Nearly 30% of working professionals would quit if they had to return to office after the pandemic ends. This statistic should be of no surprise as the benefits of working remotely have essentially added to the quality of our lives. From developing closer relationships with our families to adapting to new technologies, the benefits of remote work are endless. We’ve also saved on the cost of commuting. However, there are a couple of hidden costs of working from home, such as extra energy consumption. Below, some tips on saving on our electricity bill.
Turn Off the Lights During the Day
Unless you’re in a room with no natural light, turn off the lights during the day. Not only is it a neglectful habit, but it isn’t necessary. Relying less on lights is easy to save money and a benefit to the environment.
The habit of optimizing the sun to light our home is part of an energy-saving strategy called passive solar. In short, you’re using the sun to heat, cool, and light your home without using electricity.
Not only does natural light help lift our mood, but it also removes the need for a desk lamp. Open the blinds during the day, which will improve our outlook and our electricity bill.
Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs
Many of us don’t realize that incandescent bulbs are 90% inefficient, with only 10% of the bulbs’ energy going towards light production.
LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than inefficient incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs also last up to 25 times longer. Consider investing in replacing all of the bulbs at once. There will be some upfront cost now, but the long-term benefits will outweigh today’s cost.
Unplug Your Work Electronics When Not in Use
Our desktops, laptops, TV, monitor, and smartphone charger are all sapping electricity when they’re not in use and still plugged into the wall. Referred to as vampire electronics, these devices are known for their energy-depleting capabilities, and they comprise about 10% of your electric bill.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Having a programmable thermostat is an efficient way to save money on your electric bills. You can program it only to turn it on when it gets too hot or too cold. By proactively using the programmable settings, you’ll save money by only using energy when your home needs it.
Air Rescue is the best choice for heating, ventilation, A/C repair, or installation needs for residential and commercial customers in the greater Tampa Bay area. Our service and pricing guarantee ensures that we offer you the most competitive pricing and 100% satisfaction. Visit our website, contact us, or call us at 813.612.600.
Sources:
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/gmj/cutting-back-on-electric-bills-as-more-americans-work-from-home/77-e0d7b159-e2af-4b81-9ef5-642301677fa9
https://www.moving.com/tips/10-realistic-ways-to-lower-utility-bills/ (#4 & #7 are good)
https://chariotenergy.com/blog/how-to-work-from-home-and-not-run-up-your-electric-bill/
https://blog.arcadia.com/the-hidden-energy-costs-of-working-from-home/