If you work from home, you know that having a comfortable and functional office space is key to being productive. However, if your home office needs to be set up correctly, it can be a huge drain on your power bill. Here are six tips to help you save energy and money in your home office:
1. Get a Smart Thermostat
A regular thermostat keeps your home at a constant temperature, no matter what the weather is like outside. This can be wasteful, especially if you’re not home during the day or if you work from home sporadically. A smart thermostat, on the other hand, can save you money by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature accordingly. You can also program it to turn off when you’re not home, so you’re not wasting energy when no one is using the office.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
If you have outdated light fixtures in your home office, now is the time to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. LED bulbs are even more efficient, using about 25-30% of the energy of CFLs and lasting up to 25 times longer. The initial cost of energy-efficient bulbs may be higher than traditional bulbs, but they will save you money in the long run. Not to mention, they emit less heat, so your office will be cooler in the summer months.
3. Let in Natural Light
Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light instead of relying on artificial lighting. Open blinds and curtains during the day to let in sunlight, which will help reduce your overall lighting costs. If possible, arrange your furniture so that you can take advantage of natural light without glare on your computer screen. You can also install solar film on windows to reduce heat gain in the summer months.
4. Invest in Energy-Efficient Office Equipment
When shopping for new office equipment, look for items with an ENERGY STAR label. These products are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as being more energy-efficient than similar products without labels. ENERGY STAR-certified products use about 20-30% less power than standard models and can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the product in reduced utility bills. Look for ENERGY STAR labels on computers, printers, scanners, and other electronics. Call https://www.prelectrics.com/ for help today.
5. Use Battery Backup for Computers and Electronics
In case of a power outage, invest in a battery backup system for your computers and other electronics. This way, you won’t have to worry about losing work or damaging equipment if there’s a sudden power loss. Battery backup systems range in price and features, so find one that meets your needs and budget.
6. Unplug Unused Electronics
Even when they’re turned off, electronic devices still use a small amount of standby power—also known as “vampire power” because it sucks electricity even when you’re not using it! To avoid wasted energy (and money), unplug electronics that aren’t being used or put them on a power strip so you can easily switch them off when they’re not needed. If an electronic device has a battery backup system, ensure it’s unplugged when not in use.
If you’re having any electrical issues in your home office, consider calling an electrician in North Vancouver or an emergency electrician in Vancouver. Electricians can help you diagnose the cause of the problem and come up with a plan to fix it.
