Do you work from home as a self-employed business owner or remote employee? Perhaps you have a home office simply to pay the bills and browse the web. Whether you use the space for work or play, you undoubtedly want to lower your home office energy expenses to cut back on your utility bills. Here are the top ways to do just that.
For more information about saving on your utility bills, please call UGI EnergyLink at 800-797-0712 or contact us online!
Purchase Energy Efficient Electronics
Most home offices feature computers, monitors, printers, external hard drives, paper shredders, and other electronics. As you shop for each item to include in your home office, make the efficiency rating one of your top considerations.
Many electronics are eligible to earn ENERGY STAR® certification, which can decrease power consumption by up to 75 percent. Also, consider a laptop instead of a desktop computer if that’s feasible for your work.
Use Surge Protectors
If you have a desk full of electronics, plug everything into a single surge protector. The primary function of this device is to guard your computer and peripherals against damaging power surges. It also makes it easy to turn everything off all at once with the flip of a switch. Doing so prevents plugged-in devices from drawing small amounts of “phantom energy” from the outlet, which can save you a surprising amount on your energy bills.
Utilize Energy-Saving Settings
Most computers and laptops feature settings that lower their energy consumption. Go into the “power options” or similar menu and put your computer in “power saver” mode. This conserves energy by reducing performance in certain areas and, unless you’re pushing your hardware, you probably won’t even notice.
Also, set your monitor to enter “sleep mode” after a designated amount of time, such as 20 minutes. Avoid using the screen saver, which doesn’t decrease energy consumption.
Light Your Home Office Efficiently
For overhead lighting and desk lamps, be sure to use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). These are 75 to 85 percent more efficient than old incandescent bulbs and they provide brighter illumination and less heat.
Also, take advantage of natural lighting during the day to reduce the need for artificial light. Orient your desk suitably so you can keep the curtains open without creating a glare on your computer screen.
Heat & Cool Your Home Office Efficiently
If you only use your home office for part of the day, close the air vent and shut the door when you’re done working. Likewise, if you spend most of the day in your home office, set the thermostat back and use a fan or space heater to stay comfortable in this small corner of the house. Remember to dress for the season so you feel content with the temperature set to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
Save Energy with UGI EnergyLink in PA
The more efficient you make your home office, the lower your energy bills will be. Of course, your costs would go down even further if you paid a lower electricity rate. Thanks to the deregulated energy market in Pennsylvania, you have the freedom to choose your electricity provider.
With UGI EnergyLink, you can save big! We’ll help you lock in a low, predictable monthly rate so you can sit back and watch your energy bills drop. We have 130 years of experience helping homes and businesses enjoy reliable, affordable electrical services.
To learn more about switching to UGI EnergyLink, please contact us at 800-797-0712 today!