Photo courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Photo courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

All day, buzzing electronics surround me. My computer bounces with emails while my phone charges for its next call. As the weather changes, I adjust light fixtures and the thermostat to regulate the temperature. Whether you work from home all day like I do or just sit at the computer at night to pay bills, you are probably surrounded by opportunities to help the environment and reduce your overall home electricity bill. Home office energy efficiency tips provide simple, effective ways to change your consumption. These 10 home office energy efficiency tips can be implemented in your home office, cubical space or company-wide.

  1. Invest in a green computer. Look for the Energy Star label or certification at your local electronics store or online during your next computer purchase. You can read more about green computers and how they can save you electricity here.
  2. Lose the screensaver. While screensavers can be pretty or express personality, they use more energy than just letting your computer display go black.
  3. Use a power strip. By plugging your electronics into one location, you can simply switch off one plug to ensure none of your devices are sucking additional energy when not in use.
  4. Remove chargers from the wall. Don’t leave phone or camera chargers plugged in unless you are charging something. Once the device is charged, remove the charger from the wall. Leaving electronics plugged in after they are charged only costs you more on electricity.
  5. Combine machines. If you use a printer, scanner, copier or fax machine, consider buying a device that performs multiple functions. One device uses less power than multiple ones.
  6. Light with a lamp. Use a desk or floor lamp instead of overhead lighting if you can. Only lighting the needed area instead of the whole room conserves energy. Also, make sure to use a compact fluorescent lamp bulb (CFL) for additional savings.
  7. Open the blinds. Eliminate electrical light by opening the blinds to let natural light shine on your home office. Plus, natural light has been found to make people more productive, less stressed and happier.
  8. Flip the lights. When you leave the room, remember to turn off the lights.
  9. Keep vents clear. Maximize heating and cooling systems by not blocking vents. Bookshelves, file cabinets and desks can get pushed in front of vents, reducing the airs intended flow.
  10. Heat or cool small spaces. When you work in one room in your home, use a space heater or fan to regulate the temperature. By controlling the smaller area, you can turn the thermostat up or down in the rest of the house to conserve energy.
Author: Brenna Malmberg