By Abby Berry
When working at home, it means more energy used throughout the day. Here are five easy ways to save energy and reduce your electric bill when working from home.
- Use a smart power strip. Plugging in your most-used devices, like computers, monitors and routers, to a smart power strip ensures these devices aren’t drawing power when they’re not in use. Smart power strips also give you the option to select which devices should stay in “always on” mode.
- Unplug your least-used equipment. If your home office includes equipment like printers and scanners, you’re probably not using these electronics every day. In this case, unplug them since they can draw energy even when they’re not being used.
- Choose ENERGY STAR®-certified office equipment. If you’re looking to purchase new equipment like computers, monitors, imaging equipment for your workspace, look for the ENERGY STAR® label to ensure you’re getting the most energy efficient features.
- Use natural light. When you’re working during the day, turn off lights and open blinds, curtains and other window coverings to let natural light in––take advantage of the additional warmth from the sun too!
- Lower the thermostat. Home heating makes up a significant portion of your energy bills. Put on an extra layer of clothes and turn the thermostat down a couple degrees during the day to reduce energy use and save money. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 68 degrees or cooler during winter months.
For additional energy saving ideas, visit our website at www.accessenergycoop.com.