Working from home can offer flexibility, savings on fuel and time, and allow you to spend more time with your family. However, using your home as an office may increase your electricity bill. Working on your laptop and communicating with clients and colleagues online can see your household utility bills shoot up.
Read here to learn how to use thermostatic radiator valves and LED lightbulbs to keep your home office warm, illuminated and energy-efficient.
The Right Heat at the Right Time
Installing thermostatic radiator valves can reduce household energy usage in the long run. These valves control the flow of hot water through your central heating system, ensuring every room in your home maintains a constant temperature. Unlike manual radiator valves, these smart valves automatically open or close, allowing the right amount of heat to reach every room.
Modern radiator valves also allow for location-specific temperature control. Once you set your desired temperature, the radiator valve head will automatically adjust to keep your office warm. You can save energy by switching off the thermostatic valve for other rooms that are not in use.
LED, CFL or Incandescents
The type of lighting you use can also impact your overall electricity usage and utility bills:
- Light Emitting Diode (LED) light bulbs consume up to 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Though slightly more costly than traditional options, these energy-efficient bulbs can help you save money in the long run. They also last longer than other bulbs – often providing up to 50,000 hours of lighting. Plus, they are 100% recyclable and do not contain mercury.
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) also use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. However, they are less efficient than LEDs and often contain trace amounts of mercury, which require careful handling and disposal.
- Incandescent light bulbs are less energy efficient than their competitors. These traditional bulbs only convert around 10-20% of energy into light, meaning they waste up to 90% through heat. Though they emit a warm, familiar glow, these bulbs have a short lifespan.
Unplug and Turn Off
Use these handy tips to reduce the energy consumption of your at-home office even further:
Unplug office equipment when not in use: Many office appliances use electricity even when not in use. Therefore, to save on electricity, unplug unused printers, scanners, and chargers.
Turn off all devices at the end of your workday: To ensure that your electronic devices do not consume electricity in the evening, shut down your computer and other office equipment after creating social media content, blogging, or engaging with clients. Switch off your lights and adjust the room’s thermostatic radiator valve to a lower temperature when you step outside.
It can be easy and rewarding to create an energy-efficient, productive home office. Using smart radiator valves can help you control the heating and energy usage of every room in your home, ensuring that you minimise electricity usage. Additionally, installing LED light bulbs can reduce your electricity consumption by up to 75% and improve your home office’s energy efficiency.
Also, remember to unplug or switch off your electronics and home office lights when not in use to help you save money in the long run.
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