Over the past 20 years, the number of Australians working from home has steadily increased, culminating in a high influx of house-bound workers in the last few months amidst the coronavirus pandemic. As self-isolating and social distancing measures come into play, it adds up to more than 3.5 million of us heaping more usage onto our already growing home energy bills.
So how can we cut our costs to that of our office-bound colleagues? How do we make sure our energy bills aren’t hiking up towards disproportionate levels?
How can we save energy whilst working from home?
Read on for some tips and tricks on how to shave off some dollars from your energy bill.
- Set the thermostat to a steady temperature or turn off the heater altogether
Set and forget your thermostat between 18- and 20-degrees during Winter. This will keep your home at a constant and comfortable temperature without increasing energy usage and adding more to your bill. That’s right! Upping your thermostat by even one degree uses around 10% more energy! So set your thermostat to ensure steady temperature and cost.
Want to save even more?! Heat only you and the space you’re using. Grab a blanket and get cosy with layers. Take advantage of the informal working-from-home dress code and swaddle yourself in comfy blankets and clothes so you’re comfortable without having to crank up the heat. And if you do want more heat? A small heater to warm your feet works better than warming an empty house.
- Turn off standby mode
See that little light that stays on at the bottom of your monitor, even when you’ve turned off your computer or TV screen? This is your device slumbering in standby mode, sapping away precious energy you could use for something else (or just save!). Turn off your electronics at the wall to cap your power. Blinking lights, ringing phones, loud TV sets, and gadget pinging and buzzing also all mess with your productivity. So, kill two birds with one stone and unplug everything you’re not using for better energy usage and focus!
- Use energy-efficient light bulbs and lamps
There’s no better time than the present to invest in some long-lasting, power saving, energy-efficient gadgets. Use these in a desk lamp instead of your usual overhead lighting. Or just open up your curtains! Here in Australia, we’re blessed with sunshine and calm skies, even in the depths of Winter. Make the most of the view outside and the warm sunlight as a natural alternative to overhead lighting. Better for both your energy bill and the environment! Besides, isn’t vitamin D and fresh air supposed to be better for us anyway?
- Shop around for the best energy deal
Solar energy is the way to go. Long gone are the limited power suppliers using non-renewable sources. Harness the power of the sun! Turn your solar rays into clean energy that powers your house and increases your property value with in-demand solar technology. With renewable solar energy direct and free from the sun, cut your carbon footprint with energy that not only lowers your environmental impact but fetches you a good deal on your power bill.
- Use a power board. And invest in an energy-saving one for extra brownie points!
Consider using one power board for all your work-related tech. Connect your main appliances and all other monitors, printers, chargers, and lamps to the energy-saving sockets. When you’re done for the day, a quick flip of a switch shuts it all down automatically, ensuring that power is not wasted, and neither is your precious personal time.
If you’re interested in saving energy through a natural alternative to electricity, call us for a quote to install solar in your home! We’re more than happy to help you find a way to lower your environmental impact and save some money with solar energy free from the sun!