How to save energy when working from home and reduce your bill

How To Reduce Energy Consumption When Working From Home

In 2020, there were more people working from home than ever before and given that businesses have realised how efficient it can be, it’s likely to continue into the future. And while working from home has many benefits, it also costs money, adding to your energy bills. If your home now doubles as your office, these tips on how to save electricity could help keep your energy costs down, saving you money as you stay productive.

Reduce your energy bill with energy efficient lighting and appliances

Energy efficient lighting is becoming more popular in homes across Australia as people become mindful of the impact lights have on our electricity bills. By switching to lighting such as light emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), you can lower your energy costs easily. Another bonus is that energy efficient bulbs usually outlive normal bulbs by many years, so you don’t have to replace them very often. They work better in different temperatures and produce less heat, and of course, they’re eco-friendly so they’ll help to reduce your carbon footprint.

CHECK FOR THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY STICKER ON YOUR PRODUCTS WHEN YOU’RE BUYING NEW AND TRY TO CHOOSE APPLIANCES THAT HAVE A RATING OF AT LEAST 3.5 STARS OR MORE.

Appliances account for around 40% of the home’s energy use, but you’ll be surprised at how much you save when you choose energy efficient options. Your clothes dryers and washing machines in particular take up a high proportion of your electricity costs, especially if you’re using hot water for a wash. You can save money by using cold water instead, but also do your research to compare electricity usage for each item. Check for the energy efficiency sticker on your products when you’re buying new and try to choose appliances that have a rating of at least 3.5 stars or more.

Save money by turning off standby mode

One of the easiest ways you can reduce your electricity use and save money is to remember to turn your appliances off when you’re not using them. Standby power mode is when your devices are turned off on the device itself, but not at the wall, and it can add up to 10% cost on your power bill. You might be able to tell with some appliances, such as the TV which might have a red light when in standby mode, but others are not as obvious. Although you’re not using as much electricity as you would be if the device was still operating normally, it still drains energy while sitting idle. This applies to your laptop as well. Simply by shutting down and switching off at the wall, you can save on your electricity bills.

If you think you’ll forget to turn them off when not in use, some tips are to use a timer plug, so that they switch off at a particular time of day or night; use power boards so you only have to switch off one button; and set your technology, including computers and monitors, to power saving mode.

Spend nothing to save with natural light

If you’re wondering how to save electricity at home without having to spend money, introducing as much natural light as possible is guaranteed to help. By introducing natural light, you don’t have to use the lights in the home as much, saving on electricity costs. Not only that, but natural light enhances productivity, and it’s even been found that people who work in a space with lots of natural light sleep better! This is because natural light is known to regulate the body’s sleep-wake schedule.

Start by setting up your office space next to a window or a place that has plenty of light, that allows you to make the most of the daylight hours. You can also enhance the light in your home by ensuring your walls are painted in light colours, such as off-white, blue, green or yellow; and take notice of your flooring – if you have carpet, opt for lighter colours; for wood floors, choose a polished finish. Keep your windows and glass doors clean, open your blinds and curtains, and opt for lighter shades of colour when choosing furniture.

Use your air conditioning & heater wisely to reduce your power bill

Although cooling and heating your home isn’t a necessity, it’s certainly a luxury that some Aussies can’t live without. The problem though, is that your air conditioner doesn’t come free, and your heating bill is probably one of the most expensive contributions to your overall energy.

YOUR AIR CONDITIONER DOESN’T COME FREE, AND YOUR HEATING BILL IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUR OVERALL ENERGY.

There are a few options on how to reduce electricity bills, while at the same time utilising your air conditioning and heating. To start with, keep your climate under control – changing the temperature on your unit by just one degree can actually increase the running costs by up to 10%. It’s recommended to keep the temperature sitting at a minimum of 24°C in summer, and 18°C in winter. Close doors and windows so that you’re only cooling or heating the space you’re in; and remember, using these during off-peak times will save money (for example, set your unit to heat the home before you wake up).

Invest in the long term with solar panels

Solar energy is one of the most efficient energy plans you can have for your home. They help to save energy in general and cut your electricity bills. If that’s not enough, here are some more reasons why you should choose solar. If you plan on selling, solar energy can make your property more appealing to buyers. You might be able to make money from it by connecting it to the grid, then if you don’t use any solar power, you can sell it back to your retailer. Solar is low maintenance and can last around 25 years. And finally, the Australian Government offers a range of incentives and rebates for choosing solar.

Our final tip to save energy when working from home – remember that when paying your electricity bill, you can use your American Express^® Card. Options like the Platinum Card even offer rewards you can redeem in the future.

We hope you’ve found these tips on how to save on electric bill helpful. There are plenty of options available, just start with one and work your way up to a lower energy bill!