Energy Costs Of Working From Home

For many people working from home has become the new norm. Even without pandemic-era regulations, many people choose to work from home instead of the office. After all, you don’t have to wake up too early in the morning just to make it through the work commute. 

But rising energy costs might make this convenient set up a little difficult. If you are not sure how your new workspace is racking up energy costs, here are some ways working from home might increase your energy consumption. 

This new work style might seem cost-effective on the surface, but there are many things you need to take into account. By working from home, you are using more heating/cooling, appliances, and bandwidth; in short, you end up using your home appliances and devices more than usual when you work at home. 

Most remote workers tend to use 75% more gas per day and 25% more electricity during the weekdays compared to office workers. This can create a major dent in your monthly expenditure. For people paying less than £30 a week for commuting it might be best to work in the office. 

But if office work is not an option for you and you want to enjoy the convenience of remote working, there are several tips and tricks you can follow. With the upcoming winter season, you can use these easy tips to keep your energy bill worries away.   

As convenient as your heater unit is, it is also a major culprit for high energy consumption. Natural daylight is a great way to heat up your workspace without relying on your heater. Sunlight also reduces the need for table lamps and overhead lighting, so you can make sure to open the blinds and let the sunlight in. 

Another great way to reduce heating use is by layering up. There’s nothing better than feeling cozy while working. If you feel chilly, just switch your wardrobe for something warmer to avoid using your heater unit. If you don’t want to change clothing, you can always grab a blanket to keep yourself comfortable during the winter. 

Do you still feel cold even though you keep turning your heating up? Chances are the warm air is escaping from your home without you even knowing about it. A good way to avoid this problem is by draughtproofing your home. Draughtproofing removes all the sneaky gaps around your windows and doors that let warm air out. 

Working from home means endless refills of tea and coffee, but this might end up costing you. Even though it is tempting to make yourself tea whenever you want, it might be good to cut back on this, as kettles tend to consume a lot of energy. 

Laptops and computers are essential when it comes to working from home, but these devices could rack up energy costs through standby power. Most laptops go into standby mode when not in use. If you are taking a break, consider shutting off your laptop. You can also take your charger out of the socket when it is not in use to avoid wasting energy. 

If remote working is ideal for you, there are ways to maintain this convenient working space. Make sure to follow our helpful tips to ensure you not only stay on top of your work but also reduce your energy consumption.