Saving Energy For Work From Home Entrepreneurs

Working at home can have many benefits. It saves you from commuting and time for dressing up everyday, it lets you work at your most convenient hours. But working from home could also increase your energy bills – unless you choose carefully on your office equipment and do some energy saving measures.

Buy energy efficient office equipments such as computers, fax machines, scanners, printers, monitors and multifunction devices (scanner, copier, fax). Just about all ENERGY STAR office equipment can save energy, as much as 90% of the standard energy consumption.

Office equipments that do not have to be turned on all the time should be unplugged because they still draw power when turned off. The best way to do this is use a power bar.

Unplugging unused electronic devices is not limited to office equipments; unplug your television, VCRs, stereos, microwave oven, electric stove and other appliances when not in use. Avoid leaving unused appliances on “standby” mode.

Turn off the computer monitor if you are going for a break. Manually turn off your computer if you are leaving for an hour or more. Avoid using screen savers because they consume the same amount of energy as with normal computer use. Activating the computer’s sleep mode is also a better way to save energy.

On your next upgrade, consider buying a laptop as a computer replacement as they consume less energy than desktop computers.

Set up your home office where you can utilize the natural light to minimize the use of electric lights.

Whenever you are working at night, prefer task lights that consume less energy rather than using room lights. Close the drapes and shades of the windows to keep cold air out and save energy on heating the room.

Set the thermostat of your cooling or heating system to a comfortable level. A digital thermostat can provide better electricity savings. Work where you can reduce the use of heating or cooling system and electric lights. Prefer a small room as an office rather than the entire living area. Always maintain your heating and conditioning systems in good condition.

Make energy saving improvements to your home. Home energy saving improvements like insulation, repairing of crack and holes on the windows, walls, ceiling, floors, attic and basement and switching to compact fluorescent bulbs can bring down your monthly electric bills.