How to Lower Your Energy Bills When You Work from Home
Working from home can be a great way to save money on commuting costs and work clothes. However, it can also lead to higher utility bills since you're home using energy all day long. Luckily, there’s no need to be shelling out hundreds every month just to stay warm. Follow these tips to cut down on your energy usage and lower bills when working from home.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
When you need to replace appliances, opt for energy efficient models. Look for appliances with high Energy Star ratings. Energy efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers consume less energy and can help lower your bills. Unplug appliances when not in use to avoid phantom load energy drain.
Lighting
Use natural lighting whenever possible instead of artificial lights to illuminate your home office space. Open blinds and curtains to maximise daylight. Install LED light bulbs, which consume far less energy than traditional incandescents. Use lighting controls like occupancy sensors or timers so lights aren't on when not needed.
Heating
Heating and cooling accounts for over half of a typical home's energy use. Maintain your heating system by bleeding radiators and service the boiler annually for efficiency. Set your thermostat between 18-21°C - lower temperatures can significantly cut energy use. Use thermostatic radiator valves to control heating in unused rooms. Insulate your home including lofts, walls and floors to prevent heat loss.
Insulation
Improving insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost energy efficiency. Ensure your loft has ample insulation - at least 270mm thickness is recommended. Inspect cavity walls and top up insulation if needed. Solid walls can also be insulated by installing internal or external wall insulation. Insulate hot water cylinders and pipes to reduce heat loss. DIY insulation products are affordable or you can hire professional installers.
Smart Heating Controls
Use programmable thermostats to schedule the heating and hot water to come on only when required. Smart thermostats can learn household occupancy patterns and self-adjust. Zone controls allow you to heat only occupied rooms to avoid wasting energy heating unused spaces. Upgrade your boiler controls for optimal heating efficiency.
Switch to Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are a renewable technology that can lower your home heating bills. They extract ambient heat from outside air, even at low temperatures, to provide space heating and hot water. Government grants are available to cover the upfront costs of installing an air source heat pump under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme until 2025. With an Energy Performance Certificate rating of E, F or G you could be eligible for up to £5,000 off the capital cost. Air source heat pumps could cut your heating costs compared to older gas boilers.
Manage Standby Power
Many appliances draw power even when switched off or idle in standby mode. You can avoid wasting energy by unplugging them or using remote controlled sockets to cut power when not in use. Common culprits are TVs, phone chargers and computers. A standby saver device can automatically shut off standby power consumption.
Monitor Energy Use
Understanding your energy consumption can help identify wastage. Smart metres provide real-time tracking of gas and electricity use. In-home displays let you see how much energy appliances and systems are using. Apps and online dashboards also allow convenient monitoring. Review usage patterns and trends to inform your energy saving tactics.
Replace Drafty Windows
Old, drafty windows can be a major source of heat loss in homes. If your windows are poorly sealed and have low R-values, replacing them can significantly improve insulation. Installing energy efficient double glazed or triple glazed windows restricts heat transfer to the outdoors. While upfront costs can be high, new windows reduce energy bills over time by trapping warmth inside.
Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance keeps systems and appliances working efficiently and safely. Have your boiler serviced annually and check that your radiators are correctly balanced. Make sure extractor fans are working effectively. Fridges and freezers operate better if defrosted and dust cleaned from condenser coils every six months. Draught-proof doors, windows, letterboxes and block cracks to prevent heat loss.
Renewable Energy
Generating your own renewable energy can reduce grid electricity reliance. Solar panels can provide clean electricity from sunlight. Solar water heating systems use the sun's energy to heat water. Small scale wind turbines harness wind power. Compare installation costs against potential savings to see if it makes financial sense for your home.
Eco-Friendly Computing
Office equipment like computers, monitors and printers can drain power. Enable power management settings on devices so they enter low power sleep mode when idle. Laptops consume less energy than desktop PCs. Use cloud computing to reduce server energy usage. Purchase Energy Star certified products for the most energy efficient models. Unplug chargers when not in use and switch off equipment at the end of the day.
By being mindful of your home energy use and making eco-friendly choices, you can work comfortably from home without sky-high utility bills. Follow these handy tips to lower your energy costs.