Energy plans: Which is best for remote workers?

Working from home offers a range of advantages, such as the ability to set your own schedule and save on commuting expenses. Without paying extensive commuting costs in either public transport or gas, you would think you get to save money, right? Well, to ensure that’s the case, it’s important to compare energy plans that make your remote work costs more efficient.

Remote working is making the world a more accessible-friendly place to be, but one downside is the potential for higher energy bills, as you're spending more time using appliances, heating, or cooling your home. No one wants to roast inside while they work, but is running your AC all day the answer?

As remote work becomes increasingly common - now with over one in five Australians working from home - it's crucial to find practical ways to manage energy consumption.

To help you make the most of your home office while keeping costs in check, Compare Energy talks you through the best plan options and offers essential tips to reduce energy usage and keep your bills under control.

Will working from home push your energy bills up?

When you shift from working in an office to working from home, you take on the responsibility for all the energy costs that were previously covered by your employer. In a typical office setting, the energy consumption is relatively modest throughout the day - most power usage is from lighting, computers, and essential equipment.

At home, however, the dynamics change dramatically. During the workday, you’re not just running your computer or phone charger - you’re likely using appliances you wouldn’t normally use during office hours, such as your fridge, lights, heating or cooling systems, and possibly even extra devices for video calls or other tasks.

For those used to a standard office schedule, the impact on energy bills isn’t typically noticeable because energy-consuming devices like air conditioners, televisions, and kitchen appliances are used sparingly on weekdays, instead they are mostly during evenings or weekends.

If you're working from home long-term or even just a few days a week, the collective effect of running additional devices and appliances will significantly increase your household energy consumption.

Understanding how these changes in usage can affect your energy bills is the first step in managing costs while working remotely.

How to save energy costs when you work from home

There are plenty of ways that you can make working remotely more cost-effective. Here are our top tips to save money while you do:

Review your energy plan

Is your current energy plan the most cost-effective for your needs? The Compare Energy team can help you assess your options and ensure you're with the right provider for your budget. Give us a call on 1300 790 106 today and our friendly team can talk you through your options.

Maximise natural light

Position your desk near a window to make the most of natural daylight and keep your lights off for longer. Keep blinds or curtains open to reduce reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day.

Invest in energy-efficient technology

Your computer and peripherals are the biggest energy consumers in a home office. A desktop PC can use between 200Wh and 600Wh, but switching to an energy-efficient power supply unit (PSU) can help.

 PSUs are rated for efficiency, with Titanium models using up to 92% of their power, reducing heat and the need for extra cooling. Unplug any devices you’re not actively using, including printers, scanners, and laptops.

Switch off when idle

Turn off or unplug devices when not in use to prevent them from drawing power in standby mode. This simple habit reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

Opt for energy-efficient lighting

In the winter months, you may need more light than usual as the sky darkens with clouds. Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional halogen bulbs.

If you don’t need a desktop, use a laptop instead, as it typically consumes less power.

Adjust your computer’s power settings

To improve efficiency, adjust your computer’s power settings and lower the screen brightness to save cash. You can set it to sleep after a period of inactivity and use apps like f.lux to adjust the display throughout the day.

If possible, use headphones rather than speakers, as higher volumes can consume more power.

Fine-tune your air conditioning

Adjust your thermostat by just one degree to reduce your energy bill by up to 10%.

When it’s cooler, consider using alternative methods to stay comfortable instead of overusing air conditioning.

Use sleep or hibernate mode

Enable your devices to enter sleep or hibernate mode after a few minutes of inactivity. This feature helps save energy when you’re away from your desk.

Reduce paper use

Opt for digital documents whenever possible to reduce paper waste and energy usage. Printing requires power, ink, and paper, all of which add to costs and environmental impact.

Don’t cool or heat unused rooms

Focus your heating or cooling on the room you're working in and avoid wasting energy on unoccupied spaces by closing doors to unused rooms.

Consider renewable energy sources

With the help of Compare Energy, you could look into renewable energy options like solar power.

Solar panels can be a long-term solution for reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint, and there are government rebates available for adopting green technologies.

Swap air conditioning for a desk fan

During warmer months, use a desk fan instead of an air conditioner. For added coolness, place a bowl of ice in front of the fan to create a refreshing breeze without running your AC on high.

Don’t forget to get your HVAC services properly every year, too, as well as cleaning the filters. You need your heating and cooling to be working properly if you want to maintain your comfort and your budget.

By making these adjustments, you can reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and help the environment while working remotely.

Unsure if you’re on the best energy plan?

If you want to compare energy plans to ensure efficiency for remote work, calling the friendly Aussie-based team at Compare Energy is a good first step.

We’ll talk you through the best energy providers in your area and help you to determine whether you’re on the right gas and electricity plan.

Call us today on 1300 790 106.