Taqeef, a leading provider of air-conditioning solutions in Middle East, said it has launched a new energy-saving smart home temperature control thermostat that would help curb the wasteful AC consumption habits of UAE residents.

The introduction of Nest Learning Thermostat, an energy-saving smart home temperature control thermostat from US-based Nest Labs, comes in line with Taqeef's initiative to drive responsible air-conditioning use and promoting environmental efficiency in the industry across the Middle East.

A new research released today (July 24) reveals UAE residents are wasting money and energy on cooling empty properties throughout the summer.

But what was startling was the fact that around 24 per cent kept their AC units on while abroad on travel during the summer, and a quarter (25 per cent) admitted they left their ACs on at home all day while out at work, according to a YouGov poll, commissioned by Taqeef.

The survey, which had interviewed 1,000 UAE residents, revealed that men were more likely to leave their AC units on when travelling (26 per cent) compared to women (19 per cent).

The YouGov poll also revealed that Arab expats were the most energy-conscious group with 72 per cent switching them off while travelling, followed by Asian residents (67 per cent) and then Westerners (62 per cent).

The income and marital status does have a bearing on AC usage; as the survey found that 42 per cent of those with an income of more than Dh75,000 per month were most likely to leave their ACs on, and also 29 per cent of married couples. However, interestingly in families with children, only 24 per cent said they would leave their AC units on followed by 23 per cent of people living alone.

More than half of the respondents (58 per cent) said they would use their AC less if they had to pay the full bill themselves (instead of it being a fixed cost in their rent).

Despite the above findings, it seems consumer understanding of the environmental impact of excessive AC use is high - (74 per cent) of respondents admitted they are aware that using their AC excessively can have a negative impact on the environment.    

Taqeef Chairman and CEO Tariq Al Ghussein said: "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."

Introducing the Nest Learning Thermostat in the region, Al Ghussein said: "Here is one such product that’s so intuitive that it will turn itself down when you leave and will figure out exactly what cooling your space needs while you’re away."

"Taqeef have 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 added.-TradeArabia News Service