Have you ever wondered how to improve your electric bill savings during these trying times? While the economy is starting to open back up from the coronavirus pandemic, many people are finding themselves continuing to work from home. Chances are you’ve been working from home for a couple of weeks now and you have likely seen an increase in your electric bill. With spending more time at home you may be using more electricity than you anticipated.
Simple Changes for Electric Bill Savings When Working from Home
1. Unplug What You Don’t Need
Does unplugging really impact your electric bill savings? While it’s easy to leave your electronics plugged in, many times they are silently sucking electricity and driving up your bill. Even though it may not seem like a lot, over time the number of energy devices you are using, like your computer, monitor, printer, and TV, can account for an extra $5-10 per month on your electric bill. The easiest way to avoid this expense is to unplug your devices when you’re not using them.
2. Invest in Smart Power Strips
Another way to deal with devices silently sucking energy is to invest in smart power strips. Smart power strips do the work for you by cutting off power to devices that go into standby mode. Leaving devices plugged in to silently draw power can account for 5-10 percent of your home’s energy consumption, so investing in a smart power strip can save you money and even pay for itself within a year.
3. Open the Blinds
It’s easy to just flip on the light without much thought, but each time you do, you are adding to your electricity bill. Instead, opt for taking advantage of the natural lighting in your room. Open the blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Not only will the natural light save you from turning on the overhead lighting, but it can also boost your mood.
4. Switch To A Desk Lamp
If you find that you don’t get enough natural light in your workspace, opt for a desk lamp or task lighting rather than simply flicking on the overhead light. Desk lights are more energy-efficient than lighting the whole room. For additional cost savings, make sure you use an LED bulb instead of an incandescent or halogen bulb.
5. Use Energy-Efficient Equipment
Let’s face it, some equipment simply uses more energy than others. This will not help with your electric bill savings goals. For instance, a desktop computer uses more energy than a laptop. Likewise, a dual-monitor setup is going to consume more energy. Think carefully about the equipment you need and how you can reduce your overall energy consumption. If you need to purchase new office equipment for your work-from-home setup, consider getting ENERGY STAR-labeled devices.
6. Turn On Energy Saving Features
Most devices have built-in features to improve energy efficiency. To save money on your electric bill go into your device’s settings and make sure they are turned on. This could simply be reducing your screen brightness, adjusting the time to go into standby mode, etc. Another simple way to improve efficiency is to turn off your screen saver. Once a useful tool to prevent a “ghost picture” from burning into your screen, it is no longer relevant since technology has improved and tends to keep your equipment from going to sleep or standby.
7. Adjust Your Thermostat
Working from home means you have sole control over the thermostat. However, this could also mean major spikes in your energy bill by keeping the AC on more than you normally would during the summer months. By opting for open windows and fans instead of AC, you can save significantly on your electric bill. If you need to use AC, limit the amount of time you use it or invest in a smart thermostat to make sure you are only cooling your office when you are using it. A good target temperature is 78 degrees in warmer weather and 68 degrees in cooler weather.
8. Track Real-Time Usage
There are many devices available on the market that allow you to monitor your home’s energy use. You can get a smart device that plugs directly into the wall or one that is installed on your electric panel. These devices will give you real-time updates about how much energy is being used. This is a great way to see where you are using energy and how you can cut back to save on your bill. Consider working with a certified electrician to install one of these real-time monitoring systems.
Reducing Your Electric Bill While Working From Home Is Possible
While you are working from home there are ways to have electric bill savings (despite the extra usage). These simple steps can save you money from the first month you try them, with even more savings in the long-run. If you’re considering installing a real-time monitoring system or are simply looking to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency, call Wire Craft Electric’s team of certified electricians at 206-542-0208 or set up an appointment online today.
