As many of us adjust our lives to working from home, it’s sensible to consider the additional costs of heating as the colder months are on the horizon. If your main heating supply is electric or gas then you’ve not got such a need to plan, but with those in more rural areas who rely on oil, it may be wise to stock up before the cold weather arrives. There are companies that offer fast and efficient delivery of SuperSaverOil at competitive prices (click the link for more information). It’s worth buying in advance to get the best price and avoid panic buying when demand is high.
Here are some more tips for managing your energy usage at home and how to keep the costs of your energy bill low.
Share your workspace
If possible, create an office room at home that can be shared between yourself and your partner or housemates. Using one room for heating and lighting will easily reduce costs. Make sure your radiators have been bled to make them as efficient as possible. Keep doors closed as much as possible to retain heat and move large furniture away from radiators to prevent the heat from circulating the room. If you need to jump on to a phone or video call, you could always temporarily relocate to another room.
Check heating temperatures
Manage your heating by checking the temperature of your boiler, reducing the temperature by 1°C could save you a sufficient amount on your monthly bill. Also use a thermostat and timer for the boiler so that you only get the heat you need. It’s an old trick, but wearing warmer clothing, such as long sleeves, layers and socks to retain body heat, will keep you toasty while you work.
Find the best energy deal
It’s likely that flexible working is here to stay, so it’s worth contacting your energy supplier and asking them to reconsider your plan to see if you are able to get a better deal. If you’re not happy with the price from your current supplier, try a price comparison site. It’s relatively easy to switch energy suppliers and can potentially save you a lot of money.
Make cutbacks where possible
Now you’re having all your tea and coffee breaks at home, you’ll be using more energy just through boiling the kettle. Make sure you only boil the amount of water you need to save on costs. Batch cooking meals will also help save you energy as well as time.
Light your space well
As winter draws in and the days become darker, having a well-lit working space is crucial not only for your eyes and mental health but also your productivity. Have as much natural bright light as possible in your office space and supplement with artificial lights such as a desk lamp.
Remember to switch off
When you’re working at home, many more devices will need to be plugged in and changed. Make sure you switch off the power for devices that you aren’t using, such as laptops and chargers. Avoid leaving devices on standby too as they still use energy and lose charge. If you can, switch your laptop to low energy modes to save energy and lower your brightness where possible.
