Running cost is kilowatts times hours times the tariff. The only numbers you need are the unit's power draw, how long it runs and what DEWA charges.
The DEWA tariff, as printed
A UAE review published in October 2026 quoted DEWA's residential rate at AED 0.23 per kWh for the first 2,000 kWh a month, plus a fuel surcharge of AED 0.06 per kWh for that month, plus 5% VAT: about AED 0.30 per kWh.
The formula
Monthly cost = power (kW) × hours per day × 30 × AED 0.30.
A 270 W portable running eight hours uses 2.16 kWh a day, about AED 0.65, or roughly AED 20 a month.
Published estimates for portables
The same review estimated, at eight hours a day: Xiaomi 12 L about AED 14 a month, Stadler Form 20 L about AED 20, Crownline 25 L about AED 23, each flagged as an estimate rather than a measurement.
Ducted units
Published only from the confirmed datasheet.
How long should it run
Let the humidistat decide. Set to 50%, the unit runs until the room is there and stops: most of the day from June to September, far less in winter. One correctly sized unit under control costs less than two or three portables running flat out. See pricing and the FAQ.
Key points
- DEWA's residential tariff as printed in 2026: AED 0.23 per kWh for the first 2,000 kWh, plus a fuel surcharge of about AED 0.06 and 5% VAT, roughly AED 0.30 per kWh.
- Cost = kW × hours × days × tariff; a 270 W portable running eight hours uses 2.16 kWh a day.
- Published estimates for portables at eight hours a day: about AED 14 to 23 a month, flagged by the source as estimates.
Where this applies
