As of today, most companies have chosen a work from home policy to ensure the safety of their employees and to follow the government’s advice to stay home. However, with everybody at home using their laptops, heating systems and televisions throughout the day, we could expect a significant rise in the amount of energy used in households. Here are 5 tips to help you save money when working from home.
Let the sun in
It may sound simple but just opening your curtains wide and letting the sun inside your home could make a big difference to the temperature of your room. Natural light is also great for your mood and productivity. In fact, according to a survey called The Employee Experience by Future Workplace “Over a third of employees feel that they don’t get enough natural light in their workspace. 47% of employees admit they feel tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office, and 43% report feeling gloomy because of the lack of light.”.
Energy-saving appliances
Let’s face it, you will end up using much more energy than you did a few months ago… If you own your own home, the best course of action could be to invest in more energy-efficient systems. For example, upgrading your radiators with smart thermostats and smart radiator valves is a great way to ensure you have total control over your energy consumption and will therefore allow you to regulate your heating bills more efficiently. Another tip is to turn down your thermostat by just one degree, it has been proven to save you up to £80 without even noticing.
Air dry your clothes
Having a tumble dryer may be a lifesaver, especially when you have a big family. However, air drying your clothes is much cheaper than a tumble dryer because… it’s free! It’s also environmentally friendly as it reduces your carbon footprint and prolongs the life of your clothes as it’s a gentler way of drying them.
Resist the urge to shop online
If you’re feeling down, shopping online for a new pair of shoes or a brand-new game could be tempting right now. Actually, boredom, anxiety and depression have been linked to overspending as it creates an instant feeling of gratification and comfort. However, it’s important to resist the urge as it could be detrimental for your mental health and your wallet…
Think about saving some money
We know it’s not easy and realistic for everyone, however, now could be a great time to start saving. Most of us are already spending less by not going out with friends and family and not needing to commute to work. Maybe you could open an ISA and start putting some of that extra money you would have spent in there.
We don’t know what the future holds, anything could change in the months to come, however, now is a great time to start being more mindful about our energy consumption and our spending habits.
