WORKING FROM HOME? HERE'S HOW TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS
As working from home becomes the new normal for many Aussies, we’ve traded the daily commute for cosy home offices and flexible schedules.
But along with these perks comes a new challenge: increased energy consumption. Your home is now pulling double duty as your personal and professional space, which often means higher electricity bills.
Joel Power, Joint Managing Director of Smart Energy, says: "As more Aussies work from home, we’ve seen a significant rise in energy bills - up to $340 more per quarter in some cases.
"During your typical work hours, you’ll find a 15-20% increase in energy usage compared to pre-pandemic levels.
"By optimising your workspace, switching to energy-efficient appliances, or investing in solar with battery storage, these small changes can make a big difference and save you money. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort, productivity and cost-efficiency."
Here are some fun, easy-to-implement energy efficiency tips to keep your workspace cosy and your power bills in check.
CHOOSE YOUR WORKSPACE WISELY
Location, location, location! Setting up your home office in a space with plenty of natural light can do wonders for your mood and energy consumption.
Position your desk near a window to take advantage of daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Not only does this help you cut down on electricity use, but it also keeps your workspace bright and inviting. If you need to work late into the evening, opt for energy-efficient LED lights, which use 75 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
GET SMART ABOUT HEATING AND COOLING
One of the biggest energy consumers in any home is temperature control. When you’re working from home, keeping the heater or air conditioner running all day is easy, but this can quickly send your bills soaring.
Instead, try using a programmable thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature during work hours without wasting energy.
In the cooler months, bundle up with a cosy sweater and use a space heater for a more targeted heating solution. For warmer weather, use fans to circulate air, and try keeping blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day to keep your space cool.
UNPLUG, POWER DOWN, AND OPTIMISE YOUR DEVICES
While you may remember to turn off the lights when leaving a room, your electronics might still drain power. Devices like computers, printers, and chargers continue to draw energy even when turned off, a phenomenon known as "phantom load."
Combat this by unplugging devices when not in use or using power strips with on/off switches for easier control. For added savings, set your computer to energy-saving mode or power it down completely during breaks.
Adjust your device settings to optimise energy usage further. Lowering screen brightness, enabling sleep mode, and closing unnecessary programs can significantly reduce power consumption.
You can also configure your monitor to go to sleep automatically after a set period of inactivity. Together, these small adjustments can make a big difference in your overall energy efficiency while working from home.
UPGRADE TO ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
If you’re using outdated equipment, you could be draining more power than you realise. Modern energy-efficient appliances and devices, from laptops to refrigerators, are designed to use less electricity while delivering the same performance.
Look for appliances with high energy ratings, and when it’s time to upgrade, consider switching to more eco-friendly models.
MAKE THE SUN WORK FOR YOU
For those aiming to boost their energy efficiency, installing solar panels paired with battery storage is a true game-changer. While solar power alone can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, adding a battery system allows you to store excess energy and use it to power your home office, even when the sun isn’t shining.
This setup is perfect for anyone working from home. It ensures a smooth, stress-free workday with a steady, uninterrupted power supply.
As we increasingly rely on stable internet connections and constant power, these systems become your personal energy bank, ready to step in during peak hours or unexpected blackouts.
Plus, they help lower electricity costs by letting you draw on stored energy when rates are high, making your home office resilient, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly.
Working from home doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. Small changes like choosing energy-efficient devices, optimising your workspace, and even considering larger investments like solar power can significantly reduce your energy consumption.
These tips will help you save money and make your home a more comfortable and sustainable place to work.
With a few smart adjustments, you can take control of your energy usage, contribute to a more sustainable future, and enjoy the benefits of working from home without the extra cost.
