The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to work from home. While working from home can be convenient, it can cause your electric bill to go up. In fact, many people have noticed that their energy bill has risen by 2 to 7 percent. The good news is that there are several things that you can do to reduce your energy bill.
Unplug Appliances When You Are Not Using Them
If you keep your electronics plugged in all of the time, then you will have to spend more on your electric bill. Your monitor, computers and printer use energy as long as they are plugged in. They only use a small amount of energy, but this can add up over time. The best thing that you can do is to unplug the devices when you are not using them. Not only will this help you save energy, but you will also be able to minimize distractions.
Use Power Strips
It can be difficult for you to remember to unplug the appliances every time that you use them. That is why it is a good idea for you to use power strips. Power strips automatically turn off the flow of energy when the device is turned off. Idle usage accounts for about 10 percent of electricity usage.
Take Advantage of the Natural Light
You can reduce your electricity usage by taking advantage of the natural light. Not only does natural light reduce electricity usage, but it has been shown to be a mood booster. If you need to use more light, then you can use task lighting.
Consider Getting a Fixed Electricity Bill
Most people used less electricity during the weekdays than on the weekends prior to working from home. However, your weekday usage will likely resemble your weekend usage now that you are at home more often. That is why it is a good idea for you to get a fixed electricity bill. You will pay the same amount each month regardless of how much electricity you use.
Use Energy-efficient Equipment
The equipment that you use can have an impact on your energy bill. If you need to buy new equipment for your home office, then you will need to buy Energy Star equipment. You can reduce your electricity usage by 75 percent if you use Energy Star equipment.
If you need a new computer, then you should buy a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops do not use as much electricity as regular computers.
Do Not Overfill Your Kettle
If you cannot start your workday without your coffee, then it is a good idea for you to avoid overfilling your kettle. You should only use the amount of water that you need. You should only fill one cup at a time.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Because you are at home all of the time, you need to stay comfortable. However, your HVAC system likely uses more energy than anything else. You can keep your home comfortable and keep the temperature at a steady number by installing a smart thermostat. The thermostat will automatically adjust based on the settings that you have.
Swap Out Your Light Bulbs
If you have incandescent light bulbs, then you are probably using more electricity than you have to. Incandescent light bulbs have a tendency to burn out more quickly. They also use more electricity. You should replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs. Those lights are more expensive, but they do not use as much electricity as incandescent light bulbs. They will also last a lot longer than incandescent light bulbs.
