How to be energy efficient working from home

Since the pandemic, more people are working from home. And while this is cutting emissions due to fewer people commuting, general household emissions (and bills) are increasing.

In fact, studies suggest gas boiler use is set to rise by 56% over the 2020/2021 winter months.

So, how can you, and your staff, continue working from home without footing huge bills?

Energy and money saving tips when you’re working from home

An increase in electricity, heating and bills is inevitable when you work from home. But here are a few money-saving tips to help keep them as low as possible:

1. Claim tax relief

You and your staff can claim up to £6 a week for working from home, and you can sign up for this on Gov.UK website. You don’t have to produce receipts to claim and it works out as a saving of £62.40 a year for basic rate taxpayers and £124.80 for high earners.

This one isn’t that well known, but you’re entitled to it – so claim it.

2. Work in natural light

During the winter months, this isn’t possible all day. But while you can, open the curtains and work in the brightest room in the house. Not only will it reduce the use of lighting, but natural light improves mood and makes you more productive.

3. Resist the urge to work long hours

Working longer hours than you would in an office means you’ll use more electricity to power your laptop, and end up using lights for longer. Instead, remove all distractions, like social media and take your full lunch break.

A proper break can refresh you, making you more productive in the afternoon.

4. Unplug devices you aren’t using

Putting on the TV during a tea break. Or giving your mobile a quick boost are things we do on autopilot, but remember to unplug the TV and mobile chargers when you go back to your desk.

These devices will consume energy for hours without you even thinking about it.

5. Wrap up warm

Your heating is usually off when you’re at work, but when you work from home it’s tempting to turn it up, wear some shorts and pretend it’s summer instead, wrap up warm. Wear thermals or a big jumper – and make yourself up a hot water bottle.

It’s not always as cold as you think, you just get used to turning the heating up high.

And speaking of heating…

6. Turn your thermostat down and only light/heat the room you’re in

The Energy Saving Trust recommends a range of 18-21ºC for healthy adults.

If you absolutely need the heating on, be aware of how long you put it on for.

Reduce the temperature and only turn on the heating for short periods to warm up the room. Another option is a fan heater which often heats a small room in minutes and lasts for hours. But make sure you switch it off and it is safe!

Also, make sure you only light or heat the room you’re working in during working hours.

7. Use energy-efficient equipment and lighting

Most laptops these days have long battery life (some up to 10-hours or more) and only require a short period of charging – meaning you can unplug and work a full day without having to give the battery a boost.

Switching your bulbs to energy-saving LEDs can save you up to £35 a year on your bills, so is well worth doing.

8. Only boil enough water for the drinks you’re making

One of the great freedoms about working from home is that you can get up whenever you like to make yourself a tea or coffee. But make sure you only fill the kettle with enough water to make one drink (unless you’re making one for others too).

It’s such a small thing, but can save you up to £6 a year

Alternatively, why not make yourself a thermos for refills throughout the day?

9. Switch energy suppliers

Many of us use suppliers which cost too much and waste energy. So, switch energy suppliers to a REGO-certified supplier, like edf or E.ON (other suppliers are available).

By doing this, the average household can save up to £300 per year.

10. Install a Smart Meter

Want a quick and easy way to see the energy you’re using? A smart meter will help you remain efficient and keep costs down.

energy efficient working from home

These are just ten ways to save energy and reduce costs, but there are other things you can do, including:

Improving loft and cavity wall insulation
Installing double or triple glazing
Replacing an inefficient boiler
Working remotely from a cafe (when it’s possible and safe to do so)

Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more ideas on keeping your home energy efficient.

Returning to the office after working from home

Long-term, you want staff back in the office full-time. And when that happens, energy consumption will skyrocket. So, before that happens, you need to put procedures in place to keep emissions and costs to a minimum – and you can do that by working with Inteb.

Inteb can help you lower your carbon emissions, save you money and make you proud to shout about your green credentials.

And we do that by helping you to: