Teleworking came into our lives during confinement. For many, he did it to stay. Without a doubt, this option is more comfortable for workers. But it also increases the consumption of light at home . We bring you some tips to save energy with teleworking .
More and more companies are betting on remote work. This option means greater flexibility and work-life balance for the worker. Some even report being more productive and motivated when working from home.
However, teleworking can also skyrocket your electricity bill if you don’t monitor your consumption. At Gana Energía, we know that saving energy is a goal for companies and individuals . As energy consultants, we tell you how to save energy while teleworking.
Install your workspace in a bright area
Enable your office in the room of the house that has the best lighting. In addition to being more pleasant to work next to a window with a view than in a dark room, you will save light while teleworking.
Make the most of the hours of sunshine to illuminate your work area without having to turn on artificial lights . Raise the blinds and open the curtains to take advantage of the natural lighting.
Plan your telework day
The best way to save on the bill is to reduce consumption. Avoid spending extra hours in front of the computer when you work from home . This is also beneficial to you, as it will allow you time for the other facets of your life.
Electricity consumption during teleworking goes beyond the desktop . Organize meal times and breaks. Avoid the habit of repeatedly getting up to see what’s in the fridge . Did you know that the refrigerator is the appliance that consumes the most in the home? Keeping the doors open causes energy losses.
Try to organize meal times during the cheapest hours . Identify when electricity is cheapest in your rate (off-peak hours) and try to adjust the time to cook in the hours when electricity costs less.
Maintain an ideal temperature
Having a suitable temperature in your workplace influences concentration and well-being. If you have to turn on the air conditioning or heating, try to do it at a reasonable temperature .
Going in short sleeves in winter or having to cover up in summer is not exactly reasonable. So be careful with the use of air conditioning devices. Ideally, set the air conditioning between 24ºC and 26ºC . Heating should be kept between 21ºC and 23ºC .
Closing the doors will help you maintain the temperature in the room and will reduce the amount of energy required to heat or cool a room.
Invest in the insulation of your home
Reinforcing the insulation of your home is key to avoiding energy leaks and improving your energy efficiency. Reinforce windows and doors to prevent the cold or heat from escaping from the interior. This way you can reduce the use of air conditioning devices .
Improving the insulation of your home does not have to require a large investment . There are small reforms that improve the insulation. For example, you can install rubber or silicone on the doors and windows to prevent drafts. It all depends on what you are willing to spend.
Energy efficiency, your great ally
In the following advice to save energy in teleworking we have insisted again and again. Energy-efficient appliances and LED lights significantly reduce light consumption.
Think about what devices you need in your workspace: computer, monitor, peripherals, lighting … Bet on energy efficiency in all of them. That is, by those who are in the highest steps of the energy classification that goes from A to G.
In the case of lighting, changing traditional bulbs for LED lights reduces electricity consumption by up to 80%.
Save energy with your computer
The computer is your main tool when you work from home. Think that you have it running practically throughout the day. If you know how to use it, you can reduce the power consumption of the computer .
Set the computer and monitor to go into ‘power save’ mode after a period of inactivity . Screensavers look pretty good, but they are also an unnecessary waste of energy. If you are going to be without using the computer for more than two hours, it is best to turn it off.
Too high a light on the monitor can lead to poor eyesight and headaches. And of course, energy use also increases. It is best to adjust the brightness of the screen .
Don’t forget the peripherals! Keyboard, mouse, gadgets … Most use the computer itself as a power source. Take the opportunity to use efficient components.
Turn off lights and appliances that you don’t use
If there is no one else at home and you work at the desk in your room or office, why do you need to have the lights on in the living room or kitchen? Turn off lights and appliances that you are not going to use while you work .
When your workday is over, turn off your computer and all its peripherals . Remember to turn them off completely to avoid consumption in standby . In this case, the best tip is to connect all the devices to a power strip to disconnect them at the same time when you finish.
Choose the best electricity rate
The best way to save on your electricity bill at home is to choose the right electricity rate. This should be the one that offers you a fair price for electricity and adapts to your schedules, habits and needs.
