Energy Saving Tips for Working From Home

Energy Saving Tips for Working From Home

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become the new norm for many businesses. Some have adapted working fully remotely and some, like us, are following a hybrid model. This means many of us are now spending much more time at home than ever before.

All those cups of coffee, plugged-in laptops and streamed playlists or TV shows can soon add up to a bigger household energy bill than you’re used to. The good news is that working from home does come with its benefits, like spending less on travel, saving money on lunches, and getting back hours that would otherwise be spent sitting in boring, never-ending traffic.

Whether you’re looking to keep your bills as low as possible or reduce your environmental impact, here are some simple ways to make your home working day a little greener.

Less Travelling

One of the biggest benefits of working from home is travelling less. Fewer journeys mean lower carbon emissions, less air pollution, and more time back in your day.

Why not use some of that extra time for a short walk, run or bike ride before or after work? It’s a great way to replace your commute while getting some fresh air and exercise, which is also proven to be good for your mental health.

Set Up Your Workstation

If you’re working from a spare room, dining table or home office, try to choose a spot with plenty of natural light so you don’t need to stick the lights on all day.

You can also save a little energy by:
• Turning down your laptop and monitor screen brightness.
• Charging your phone during the day and plugging it into your laptop rather than using a separate charger.

Working from home should be just as comfortable, if not more comfortable, than being in the office.

Be Smart with Your Heating

The Energy Saving Trust recommends keeping your home between 18-21°C for healthy adults. If you normally have your heating set a little higher, try turning it down by just one degree. This could help save energy and money.

It’s also the perfect excuse to embrace the working-from-home winter wardrobe of cosy jumpers, slippers and dressing gowns. After all, nobody on a video call knows what’s happening below the desk!

Tea and Coffee Breaks

Making lots of hot drinks throughout the day? Try only boiling the amount of water you actually need. Even if you’re making several drinks during the day, it’s still more energy efficient than repeatedly boiling a full kettle.

Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

Working from home is a great opportunity to cut down on food waste too. Use up leftovers, turn leftover vegetables into soup, or make homemade stock using vegetable peelings. Not only does it reduce waste, but it can also save you money.

When on your lunch break, take a break from your screen too. Give your eyes a rest, get outside if you can, and don’t forget to switch your monitor off or close your laptop while you’re away to conserve energy.

Turn Everything Off

At the end of the working day, shut your computer down properly and switch it off at the plug instead of leaving it on standby overnight.

It’s a small habit, but one that can save quite a bit of energy over time. Whilst you’re at it, check for any other appliances, like your monitor, that you can switch off too.

Check Your Energy Tariff

When was the last time you checked your energy tariff?

If your deal is coming to an end or you’ve been meaning to compare prices, now is a great time to see if you could save money. Comparing tariffs could help reduce your gas and electricity bills, especially if you’re currently on a standard variable tariff.

Book a Free Home Energy Visit to Help

If you live in Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire or Rutland and you’re struggling with the cost of your energy bills, we may be able to help through our FREE Home Energy Service – LEAP.

During a free home visit, one of our friendly Home Energy Advisors can go through your bills with you, explain your options, help you find the best tariff for your needs, and check whether you’re entitled to any additional support.

Find out more about LEAP on our website.

Check out our blog covering the energy grants and support schemes available across the area.

Looking for More Energy Saving Tips?

There are plenty of other simple ways to make your home more energy efficient. The Energy Saving Trust has lots of practical advice and ideas to help you reduce your energy use and lower your bills.

Thinking Bigger?

If you’re looking to make even bigger improvements, why not explore options such as solar panels, heat pumps or home insulation?

Future Now has some fantastic information on reducing your carbon footprint, along with funding opportunities and local support available to residents.