Thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, working from home is now the norm for not just freelancers and entrepreneurs, but a large percentage of the Australian workforce. If you’re one of these Aussies still adjusting to a new home office, these tips could help you manage an energy bill that now includes 9am to 5pm costs.
1. Activate Energy-Saving SettingsScreensavers use the same amount of energy as a screen that’s being used so instead, set your device to automatically power down when it hasn’t been used for several minutes to effectively save energy. Turn off your WiFi and Bluetooth when you’re not using them too, as your device needs more power to run when they’re activated.
2. Use Windows to Regulate TemperatureAs the weather begins to warm up, try cooling your house naturally by closing windows and drawing curtains in the morning to block the heat. 87% of the summer heat gets into your house through windows. Likewise, when the outside temperature drops, open windows and curtains up to cool your house.
In your workspace, consider using a fan to circulate the air before turning to your air-conditioner. Otherwise, set your air-conditioner to 24-27°C, keeping in mind that a degree cooler or warmer can have a significant impact on its energy consumption.
3. Take Advantage of Off-Peak TimesMake the most of working from home by running the dishwasher or washing machine in the middle of the day, using off-peak power. Not to mention you’ll have less chores to do in your free time after work.
4. Use a Power BoardWhen working from home, it can be tricky to know when to switch off. By plugging all your home office devices – laptop, monitor, lamp, printer and chargers – into a single power board, it at least makes easy to physically switch off at the end of the day. Once you’ve turned off each device, simply flick the switch to the power board off at the wall. This ensures products that are not in use, but are still plugged into an ‘on’ outlet, don’t add unnecessary dollars to your energy bill.
5. Light the Right WayLighting makes up approximately 10% of the average household electricity bill, so a few simple changes can go a long way. Position your desk near a large window or skylight to light your workspace in the cheapest way possible. If natural light isn’t enough, now is the time to swap out old lightbulbs around your home for LED globes, which can cut your lighting energy usage dramatically, whilst still providing the same amount of light.
And, at the risk of stating the obvious, don’t forget to turn off all the lights when you leave a room.
6. Review your Energy PlanNow that you’re consuming energy for at least eight more hours a day, it’s worth checking that you’re on the best energy plan for your needs. Check out our Compare Plans page to see whether you could be saving money without even having to think about it.