A home office definitely has its perks – no commute, more flexibility, and of course, trackies on Zoom calls. But it also means you’re using more electricity than you would in a typical office. Computers, lighting, chargers, heating or cooling… all of it adds up on the power bill.
The good news? With a few clever changes, you can keep your home office energy-efficient without sacrificing comfort or productivity. Here’s how to do it right.
You don’t need stadium lighting to answer emails.
Start by making the most of natural light. Set up your desk near a window so you’re not relying on overhead lights all day. Not only does it save energy, it’s better for your eyes and your mood.
For those early starts or late finishes, swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs. They last longer and use far less power. Want even more control? Add a dimmer switch or go smart with app-controlled lighting. That way, you can adjust brightness throughout the day without wasting energy.
Not all office gear is created equal. Some of it guzzles power even when you’re not using it.
If you’re buying or upgrading, go for energy-efficient laptops, monitors, and printers. Laptops generally use less energy than desktop setups, and monitors with built-in power-saving features are a no-brainer.
Look for devices with an Energy Star rating, it’s a simple way to spot products that are built with energy efficiency in mind. They’ll do the same job, cost you less to run, and put less strain on your home’s electrical system.
Just because you’re not in the room doesn’t mean your gear isn’t still drawing power.
Smart plugs and timers are a simple way to manage your devices. Set them to switch off equipment automatically after the workday. Got a coffee machine or heater in your office? Put them on a schedule, too.
And if you’re already running a smart home system like Google Home, Alexa, or similar, connect your workspace to it. You’ll get better control of lights, power points, and more, all from your phone or voice commands.
Here’s the quiet killer: standby power. Even when your gear is “off,” it might still be draining electricity.
Plug your setup into a power strip, and at the end of the day, flick one switch to cut it all off. It’s easy, and it adds up to real savings over time.
Bonus points if your power strip includes surge protection. Not only will you reduce energy waste, but you’ll also keep your gear safe from unexpected spikes and surges. Especially important if you’re running expensive tech from home.
If you’re working from home long-term, it might be time to look at your setup properly. Do you need extra power points? Better lighting? A separate circuit for your office gear?
Astley Electrical can help make your home office not just functional, but energy-smart too. We’ll recommend smart solutions that reduce energy use, improve safety, and keep your space running like clockwork.
Ready to power your home office the efficient way? Get in touch with Astley Electrical. No shortcuts, no gimmicks – just practical solutions that make working from home better for you and your bills.
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