During the pandemic, working from home was no longer a perk or privilege – it was a necessity. While most corporate employees have returned or are getting ready to return to the office, a lot of us still work from home.
Back when people were still going to the office, electricity consumption was still regulated by how long people were out for work. That means if you work a 9 to 5, you’re not likely to leave the heating or AC on during those times. Things like light bulbs, gadget chargers, and TVs contribute very little to your overall energy consumption. The real things to look out for are items that have a heating or cooling component – like water heaters, air conditioner, or the fridge.
Aside from desktops and or laptops, you probably have the AC or the heater (depending on the season and which part of the world you’re in) on for the most part of the day. Here are some tips to reduce your energy bill while you work from home:
Keep the fridge full.
Freezers work most efficiently when packed as full as possible. Here’s why: your fridge uses a lot of energy to replace all the cold air that flows out every time someone opens the door. By keeping the fridge and freezer at least 2/3 full, only 1/3 or less of that air can leak out.
Clean it up.
Clean your fridge by brushing dust and dirt off the condenser coils and also defrost it regularly. Make sure there’s space between the fridge and the wall so air can circulate and ensure that it’s not overworked. Don’t forget to clean the outside and brush the coils of your AC, too. Cleaning them improves the appliances’ efficiency by 30%.
Use the fan whenever possible.
If you need cooling and you’re not in an area where it’s hazardous to open your windows (safety, noise, pollution, etc.), then use a fan. Place a fan near a window so that it can suck in the cool breeze from outside and distribute it inside. You can also create a DIY air conditioner using a fan by placing a shallow bowl (like a roasting pan) full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.
Use natural lighting when possible.
Turn off the lights during the day. Light bulbs give off heat, and you’ll need to offset that heat with the AC or a fan. If you have windows that let sunlight in, open those and take advantage of longer daytime during summer, when you can afford to keep the lights off till 8 or 9 at night.
What about you? What are your WFH energy-saving tips? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp