GUIDE
Why do I pay chiller charges when the AC is off?
The parts of a chiller bill
| Charge | What it is | Changes with use? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (demand) charge | Cooling capacity reserved for your unit, in refrigeration tons (RT). An annual amount split into 12 monthly charges | No, fixed |
| Consumption charge | Chilled water you actually use, metered in ton-hours (RTh) | Yes |
| Metering charge | Billing and meter maintenance | No, fixed |
| VAT and surcharges | Added on top, varies by provider | Partly |
An example
These figures are for illustration only:
- Capacity charge: AED 150
- Consumption: AED 80
- Metering: AED 30
- Total: AED 260, plus VAT
Away for a month with the AC off? Consumption falls towards zero, but you still pay about AED 180 in fixed charges.
Keeping the bill down
- Set thermostats to 24°C or above, and switch off rooms you're not using.
- Keep blinds closed in the afternoon sun.
- Keep filters clean so the system doesn't work harder than it needs to.
Chiller-free homes
If your landlord pays cooling, check your contract covers both capacity and consumption charges, plus metering fees.
Common questions
Can I avoid capacity charges when I'm travelling?
Generally no. They're fixed for as long as your account is open.
Why is my chiller bill so high in summer?
Consumption rises with heat. Capacity charges stay the same all year.