One of the biggest societal changes we’ve seen due to the pandemic is the huge rise in people now working from home. There were of course important coronavirus safety reasons for doing this, but now that some physical office blocks have started to reopen, many of us are still choosing to work remotely in our own home offices.
If you’re one of these people – or if you’re self-employed and work from home anyway – then you could look to save on your energy bills by revamping your home office setup to be greener and more energy efficient. Here’s how:
Invest in a new computer
The latest models of laptops, Macs and desktop computers are typically much more energy efficient. So, if you have an older machine and monitor, now might be the time to invest in newer ones – the added benefit is you’ll get much faster and better-performing device to boot.
Use LED lightbulbs
Similarly, you could switch your lightbulbs in your office to more efficient LED versions – as typically these use up to 75% less energy than standard bulbs. Be sure to shop around though as you’ll find providers like LED & Power who can also offer advice and guidance around which lighting will best suit your revamped office.
Insulate your property
Working at home also means using your heating much more and one of the biggest causes of inefficiency with this can be a poorly insulated property. So, if you own your home or flat, consider getting an expert in to assess it and determine what further options you have for installing new and/or replacement insulation.
Be smarter with your energy
There are a number of little things you can do as well to be smarter with your energy consumption:
- Make sure you turn off all your devices when they’re not in use.
- Power down your computer, rather than having it running with a screensaver.
- Only boil enough water for yourself when making a cup of tea or coffee.
- Regulate the temperature in your home by opening and closing windows, rather than turning up the AC or your thermostat.
Switch energy provider
Another quick and easy way to save on your energy use is to look to switch to a cheaper – and potentially greener – provider. Switching is an easy process and can be done online through a comparison service, or directly through your current supplier. It’s also likely you’ll be able to find a cheaper tariff and save significant amounts on your annual energy expenses.
Choose eco-friendly furniture
Having quality and reliable home office furniture is a must for your own comfort and productivity, but rather than buying new, think about buying second-hand or refurbished pieces. If you do want new items though, consider wooden or bamboo furnishings, rather than plastics and metals, as these are much more environmentally friendly to produce.
All or a combination of the above will help you reduce your energy consumption, helping you save more and better protect the planet. Plus, as an added bonus, it will allow you to maintain a more productive working environment, potentially improving the overall quality of the work you produce.
