Energy Saving Ideas

There are clear energy-saving advantages to working from home—avoiding a commute and saving fuel being the biggest—but working at home also means that you may be using MORE energy at home than you would otherwise. This is simply because you’re there, running the heat in the winter and the air conditioner in the summer and using the extra electricity just by being there. But there are a few things you can do to minimize your energy use while working at home.

Open the blinds.

Although we try, many of the mornings when we’re rushing off to work, my husband and I simply forget to open the blinds in the winter to let in the sun. It’s easy to forget when you leave the house in the dark and cold, but I always remember when I’m home and realize that it’s sunny.

When you’re out of the house, you likely have the thermostat set to a low temperature. It may be uncomfortable to be in the house during the day with your regular low setting, so the sun’s natural heat will help your home comfortable and minimize how often the heat kicks on during the day.

Also don’t forget to open the blinds in your office or wherever you’re working, even if it doesn’t get direct sunlight. The natural daylight is great for working and you won’t have to turn on any overhead lights or desk lamps. If you’re not lucky enough to have a window at the office, take advantage of being home and sit near one if you can!

Grab a blanket.

No, don’t head for the couch and take a nap. That’s not what working at home means. But it is often an opportunity to dress a little less formally and do things you might not do at the office—like wear a sweatshirt and throw a blanket over your lap. My home office tends to be a little cooler than the rest of the house anyway, so a blanket on my lap ensures that I’m comfortable without cranking up the heat.

Personally, I don’t recommend a robe and bunny slippers, but hey, as long as you get your work done, who am I to judge?

Use a smart power strip.

If you’re working at home, it’s very likely that you’re working on a computer. But it may not just be your computer. Maybe you have a printer, scanner, phone (or charger), FAX machine, monitor, modem, router, and who knows what other electronics. Smart power strips ensure these devices aren’t drawing power when they’re not in use, while giving you the option to keep a few devices “always on.”

These are just a few ideas I’ve had for saving energy while I work at home, but I’d love to hear more. If you have any other tips you can think of, let me know, I’d love to hear from you.