of your energy loss with thermal imaging cameras.

If you'd like us to assess the situation properly, call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive indoor environmental inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 11, 2026 9:48 am